Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Rain

So I was out nice and early this morning in my four wheeler, 4.30am, roof down of course, still dark. Light rain turned into a downpour around 6-ish so I pulled over and put the hood up. I got pretty wet as I fumbled in the dark but the heater dried everything off over the next hour or so

Which got me thinking ... if I was in a three-wheeler I would have to tough it out and wear waterproof clothing, helmet etc. But how waterproof are the instruments on the dash, ignition, indicators etc.? There's no carpets but is there drainage in the floor? How rain-friendly is the upholstery?

Are they rain-proof?

Cheers.

Roger

(the last two hours of my drive were glorious sunshine - total 340 miles and a ferry between UK and Ireland)

Afyer discussing with 4 wheeler owners who have water dripping through the gaps I get the impression you are drier in a m3w! The dash on a m3w does not get any substatial water on it and they seem well covered.

The windscreen and mugaurds are really effective in the rain but I still wear good quality rukka rain coat, trousers and a helmet. This is needed as I am 6ft so my head is sticking up. and my right arm is hanging over the edge.

Fun in the rain but
I have spun out in the 3w even at low speed. you have to be careful.

It is best when you go through a deep puddle which submeregs the exhauat fronts. The whole scene fills up with steam.

Instruments and electrical seem to be fairly well insulated from the elements. The front bonnet has some good gaskets to keep water from getting into the works. Most of the water that will get into the front compartment will come from the very front where there are openings to the engine area as well as the gaps to the transmission. All the electrical rides above that under cover.

There is no drainage on the floor. Water will come from the rear wheel well through gaps and cracks. There is a slight vacuum effect created from the wind screens. Dirt and debris do not normally come from the top of the cockpit but from under. All the stuff is pulled in from the front or the rear.

The leather appears to be waterproof but the foam cushioning under it won't be. I just wipe it down after a pour and it holds up quite well. Removing the rear upholstery and applying duct tape to all the joins is a good start. It really slows down water and dust.

After a good run on roads that haven't been washed clean by rains I have learned that everything I wear goes into the laundry after. It is unavoidable. I have also stopped wearing white...

Throw out the carpets and drill some 6 mm holes in the floor pans. This has helped us, after driving 2 weeks in England with an inch of water on the floor.
Lessons learned!!

As Michael says sealing all gaps behind seats with duct or aluminium tape makes a big difference in reducing dust & water. Also silicone seal floor to chassis keeps most water out. I have retained the mats & see no need to drill holes in the floor. Never had any real concerns about instruments & switches getting wet. I have only once noticed any misting behind the glass.

My two speeder is a rain magnet. But it has gaps in the floor and no leather to spoil. I've had to stop three times due to the rain, two of them on the same trip. A brolly is useful, as is my usual attire as the leather is horsehide, and horsehide is waterproof.

For an exposed magneto, you'd think there would be problems, but not at all. Engine kept running as I came to a stop, and re-started fine when the rain eased off.

My only complaint is in the pouring rain at Prescott, no-one held my umbrella for me as I realigned the starter after it jammed.

Ah, the joys of 'classic' motoring Martyn.

Great replies thanks! So the story seems to be that there's nothing to worry about in the vehicle, just dress appropriately!

Great replies thanks! So the story seems to be that there's nothing to worry about in the vehicle, just dress appropriately!
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