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Nice Day

kcbugeye1275

Jedi Knight
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Yesterday I drove to Topeka for a Poker run. the day was a clasic British day, cloudy, a little humid and not to hot, beautiful. Got to Topeka about 930 AM and we chatted for about an hour. Then we made a run to Manhattan over country roads, each finding their cards. The wheat has mosty turned, but some was still just a little green. It kept getting more overcast and still cool. I couldn't bring myself to put up the top. We stopped a few miles from our destination, while there it started to sprinkle. Finally, up went the top, but still no side curtains, Going the last few miles, it started to sprinkle. Arriving at our destination, I made the decision to just put the side curtains on the doors, hoping the weather would blow over while we ate and enjoyed company and beers. Woops. When we came out it was raining, and I needed to remove the wings off the windshield post before I could install the curtains, it was raining, I'd never installed them from the inside while raining, it went OK. Most everyone else went to a members house in Manhattan, and with my poor comunication skills, I didn't know where he lived, but that was OK because I hadn't really driven my bugeye in the rain any disitance. Gased up, and drove the I 70 back to KC, it was fun. The sterio sounded great in the rain with the top up. Did it leak, you bet, but I really didn't get wet, but definitly would of been unhappy in a modern car, but I was in the Bugeye. A really enjoyable trip, unique and fun. The BE ran great and just about everything was perfect. Talked to a buddy who stayed, and he said that he came back to look for me after realizing I hadn't made it to Mikes, and when they left 3 hrs later, sinshine all the way home.
 
But the BE was built to run in the rain. It should not really leak. If it does you need to do a bit of work.
 
Jack, I think they were design to allow minimal water ingress at speed. I do not think they were not designed to stay dry when driving in the pouring rain. The laws of physics will not permit it given the design of the weather gear.
 
I must admit I was many years younger when I last ran in the rain but I don't remember any real wet problems and that includes Hawaii afternoon showers.

Course Miss Agatha has never had her top on much less been out in the rain.
 
Um, Jack.....Miss Agatha just texted me:

"Please tell him NEVER to use the words "Miss Agatha"" and "out in the rain" in the same sentence again or I'll spin something and it won't be pretty!"

:laugh:
 
Approx 120 miles of rain anywhere from light to a downpour at 75 mph creates the reality that a 50 yr old British car just isn't watertight by todays standards. Interestingly enough, the seal of the windshield to the body didn't leak, and I thought it would. The leak was about 6" in on both sides of the windshield mating area of the top. Kind of a very light sprinkling. Didn't really get anything wet, but a cap was nice to keep my glasses from the mist. In KS we are experienceing a heat wave, and I read today that the wheat harvest is in full swing. Again, no complaints, a great experience and a super trip.
All this said, under the bonnet was a mess, and did take a bit of detailing, Jack, Miss Agatha wouldn't be happy with you on this one.
 
75 mph, gesh it was only designed for 65 no wonder. Check that your bar is tucked under well at the ends and if you made your own bar is it long enough?
 
Stock bar on an old top. Kinda wondered, but it was raining and I didn't feel like stopping and checking. The speed, Jack, you know that car will do that and more. Cheers!!!!
 
Aye, 72 down hill with the wind.

Should not leak between the bar and the windsheld if all is correct. I'll give ya a bit at the side curtins.
 
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