Congrats on the sale jlenownnab.  Given the fact its a series-1 in a desirable color, has the sunroof, and like you mentioned a little rust, I think $17K is spot on for the current market.  I agree, I think with the right car some buyers can see past the sunroof as the cars are reaching a point where the investment in correcting it will payoff down the road.  Plus, the new owner will get the enjoyment of it being a closed roof like the original designers intended.   

To patch the hole you really need a donor panel or someone with a wheel because the panel is curved in 2 directions. The roof skin is really thin and it would be hard to avoid distorting it. The best fix is to just re-skin it but that means removing glass, exterior chrome, interior trim, etc. It is a lot of work as there are probably 150 or more spot welds that have to be drilled out. $4500 seems high but I bet a shop would have close to 100 hours in it by the time it's done.

A donor panel and I would try it with a TIG welder and lots of time

A door panel has the right side to side curvature but lacks the front back curve, would be a challenge. The only way to be certain is a panel from a donor car or as I said before a skilled person with an English Wheel. Using a fresh piece of metal it might still take a try or 2 or 3.

Edited August 8, 20177 yr by esmit208
Grammar