Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Plus Four, Supersport & Plus Six (CX & CXV Generation Vehicles) But where's the tonneau??

I agree, especially when you consider how well--established the principle is of potting electronics to keep out the wet. If Boyer Bransden could produce electronic ignition systems for motorcycles in 1969, I can't see it's beyond the wit of man to waterproof Morgan electronics half a century later.

Agreed Tim but they still don't do it well

It was via email, but anyway I get the feeling from that statement that Morgan could or might refuse to cover damage. But there would have to be a very specific leak from the tonneau cover to narrow that down as the problem!

Sorry Jon, I thought reading your earlier post it was a conversation as in call..

This isn't a Morgan specific issue. I highly doubt that if one went out and bought a brand new Golf and drilled holes into the dash and body that they would expect VW to cover it. Nor is it expected that all should be water tight after introducing modifications that the manufacturer doesn't approve.

I fully appreciate many hold Morgan to a different standard as they are a bespoke coach built car, but lets not forget that there is now a lot more tech and wiring in these things.

Seems MMC can't win one way or another. Thankfully the order keep flooding in and was informed that a vast majority are new to the brand. Good on MMC.

Not forgetting the can of trusty 'Damp Start' that I used to liberally coat all Bike and Land Rover electrics every year. Sure it would work on any water sensitive Morgan electrics.

Saying that, I'm not entirely sure that I would trust even the reputable dealers to install a tonneau cover correctly

Mine had a tonneau cover dealer fitted by the previous owner before my purchase (and not cheap - I have the reciept). There are three 'lift the dot' fasteners on the dash to secure it.

The middle one was 'floating' in the rubber - I had to drill a small pilot hole in order to get it to fasten securely.

The two outer ones were so far down the edge of the dash top they prevented the doors sealing properly when the side screens were on. The expensive option would be to have a new dash top made, and a new tonneau cover with holes in the right place. I went for the cheaper option and drilled two blind holes in the inner rail of the side screen so they fits over the peg!

There are also two press studs along the back, that allow the tonneau cover to be unzipped and folded back so you can leave the rear seat (and passenger area) covered while driving. These are located further forward than the back of the seat, meaning it is difficult to fold back, and when you do, it interferes with the sear belt. Fixed this by putting a couple of press studs in about 3 inches further back..

Seems to me that it's this argument that is holding Morgan to a different standard. Of course there's more tech in the cars - but so what? We all know that it's perfectly possible to make complex modern electronic systems and wiring waterproof and able to operate in far more rigorous environments than under the dash of an open car.

MMC are selling plenty of cars and good luck to them, but I can't help thinking that they are to a certain extent depending on the fact that the vast majority of the cars never get exposed to inclement weather.

Once again, fully appreciate your comments Tim H. But as many on here have said, they take their cars on long tours, in inclement weather etc. While Morgan's have many faults, I don't seem to recall too many threads talking about electronics getting wet.

The topic here was the lack of offering for a tonneau cover which info has been shared on why, which is not unique to MMC.

Every single manufacturer has the same rules in place - drill a hole or modify the vehicle and your warranty on the affected area is null and void. it has nothing to do with a lack of engineering but quite frankly, quite the opposite. The part/area being modified wasn't engineered to be modified.

Apologies if it seems I'm on the MMC bandwagon - far from. MMC do a ton that is just strange. However, from a manufacturing point of view, I don't think MMC can be faulted for not offering an option that was once there and I seriously doubt a sale will be lost because of it. From the info I have seen, there is a small option uptake on the tonneau cover when it was offered.

Personally, I find even a leaky roof to be much more water proof than a tonneau when driving. I've got the 9 stud roof and can't ever recall even a drop of water coming in. My tonneau on the other hand was a vanity purchase and sadly sits in the shed 99% of the time I take the car out.

Just my two cents - or perhaps just one cent

Fair enough, I'm not criticising your viewpoint, it's the logic (if true) of the MMC position that I find unfathomable:

- "Please may I have a tonneau cover on my £90k traditional open sports roadster?"

- "I'm afraid not, we don't offer that option any more"

- "Oh, that's a pity. Why have you stopped?"

- "Because we can't be arsed to make our cars waterproof. You lot will buy them anyway."