How to protect cockpit in a downpour

[Jamo]

I had mentioned golf umbrellas on another thread...two of them, overlapping a bit, will cover the cockpit and the folks in it for quick cover when stopped...easy to store and keep in the trunk. they obviously are nice to have when stopped during a summer cruise or at the track. My wife drew the line on my having a scantily clad umbrella girl tagging along though.

I have a form fitted Shelby cover that keeps all water out, bit I use one of the golf umbrellas (closed) standing vertical next to the tunnel to make a peak in the middle so all water runs off instead of pooling.

I've had many stories on this site in the early days about driving through rain, and even snow and slush over Mt. Rose...the umbrellas worked fine whenever we had a quick stop...just kept them in the passenger side well for quick access. If it's really going to rain and you know it, wear something like a rainproof anorak and put the hood on or the coldest of all cold water will pool in your ass crack from the backwards airflow behind you.

I've got the Wilton wool carpets the Kirkhams put in since day one...I use snaps to hold the footwell floor pieces in place, so pulling them out to dry or to drive without them is easy. They are still in great shape...no damage from the water or fading from the sun. A couple of holes in the floor allows draining.

As others have said...it ain't no big deal. Part of the adventure. I had a great top on the Butler that I had before the Kirkham. Did an ok job...the side window things sucked. Overall, it leaked a bit like a proper English sportscar top should.

I remember renting a first generation Viper in Maui, where if it isn't raining now, it will in five minutes or five miles. Putting that thing's cub scout tent-like top on and off was a pain in the ass, so we finally stopped doing it. The guy at the rental agency laughed...couldn't believe we even tried.

Anybody out there that's worried about a little water is probably too much of a waxer to be out driving in a Cobra anyway as far as I'm concerned. Enjoy the damn things...they're tougher than we are.