Thanks to all who came to the aid of my soggy trousers - Tim, Doug, Laura,
Greg, Roger.
Several suggested the rubber boots around the master cylinders. Sure enough,
the clutch boot wasn't properly fitted into the hole. I'm surprised that
there is much water on this shelf to get through the hole, but since several
of you mentioned it, I guess water must collect there. The boot is also
cracked, a bit further up, but I don't think water can get through that so I
won't bother replacing it.
However, Doug, I think you were closest to the mark - when I returned to the
car yesterday evening I checked the bottom edge of the windscreen, and sure
enough there was a damp patch, just in the corner - a tiny puddle had
collected on the outside, where the joint between the windscreen and the
rubber seal causes a small recess, and water was trickling in there. This is
more likely to be the cause than the clutch m/c boot, since it is nearer where
the water collects to dump on my legs. I shall have a closer look at the area
today, to see what can be done - I may follow the easy bodge fix and use
sealant gun, at least for the time being, although I am still interested in
hearing anyone describe the windscreen replacement procedure, so I can see if
I think I can do it. As a guide to my mechanical competance, I fix anything
in the car that can be done with spanners and screwdrivers, I cannot weld, the
biggest job I have undertaken so far is to remove and replace a gearbox and
clutch (without help).
If this doesn't help, I may have to resort to Tim's suggestion of lying
upside-down under the dash while going through a car wash!
As for the top of windscreen leak, the seal doesn't look too bad, and since
Doug's seemed to get worse when he replaced his I am loath to muck around with
it. As I see it, it is a fundamental design flaw - when the top is on, it
causes a sort of gulley right along the seal, and when driving fast, the wind
forces water into this gulley and through the crack. On my friends MX-5
(actually a Eunos Roadster, as it was imported from Japan and that is what it
is badged as there, those in the US know it as Miata), the hood comes in to
attach to the windscreen from behind, so the crack is vertical - this way the
wind blows water straight over the top of the crack, rather than forcing water
into it.
Greg, what do you mean by extra seals? Is this something that still allows the
hood to be raised and lowered easily, or are you just talking about your duct
tape solution? If so, when it gets to the point that I don't want to be able
to drop my top any more, I will simply swap to my nice, snug hard top.
As for the demister, I may have to do some more experiments to establish
exactly what my symptoms are, this may guide me towards a solution.
I'll keep you updated...
Richard (soggy buttocks) and Daffy (soggy seats)
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