When I drive any more quickly than about 30mph, I can hear a noise from outside of the cockpit. I would categorize it as a thumping sound. I am rather certain (though not 100% sure) that the hardtop has come unsealed. The actual rooftop itself (the white top of my vehicle) seems to be rising off of and falling back onto the car. Otherwise, a piece of moulding may have come unclipped, and is now hitting against the car. In either case, what can I do to seal up my vehicle and prevent the noise from occurring? I have a 2002 Cooper. Thanks!

 

I would almost be certain that the roof is welded to the body so I doubt if that could come loose. At least I've never heard of that before. Walk around the car taking each fitted molding and piece in your hand and see if they are loose. It could simply be a piece that has come partially loose from one of its clips. Other than that I don't have an idea.

 

I actually just got it back from my brother, today. It seems as though he pulled the trim at the top of the windshield off a bit, hence the complaint of a slapping, thudding noise. Should I use some type of adhesive to get it back on?

 

I would check with a glass shop that replaces auto glass and ask them what would be appropriate to use. If I had to take a wild guess I would think clear silicone would work if you had a way of clamping or at least applying pressure to the trim piece till the silicone set up. While the silicone is still fresh use water and rag/sponge to clean off any excess silicone before it has a chance to set up.

 

Thanks, I will do exactly that. That is, after I beat my brother mercilessly for harming my poor car. =-D

 

Does your Mini have a rear spoiler? My 03 has one and I noticed that it's just glued on and has separated about 1/2 way across. I'm guessing that if it gets a bit looser it might thump as you describe.