when i washed my el's engine bay i usually started the car up (from cold) after spraying degreaser around then hit it with the water hose i did have the sputtering after wetting the dizzy but took it for a spin around the block until it stopped

Simple precautions when washing engine disconnect all spark plug leads and place in a plastic bag and tie it tight with tape around the dissy place another plastic bag all wiring connector spray with wd40. then buy 1 litre of kero brush on the dirty spots. let for 15 minutes apply kero again get can of degreaser spray everywhere let stand for 10 minutes wash off with a fine spray . remove plastic bags reconnect leads and off u go

gassa

what about in an EL tickford.. is there anything i should try to not get THAT wet???

just the same what has been mentioned above