Another dumb question from the newbie...

[gturner008]

Apologies, but can I ask a dumb question? The bonnet channel allows water to run down towards the bonnet hinge. Does the water run into the front compartment, with the spare wheel and radiator? Is this the design?

I can see wiring down there. If the water is meant to enter the compartment, then drain away, them I'll need to get these wires off the floor. Can someone tell me the answer to this crazy question?

[BDA]

You are correct. The area in front of the front trunk is where the water from the bonnet drain goes as does the water that could spray into the front grill. There are drain holds to keep water from collecting. It might be a good idea to get the wiring off the floor but in the case of the radiator fan or horn, it may be somewhat impractical (I don't remember how the original wiring was routed). The wires for them on my car are on the floor. I don't generally drive in the rain, but I have on occasion - never a hard rain - and it hasn't been a problem.

Like the rest of the car, the front trunk drainage system is not necessarily 100% reliable. I have seen some put foam insulation in the drain or under the bonnet to better seal it. It sort of depends on how lucky you are. Mine doesn't seem to have that problem, but I can get an occasional drip through the door! I guess it's to give you a bit of the feel of a proper convertible sports car without the hassle of the convertible top! 

[gturner008]

Excellent answer to my dumb question. Thanks. I'll not intentionally drive in the rain. I will certainly look to wrap any wires in insulating tape JIC. Much appreciate the answer and having the forum.

I can't gaurantee I won't be asking dumb questions in the future though!

[BDA]

Ask away! There is no reason to be shy. That's what this form is for!

It seems like you're interested in keeping your car original, right?

[jbcollier]

It's ok for wires to get wet.  Motorcycles don't seem to complain.  Make sure you have drain holes so the water doesn't build up.

[EuropaTC]

Hi Gary,

There ain't no such thing as a dumb question, you should see some of the things I ask folks !    So shout out whenever something strikes you as odd. 

My car (same vintage) has some drain holes at the lowest part of the front compartment. I don't know if they are standard or not but I would guess so because you'll pick up a lot of spray through the front opening.  For that reason make sure the jack & spare wheel are well protected otherwise the jack will be a rusty, solid mess at just about the time you get a flat tyre....   

Brian

[Grumblebuns]

Stock, there should be a single drain hole approximately rear center of the floor of the spare tire compartment. As far as I know, all wiring in the front compartment should be off the floor and tucked up out of the way. The only connector on the floor should be the front compartment ground bolt.

The problem is not so much the wires getting wet but corrosion on the bullet connectors from moisture. Over time, corrosion could build up enough to cause connection problems.   

[4129R]

With the fibreglass bodywork not conducting electricity, wires getting wet is not in itself likely to cause a short to earth.

When you look around the car, there are drain holes everywhere, under the two headlights, right at the back where the rear lights are fitted, all because the car leaks rainwater like a sieve everywhere.