Ok so as the title goes, has anyone here replaced a convertible roof on their own?

My girlfriends gone and bought a used MINI One convertible and she wants a new roof canvas fitted as the current one isn't looking good to her. Her dad has managed to get her the canvas OEM part for free, but it comes with no instructions. She's wanting me and her dad to have a go at fitting it, to avoid the BMW labour charges! :D Does anyone have any advice or install guides on the easiest way to install this?

Not had the pleasure of doing this myself but mine is going to BMW soon for them to do and they need at least one day which suggests its a big job!

Sorry cant be more help but thought this would give you an idea of the task in hand!

Not seen or heard of anyone doing this at home, but if you do make sure you document it with photos and share the information as I am sure that as the car ages more and more will want to follow in your footsteps;)

The hood canvas is certainly a self fit item takes around 2 hours
tools needed -
1 x torx bit and driver
1x 8mm spanner
1 screwdriver
You start from the front and work backwards , I takes as long to write up ,as it does to do !
but basically the front is held in by plastic "teeth" -unclipped- then there is a rod that unclips from each side -then there is a long strip across that pulls out -then 2 cables that un clip either side ,all moving rearwards-then 2 x8 mm nuts either side on a plastic tab (over the rear window)
then 5 or 6 torx screws which are in the rear window rear channel and remove the insert which holds the canvas into the recess
by now the roof can be lifted back to 1/2 way
there are 2 springs that unclip from the other end of the cable that you unclipped previously
next undo the torx screws that retain the strips around the back of the car (lift roof for access)remove the trim strips and rear brake light and then remove 2 clips inside the rear wing (they slide off)
Now the whole canvas slides around the rear groove in one piece -and voila its off
refitting is the reverse starting by sliding the new roof around the rear -take care that the roof mechanism is up -as the window glass can catch and shatter ( bye bye new roof) this is the only point where 2 people are better than one and care is needed
Then simply work forward connect the heater wires ,side clips, refit springs,and inserts torx screws ,2x 8 mm nuts,rod .clip strip.and finally front teeth -and voila
Note the roof has to be moved in various open /close positions to get access to screws easilly ,and after fitting DO NOT USE THE MOTORS TO FULLY CLOSE always manually lock down the rear levers as it will take a couple of days for the new fabric to stretch into position and operating normally can overload the motors on the final closing point
The only parts swapped from the old roof are the thin bar and the cables which both push through pockets in the roof lining
It sounds harder than it is -on removing it is pretty obvious working rearwards where the roof cover is still attatched ,and once you have done one roof you are an instant expert !!

Ok so as the title goes, has anyone here replaced a convertible roof on their own?

My girlfriends gone and bought a used MINI One convertible and she wants a new roof canvas fitted as the current one isn't looking good to her. Her dad has managed to get her the canvas OEM part for free, but it comes with no instructions. She's wanting me and her dad to have a go at fitting it, to avoid the BMW labour charges! :D Does anyone have any advice or install guides on the easiest way to install this?

So, WhiteNoiseMaker - have you attempted this exercise yet? If so, how did you get on? Any pix?

Cheers

Ian