Water flowing design (raining or washing 818 - where is the water flowing?)

[Frank818]

This is the stupidest question to date but hey, if all big manufacturers think about this, I was wondering how FFR handles the question.

We know there is no wiper yet, but when there will be one, where is the water going to flow?

Usually on cars the A pillar is made in a way that it retains water on the sides to prevent it from flowing to the side windows (which the 818 doesn't have yet, same as a top). It there such a design on the 818 windshield?

Then again, if you wash your 818, where is the water on the side and bottom of the windshield going to flow? Are there small holes or channels to redirect the water away from the inside? Or something to prevent it from getting the inside parts all wet?

Same question for the engine/trunk compartment.

How's all that designed?

[NicksPapaw]

I don't know about the 818, but on my Cobra I added wipers. I am sure you can fab the same thing on the 818. As far as washing is concerned, my car hasn't been washed even though it has 7000 miles on it. I have detailed the heck out of it though. :). Rain flow doesn't bother me since I don't drive it in the rain (no top).

With all that being said, the Cobra has channels in the trunk and hood to redirect the water flow. Maybe Erik or Wayne can comment on the design on the 818.

[Frank818]

Ok, good to know. So there is probably something at least basic.

[OCCPete]

I don't know about the 818, but on my Cobra I added wipers. I am sure you can fab the same thing on the 818. As far as washing is concerned, my car hasn't been washed even though it has 7000 miles on it. I have detailed the heck out of it though. :). Rain flow doesn't bother me since I don't drive it in the rain (no top).

With all that being said, the Cobra has channels in the trunk and hood to redirect the water flow. Maybe Erik or Wayne can comment on the design on the 818.

LOL - Cobra has channels (rear fenders) that direct water directly into the cockpit.

Pete

[Frank818]

Into the cockpit?

[metros]

You could always use a product like Optimum No Rinse to wash the car if you're worried about the water getting into the interior.

[Frank818]

Absolutely.

I am also looking much much forward in the future, when a top and wiper(s) will be made available, if one day I get caught in the rain.

[metalmaker12]

Absolutely.

I am also looking much much forward in the future, when a top and wiper(s) will be made available, if one day I get caught in the rain.

Lol, you need to realize these cars are not rain going cars even with a roof, it will help if it rains to have a top, but it is not built like a production car, more like go karts with bodies.

[Frank818]

I agree, that's why I say "if I get caught in the rain". :) I don't plan on using the car on purpose when it rains but you know sometimes you hit a storm pretty hard, even if these cars are quick to get you back home!

[wleehendrick]

What's this 'rain' you speak of? Water falling from the sky? Crazy talk!

The average annual precipitation is less than 12 inches (300 mm), resulting in a borderline arid climate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_San_Diego#Precipitation)

[AZPete]

wleehendrick X2. The last measurable rain (0.02") was 94 days ago. Crazy talk! Ask about dust control.

[Frank818]

Depends where you live. I don't have the luck you guys have.

[THE ITALIAN]

wleehendrick X2. The last measurable rain (0.02") was 94 days ago. Crazy talk! Ask about dust control.
This is crazy talk!
I don't have wipers on my roadster, if you drive fast enough, you won't need them ! If I were to use wipers on the 818, I would use the same as the source windshield. Like the roadster, it is hard to drive it in the rain as the wheels have this tendency to spin like crazy on oil soaked roads in Leftyfornia - I've done it.
If I lived in let's say Canada or the east coast, I would move to our cement jungle where the weather and taxes are always on high. You can always watch the seasons change on TV.

[Frank818]

lolll Weather is not that high here (though in the past 1-2 weeks it is more than usual), but taxes are always on super high!

[Frank818]

Well I checked the laws I have to respect to register and license the 818 (or any kit car) and unfortunately I require to have wipers. PLUS, I need washer fluid and its entire system that can spray the fluid on the windscreen. If that's not enough, I got to respect the following:

- 2-speed wipers, at least 45 times per min on one and at least 20 on the other;
- Delta between the 2 cycles must be at least 15;
- Wiper(s) must wipe off at least 80% of the wind screen. (the % is determined on 18-deg left view angle and 56-deg right view angle, 10-deg up view and 5-deg down view).

Guess I'm gonna wait for FFR's wipers and see how they work. If no good, I'll find a way to build my own. I won't accept putting a cross on my project just cuz of stupid wipers.

Oh, damn... that's not all. I need to have wheel wells inner liners.
Besides, I need to have a security feature that prevents the engine to start if the clutch isn't engaged or if the shifter is not in neutral.
I also need to have Daytime Running Lights.

