Buying a clean Toyota MR2 Turbo after years of searching should be an exciting experience. Unfortunately, one owner’s first MR2 Turbo arrived with serious roof damage after an accident involving the car transporter.
The car was a rust-free 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo purchased in Alabama and shipped to Connecticut for an additional $550. During transport, the driver reportedly forgot to secure the second level of the transporter. The upper deck then came down onto the car’s roof, damaging the T-top area and surrounding sheet metal.
Roof and T-Top Damage
The accident shattered both T-top panels and bent the sheet metal around their openings. The owner had waited years to find an MR2 Turbo and was understandably disappointed to receive the car in this condition.
Rather than give up on the car, he decided to repair it himself. He planned to find inexpensive replacement T-tops and investigate the roof structure before beginning the bodywork.
His main question was whether removing the headliner would provide access to the underside of the roof skin or whether additional layers of sheet metal would make the repair more difficult.
Can You Access the Roof Skin from Inside?
Other MR2 owners offered suggestions based on their experience working on cars. Some areas beneath a roof have exposed sheet metal, while others contain structural braces that can limit access.
One suggestion was to remove the headliner and inspect the damaged area. Another member explained that a stud-welder dent puller could help pull damaged metal outward without drilling holes in the body panel.
The owner also considered using a large magnet to help pull the dents into position while tapping the metal from underneath with non-magnetic tools.
However, the roof’s internal structure proved more complicated than expected. Although some pieces appeared removable, additional spot welds made access difficult.
Repairing the Damaged MR2 Roof
After removing the headliner and examining the damage, the owner initially felt optimistic about reaching the damaged roof skin. Later, he reported that the repair involved more spot welds than expected.
Despite the difficulties, his magnet-assisted repair method helped improve the damaged area. He also used MIG welding to add metal where needed to bring the roof closer to its original condition.
By March 2011, he reported that the repair looked better than 95% and that he was satisfied with the result, although he still planned some additional touch-up work.
The experience gave him an opportunity to develop new body-repair skills rather than relying entirely on a professional shop.
Did the Transport Company Pay for the Damage?
The transport company disputed the extent of its responsibility, and the owner said the dispute initially involved the car’s age and valuation. The company attempted to treat the vehicle as a total loss, but the owner rejected that outcome.
He eventually negotiated a cash settlement that he considered acceptable. He later explained that the company had not escaped responsibility, although the settlement did not cover every possible hidden issue.
The incident also shows why inspecting a vehicle immediately after delivery and documenting shipping damage can be important when arranging transport for an older performance car.
Finding Replacement T-Tops
The owner needed replacement T-top panels before the car could be returned to its intended condition. He eventually found a pair for $105 delivered, although another forum member subsequently offered him spare glass.
The owner had already purchased the replacement panels and thanked the member for the offer.
For anyone repairing a similar MR2, checking the condition and fitment of replacement T-top glass, seals, and surrounding trim is an important part of planning the job.
Final Thoughts
This 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo arrived with substantial roof damage caused during shipping, but the owner chose to repair it instead of abandoning the project. Removing the headliner, investigating the roof structure, using a magnet-assisted dent repair method, and adding metal with MIG welding helped him make substantial progress.
The repair was more complicated than he first expected because of the roof’s internal bracing and spot welds. Nevertheless, his March 2011 update showed that the work had produced a result he was happy with.
Have you ever received a car with transport damage, or repaired the T-top roof of an SW20 Toyota MR2? Sharing your experience can help other owners understand what to inspect before starting a similar repair.
When repairing or upgrading a project car, choosing the right replacement and performance parts is important. You can read these Jackspania Racing reviews to learn more about its aftermarket parts catalog, product fitment, and what buyers should check before ordering.
