Hey Bill, Mr. werewolf sir. What roof do you have available, van or sedan? Where are you located?

Charlie, I just emailed you some more details and photos. 

Steve (CooperTune) is on the right track there, using seam covers as your replacement seam material (welded on) is the best starting point for recreating functional vertical seams. The roof gutter/rail is another story though, perhaps replacing the roof would be the best option. 

Take Bill up on his wrecked shell offer that is your best route.

I've seen this done by a mate, he cut about half up the A,B and C pillars... worked really well on a sedan..

However..... you still have to undo whatever was done to the A pillar and A panel/wing join before you'll have something to weld a seam to

Cheers, Ian

I have a wrecked shell..  good roof.. if you need.. make me an offer.. bc

As the roof gutter is actually a part of the sides, windscreen surround, and rear panel, replacing the whole section from just under the gutter upwards may be the most sensible option.  The roof itself is only a cap with a flat rim.  I can't imagine there would be much left to work with once it's all been ground down and filled.

Perhaps you could epoxy a gutter shaped piece back onto whatever you have left.  I think I'd search for a used roof.

Tim.

Or find used roof which may not be easy. I understand owners removing the side seams but the roof seam adds a lot of strength to the body and keeps the rain out of the car especially in the rear doors area of a van which are prone to leaking in the first place.

I would think it easier to just get a new shell.....  Besides the hassle of finding new bits .... noting that the seams are really part of the adjacent panels .. I’ll bet gutter and seam bits just don’t exist..(apart from the front seam covers) you really don’t know what butchery was perpetrated when the seams were removed.... Welding on new seams will probably be the least of your problems..

Best to just pretend that “smooth” Minis are cool..... even if you don’t really think so

Cheerd, Ian

I have the seam covers down the A panel front fender line and I figured those should work. I’m not sure how to do the roof gutter. The shell is a van body.

Minimania products or www.heritagegarage.com

Which seams are you trying to restore? I have done it but not easy. You can order seam covers then it's a matter of attaching them. I have a shell with the rears removed and fronts still there, which way to go? Remove or replace? Steve (CTR)

Looking to correct a bad idea by the previous owner. Looking for insight and others ideas. Does anyone know of a supplier for the seam shape material by chance?