There could be other stuff, I quit reading and will check later on.
That can all be done, just more time for me to figure out and more time to add to the build (and costs).

[THE ITALIAN]

Dam! "Besides, I need to have a security feature that prevents the engine to start if the clutch isn't engaged or if the shifter is not in neutral".
does a stock subie 02/04 even have that? There maybe just a switch you can incorporate.
Seems that "up-north" they don't encourage home builders.
Of course in Calif. when I had my 66 Mercedes SL, the tags were just $56 in the 80's, but they increased every year up to $200 ! It usually goes down as the car ages.
When has something to do with the state, was in your favor? just add $500 or $600 to your build
This is just crazy talk.

[Frank818]

Well to be honest, I always thought cars imported to Canada after a certain year (1998-2000 or something...) had such a feature. I remember my friend's Jetta 1.8T wouldn't start at all if the clutch wasn't engaged.

Anyways, I'll have to call Canada Transport and make sure of the EXACT rules I have to follow.

No, home builders are not very welcomed here. If you modify you car and cops pull you over, they can ship you right to inspection if they feel anything that is not "OEM" (and are in a bad mood like no sex in a week or so lolll). I got pulled once cuz my 8-watts front parking lights were violet. C'mon... The guy said "it's sad I don't have my camera with me, I would have taken picture of your muffler, steering wheel, seat harness and shift knob, which I'm sure are not OEM and I would have sent you to inspection". That guy was the extreme of all. lolll

I'll probably start a thread somewhere in the forum (not sure yet which section is the best, I haven't checked) for the to-do list of those courageous crazy guys registering the car in Canada. With the GTM the wipers came with the donor if I recall, so that wasn't an issue. But for the clutch/neutral thing... I don't know. Maybe it's not 100% required.

Crazy talk, sad talk, **** talk, whatever... lolll

[Evan78]

Dam! "Besides, I need to have a security feature that prevents the engine to start if the clutch isn't engaged or if the shifter is not in neutral".
does a stock subie 02/04 even have that?Yes.

[THE ITALIAN]

"This is the stupidest question to date but hey..."

Completely enjoyed that thread, you guys are too serious sometimes, we even got an answer. Now where's that OEM switch?

[Slatt]

Geez, you guys made me go out and double check. Clutch in, yes, gotta do it. Tranny in neutral, no, starts either way.

[NicksPapaw]

Well I checked the laws I have to respect to register and license the 818 (or any kit car) and unfortunately I require to have wipers. PLUS, I need washer fluid and its entire system that can spray the fluid on the windscreen. If that's not enough, I got to respect the following:

- 2-speed wipers, at least 45 times per min on one and at least 20 on the other;
- Delta between the 2 cycles must be at least 15;
- Wiper(s) must wipe off at least 80% of the wind screen. (the % is determined on 18-deg left view angle and 56-deg right view angle, 10-deg up view and 5-deg down view).

Guess I'm gonna wait for FFR's wipers and see how they work. If no good, I'll find a way to build my own. I won't accept putting a cross on my project just cuz of stupid wipers.

Oh, damn... that's not all. I need to have wheel wells inner liners.
Besides, I need to have a security feature that prevents the engine to start if the clutch isn't engaged or if the shifter is not in neutral.
I also need to have Daytime Running Lights.

There could be other stuff, I quit reading and will check later on.
That can all be done, just more time for me to figure out and more time to add to the build (and costs).


All these are doable. Most of the items listed here are not that hard to incorporate into your build. Just make sure you know all the rules before you start the build process. Some of these items could be a pain in the azz to do once you get everything else in place. Preplanning is the key here.

[Frank818]

All these are doable. Most of the items listed here are not that hard to incorporate into your build. Just make sure you know all the rules before you start the build process. Some of these items could be a pain in the azz to do once you get everything else in place. Preplanning is the key here.

I totally agree, preplanning!
I already found some aftermarket universal washer systems, so that's no big deal. The motor and wipers I don't know yet but I'll find something at some point.

I will give the government a call with my list of questions and make sure that I know everything I need to comply with and then I'll turn around looking for stuff.

tnx

[narkosys]

here is a link (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/278099-threw-out-cable-drives-went-synchronized-marine-wipers.html#post2535748) to a thread about installing wipers in a roadster. Here (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/anc-66-01/media/images) is a cheap water pump kit. Trico also makes a decent pump but their site is a bit lacking in information.

hope this helps,

P

[Frank818]

Hey tnx for that. I kept the links and also I think I'll contact that guy as he's from Canada, if he was able to get the Roadster registered without wipers at first, that means there may be a way I could it too.

[narkosys]

Remember that he is one province to the left of you so the rules may be different.

Good luck with your build once you get it.

P