Materials for Ecomodding

[suchy21]

Originally Posted by bennelson

I was also wondering if anyone has ever used window shrink plastic insulation as a material for eco-modifications. Seems like it could work great, VERY lightweight, and not too expensive. Also, being clear, would help keep a stock look to a car.

Frost King Patio Door Insulation Kit (clear shrink wrap plastic), 84in x 110in, $1.50 clearance at Meijer. I'm anxious to see how the clarity holds up over time, but for now there is almost no impact on visibility.

[bennelson]

Alright! Now that's what I'm thinking for a truck cap!

[metroschultz]

That looks cool, now I'm gonna hafta go buy a truck.
That's one vehicle I don't own.
S.

[8307c4]

Here's my two mods...

The first tonneau cover cost me about $100 in materials:
- A $60 Tarpeez (short bed version due to toolbox)
- 1 sturdy rope to replace the stupid OEM bungee (due to air forcing itself DOWN in the rear it kept pushing the cover down inside the bed).
- 2 cross member bars (to hold this next piece):
- One 3x5 or so piece of plexiglass I had laying around, lowered this over top of the cross members and it sits JUST under the cover (you can't see it but this also keeps the farking cover from caving in and rain from puddling).
- Two metal hooks to bore through the tool box so as to hold the cover on.
- A tube pvc type glue to goop up the holes in the toolbox from the hooks.
- Couple more hooks for the sides behind the toolbox.
Time: Some hours.
Gray hairs: 1 or 2.
Mpg gains: Yes but inconclusive as of yet, assuming ~+10% with just one tank for a reading.

The second mod is a front air dam skirt extension made from Home Depot black plastic landscaping border, $15 I think I can't remember it's the shortest they had (like 10 or 12 feet I don't recall but plenty) plus some nuts and bolts, a drill and bit, all in all under $20 I had the drill.
Time: Maybe an hour
Notes: It looks a bit off but I just finished this one today plus the bumper is dented and I'm not sure wth lol, I'll adjust the angle of the skirt later.
Mpg gains: According to others yes, no data yet.

Oh I forgot!
You'll notice the roof of the cab is painted white, this helps keep it noticeably cooler in the summer. Several cans of $1 white spray paint, a roll or two of $1 masking tape and some old newspaper, an older beach towel and Windex. Cleaned it all up real good with the Windex and towel, masked it off, sprayed it, gtg, maybe 1-2 hours.
That this last mod helps with mpg I doubt, the A/C never turns off after the temps soar but I can tell you I feel MUCH better (yes it really makes a big difference).

[DifferentPointofView]

I like the PVC piping for the clear cap. needs to be higher though. A good plastic to use is the stuff I used for my grille blocks. it's tough, but clear as shrink wrap.

[suchy21]

DifferentPointofView, you are right about the height being off. Measure once, cut twice, right? Back to Home Depot for more PVC...

What is this mystery plastic that your shop teacher provided you with for the grille block? If I read correctly, it is not Saran wrap or shrink wrap.

[DifferentPointofView]

I'm not sure man, it was this plastic that we used for solar boxes. we had to design a box with a certain sized sheet of insulation, black spray paint, and clear plastic wrapped over the top to let light in. they got up to 140-150 degrees on a 46 degree day. I asked if he had any plastic left over and he gave me the rest of the roll. I'll have to ask him when I go back. problem is we're on spring break "

[metroschultz]

Perhaps it is the same sheet plastic used for garden Green Houses.
Very tough stuff, very clear also.
Can be found at most BigBox home stores and Garden centers.
S.

[virg]

Aircraft/marine plywood. Comes thin as about 1/32". Very strong, durable, versatile. Look it over at a model-hobby shop. While you're at it look at all the other small hardware and materials in the place.

[OneBadBird]

Where do you get this cloroplast from?