Designing/building front wheel skirts v.1.0 (Geo Metro)

[MetroMPG]

Skirt done & mounted. Overall weight (frame + skirt) = 4 lbs.

[MazdaMatt]

Congrats... that is not at all hack-looking. You've done a great job

[MetroMPG]

[MetroMPG]

For the moment, I've just got some rubber (inner tube) pulling the skirt "closed", until I get an idea of how much tension is needed. Going out for a web cam highway run now to see if it moves at all.

I am pretty sure that I can feel the extra drag when turning, increasing approaching full lock. (Just pushing the car around the driveway.)

[MetroMPG]

Thanks, Matt. Not perfect, but good enough!

Speaking just of looks, I still think I'd prefer something that followed the wheel arch line, with "fairing" bodywork fore and aft of the skirt on the bumper and quarter panel.

---

Quick road test cam results: the leading edge is solid, tested up to about 125 km/h (about 78 mph). I haven't driven that fast in ages - but have to simlulate coasting down a long, steep hill into a headwind .

The lower trailing edge however was starting to lift away a few cm from the car at that speed. Not surprising, really - it has the shape of a wing. Tighter rubber band on the trailing edge, coming right up...

[Cd]

Oh wow !

You did a fantastic job.

So what did you end up using where the tire rubs the skirt ?

[MetroMPG]

Ended up using some Krazy Karpet plastic. (Not sure what kind it is - but it's slippery.)

I couldn't find any of the thin cutting board plastic that Tango Charlie suggested, and didn't have time to head to a second department store at the time.

I'll monitor it for wear and report back. You can hear it rubbing in tight, slow turns, but it's not loud or horrible.

[Ernie]

Darin got me thinking about this again. After procrastinating for about a year I finally put front skirts on my Saturn SL. I could not decide on the right roller and hinge so I just eliminated both of them. They are not painted yet and need a bit more framing. These are just from the fiber reinforced sheeting one buys at home depot. The tire rubs right on the material. It takes about 1/4 of a turn of the steering wheel before contact so there is only contact at fairly slow speeds. Contact is quiet until the tread blocks contact the skirt. That only happens when turned to the stops.

I had put well rings on the fenders to close up the opening a bit and just pop riveted this sheet to that one so it builds up to about 3/16 inch thick. The aluminum trim strip gives it some shape. I am going to have to add a bit more.

[Blue Bomber Man]

Both look very good guys, very clean looking

[groar]

Fantastic work guys
I can't wait for your fuel logs

and welcome onboard Ernie

Denis.