Project: Geo Metro boat tail prototype - 15% MPG improvement @ 90 kph / 56 mph

[Christ]

Will -
That car is sick(ening). LOL.

[MadBill]

Great project! -Just read it all today. One thought: If you're still planning a removable tail, consider that you don't have to move your tail lights, you could just have a second pair, perhaps low profile LED trailer stop/brake combined units with white side lights for the plate, and power them through a plug-in trailer harness.

[Tango Charlie]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I realize it's not very practical, in terms of hitting stuff. But wanted to go big or go home.

Love this! Wheel spats!
Any plans to post video of the tuft testing?

[americasfuture2k]

what pontiac is that?? i dont think ive ever seen a hatchback pontiac

[Frank Lee]

Canadian Metro = Pontiac Firefly

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by MadBill

Great project! -Just read it all today. One thought: If you're still planning a removable tail, consider that you don't have to move your tail lights, you could just have a second pair, perhaps low profile LED trailer stop/brake combined units with white side lights for the plate, and power them through a plug-in trailer harness.

Hi MadBill,

That's a great idea!! Thanks.

Jim.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

Any plans to post video of the tuft testing?

Yup. After I'm done fiddling with the boat tail v.1.0 itself, I'll put together a video summary.

MadBill: yes, I'll probably go with separate trailer lights for the final version.

---

FYI: I've decided on a plan. I'm not going to make any more revisions to the taper of this version of the boat tail. But I'm going to A-B-A it anyway, just because I'm curious.

The revisions will be done as I construct the permanent/removable version. I'm leaning toward a fabric skin (either UV resistant boat top canvas, or vinyl) over aluminum frame & ribs.

Still haven't found out if I can use the heated shop I mentioned a few posts back, but if I can't, any more construction will have to wait until the return of more civilized weather.

[Nerys]

Civilized weather :-) made me grin I like the sound of that :-)

yeah harbour frieght has water tight led units SUPER CHEAP :-)

I got another hatch for my little mouse so I think I will build the boat tail onto the hatch itself so I can "swap" hatches to make the change or go back if I am doing something where it will become a problem. Though I imagine if it works I will stick with it 100%.

[maxpeterson2002]

Why not look at cloth and dope like aircraft. The dope tightens the and seals the cloth.

Even more simple might be the silkspan and dope used on stick model aircraft.

Just another idea.

[Cd]

I second the glow in the dark idea for the 'tail. ( which already looks very much like the thorax / abdomen of a... firefly )