Welcome to the world of the MX

[sabik]

Is this the weather all new owners gets? I'm so glad it's testing my roof for me... REALLY now I know it not leaking!

Any other new owners check you hood drains! I had to do mine last night and glad I got them early.

Plus after it was lying up for a while everthing is loosen up now and the belt till need a bit of a tighten...

But it's all good fun!!!!

[Pete JB]

Don't worry about it, I've been driving a 5 as my only car for the last 3 years now (a MK1 now a MK2) and I have only got my leaks to stop in the last month, I think you'll find that after a few months you won't give a shite, the driving just makes up for any minor niggles & when the sun comes up they are second to none.

[Cloggy]

I don't know what you guys are on about.
I've got my Mk2 since Oct 2006 and never had a spot of bother with leaks.
Ah well, I did a little bit with the original vinyl roof which I replaced last year in august to a mohair (myself) and than again in february (due to a break-in) and now again in the next few weeks (as the one supplied in feb is starting to show some nasty bits and mx5 parts is sending out a new one free of charge).
anyhoo, no real leaks.
I did notice that it is important that your drain rail (where you hood is sitting in) does not have any tears. It's a bit of crappy plastic, but is oh so important. I coated mine with a good PVC glue as changing the hood caused a small crack.

These show the drain rail I'm on about:

[sabik]

I am hoping I won't have to do roof repairs for a while.. Esp if I get more evenings like yesterday.. I'm really starting to feel how nice it is to go for a spin with the roof down.. the route wasn't great the N11 but the drive was. Looking forward to another spin around the Wicklow mountains there nice driving roads..

[valred]

Hey SABIK,

Typical Irish weather! I have a touch of sun burn from spinning around wexford yesterday and today it is lashing!!!!! Disgraceful!

Also, I got a metal coat hanger, straightened it and unclogged a lot of imported gunk from my drains a few months ago. On top of this I bought a 'drain cleaner' (for kitchens!!!) and poured the whole botttle down both.....never a bother since!!! Rain on!!

Val

[leamyj]

Hey SABIK,

On top of this I bought a 'drain cleaner' (for kitchens!!!) and poured the whole botttle down both.....
Val

Doesn't that stuff contain highly corrosive agents???

[Midlifecrisis]

Val - I'd be inclined to run a LOT of water thru the drain holes to flush out the 'cleaner'....don't think that stuff really agrees with metal as its really intended for plastic (wavin) piping

[Geese]

What are you saying? This is perfect weather for the MX.

Rain + RWD + good handbrake = loadsa fun!

[Fergus]

Just to clarify one important point - it's not a 'drain rail', it's called a 'Rain Rail'. (so people that need them replacing know what to look for etc ).

BTW, no need for any chemicals at all, just some simple wire and a hose will blast all the junk out of the 2 drain holes behind the seats.

Also, when the hood is folded down you should check for leafs etc around the rain rail from time to time depending on where the car is parked.