Project: making a permanent Metro Kammback extension

[aerohead]

I like the idea,the challenge is to get them to "pop" to the exact dimensions, because the shape is absolutely critical for the tail to work.Also,from the experiments with the inflated boat tail,the thing began to oscillate with periodic shedding of vortices,and I had to run a cantilever strut underneath the thing to keep it from dancing all over the place.I'm afraid the "tent" would do the same thing.I have some carbon fiber fishing poles and golf club shafts I keep looking at.I love the light weight and strength.Just don't know about the straight shaft thing.

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by aerohead

I like the idea,the challenge is to get them to "pop" to the exact dimensions, because the shape is absolutely critical for the tail to work.Also,from the experiments with the inflated boat tail,the thing began to oscillate with periodic shedding of vortices,and I had to run a cantilever strut underneath the thing to keep it from dancing all over the place.I'm afraid the "tent" would do the same thing.I have some carbon fiber fishing poles and golf club shafts I keep looking at.I love the light weight and strength.Just don't know about the straight shaft thing.

Yeah I was wondering about the shaking of it going down road and causing turbulence after I thought about it. Just a random idea I had, who knows maybe it could work, a big maybe. Just seemed the weight and strength would be nice.

[MetroMPG]

I know a guy who does canvas boat tops, so he may have a selection of used frame piping. Some boats use AL, others use stainless... AL might come in handy for a removeable skeleton.

Anyway, after a week's holiday, I was back on the job today. The Kammback was on the car for the duration and it did settle a bit, sagging slightly in the middle at the trailing edge. So today I removed it from the car and glassed in a crossmember on the bottom surface, about 5 inches inboard of the trailing edge (doesn't obstruct rear view. Much better - more solid.

So I can get back to the bodywork tomorrow. Apply, sand, apply, sand...

[aerohead]

Aluminum would be great!I've never done heli-arc,but have been told the learning curve is short if you have access to TIG and shielding gas.Someone more clever than I might even come up with a weldless joinery technique(like baby-buggies and bicycle trailers use).Some grades of aluminum are heat-treated and rather stiff and un-malleable.Your friend could probably show you how to anneal it for easy forming without fracture.Enjoy that dusk mask!

[cfg83]

aerohead -

Originally Posted by aerohead

I like the idea,the challenge is to get them to "pop" to the exact dimensions, because the shape is absolutely critical for the tail to work.Also,from the experiments with the inflated boat tail,the thing began to oscillate with periodic shedding of vortices,and I had to run a cantilever strut underneath the thing to keep it from dancing all over the place.I'm afraid the "tent" would do the same thing.I have some carbon fiber fishing poles and golf club shafts I keep looking at.I love the light weight and strength.Just don't know about the straight shaft thing.

This doesn't address movement ala popping out, but I was thinking you need something that has all the angles predefined :



I think of the above as something that comes pre-molded in a kite kit. If it had all or at least two of the sockets being "adjustable/lockable in place", then I think you could reliably "rebuild the tent" each time.

Instead of the above, you could just start with a shaped piece of plastic that has all the right holes "drilled in place".

CarloSW2

[SVOboy]

Moar pictures!

[SirKeats]

if this all works out... you should definitely mold and sell... you certainly will be able to make some good $$. i know i'd buy one!! (assuming i could afford the asking price. lol).

[SVOboy]

Yeah darin, mold and sell! Mold and sell! Or mold and sell the mold to someone who cares more

[justpassntime]

How about building off of a trunk mounted bike rack and boat storage shrink wrap? Don't forget the duct tape so the whole thing doesn't turn into a parachute. For more information on duct tape watch the Red Green Show.

[akcapeco]

The chant of the ecomodder: mold and sell!