Manx Club

I will have my fuse panel under the hood on the firewall. I am wondering about water problems. Is it necessary to keep the fuse panel covered to keep the wiring dry? Is this a good place to put it? I was thinking of using some sort of plastic container with a lid and cutting a couple of holes for wires to enter and exit. I am wondering what you guys have done on your buggies?

Getting the fuse panel and wiring wet on occasion won't hurt it and it is protected from the rain fairly well up under the dash on the toeboard.

the stock vw panel i have has a plastic cover. not water proof but it helps some. water pours in through my windshield/dash/hood and it hasn't been a problem.i had been told before it wouldn't cause a problem with the fuses getting wet and all - you just want your electronics like radio or whatever to be protected so they won't short.

My fuse box is under the dash on the firewall, never had any trouble in about 3 1/2 years, it is well protected there. I think it is better uncovered where if it gets wet it can quickly dry out, than possibly having a cover that could trap moisture.

Good point, Joemama!

Thanks for the replies. I think it will be left uncovered. I made a little progress today. Motor (1600) should be ready next weekend.

I never get tired of looking at rides in progress... I only wish digital would have been around when I got my ride on the road. Mayby we can meet up next yer when your ride is on the road! We'll have to meet half way! MS-Streets & Trips reports a 4,575KM trim 1 way!

Tim, What I did to wire my Manx was just buy the Bugpack wiring harness kit. It has all the wires pre-cut to length for a standard buggy and bundled into sections . It also has a simple diagram. Then I bought a small simple six fuse block at the local auto parts store that uses modern ATO bayonet type fuses. I removed the fuse block that came with the kit that uses european style ceramic bullet type fuses and replaced it with the ATO type block. I just connected all the wires to the new block in the same locations as the old. When I mounted my fuse block I located on the front bulkhead to the left of the steering column. I put it there so I can reach it without having to do gymnastics. [QUOTE=tgodber]I will have my fuse panel under the hood on the firewall. I am wondering about water problems. Is it necessary to keep the fuse panel covered to keep the wiring dry? Is this a good place to put it? I was thinking of using some sort of plastic container with a lid and cutting a couple of holes for wires to enter and exit. I am wondering what you guys have done on your buggies?[/QUOTE]

I appreciate the replies. It is good to hear what has worked for others before you head off into uncharted territory. I mounted lights today. Tommorrow will be mount the fuel door in hood and the fuse blocks.

were did you get your fuel door?

It is an aftermarket door made for a Dodge Ram truck. It is made by AMP Research in the USA. I bought it at the Dodge accessories store in Canada called Bling Performance. Cost me $180 but it works nice. Others I looked at for cheaper would not work as well. It was worth it to me. http://www.amp-research.com/build/fueldoor/index.asp