aeromodding doorhandles

[tdicandy05]

Hi! Thanks to Ecomodders, my VW 2005 Golf's mpg has gone up 3-4 by velcroing the wheels with banner fabric (from a sign shop), blocking two small grills with coroplast (also from the signshop), and coasting more; the large grill will soon be blocked too. Thanks Ecomodders!
Next project, has anyone aeromodded their doorhandles? I'd like to make mine more recessed to fit into the 'dip' in the door.
And someday, has anyone heard of a solar panel on a Golf to power the a/c, radio, lights? If Toyota's 2009 Prius can, why not a Golf?!
Thanks again!
Kristina

[MetroMPG]

Congrats on the improvements!

Keep an eye on the coolant temp if you completely block the grilles. (I wouldn't recommend covering it all, actually.)

And thanks for reminding me about the door handle idea. It's only going to make a tiny improvement - probably not detectable at the gas pump - but every little bit helps. One idea might be to simply make a "form" that smooths over the handle and sticks magnetically to the side of the car.

As for the solar idea, it could certainly work, but it would be really pricey. See this thread for ideas/opinions: Replacing alternator with solar panel array on roof?

[Tourigjm]

you can get "shaved" doors.

it requires remote door poppers that instead of just unlocking your car remotely use actuators and 'pop' your door open a little bit. this makes the door panel completely smooth, no handles.

[tdicandy05]

thanks! - I have a scangauge so the temp is in vigilance, and there are still some grills open.
HMMM - magnets over the handles - that's an idea....
All suggestions welcome!
shaved doors - where from?

[SwamiSalami]

I think you'd have to go to a body shop for this.

An alternative would be to get some o' these:



While these are about 60% effective for what you want, they're readily available and have been around for quite a while. I assume through VW or JC Whitney, etc.

I know these aren't exactly what you want, because I'm wanting essentially the same thing.