Things I've been meaning to do for a long, looong time. - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Frank Lee · 09-28-2009, 04:05 PM

At least somebody got off their butts and did them!

On all but the boattail Chevy, I'd have put the rear wheel further back tho'.

PaleMelanesian · 09-28-2009, 04:12 PM

I think I actually saw that first one on the road, last fall or winter. It does have Texas plates on it. The boattail was painted red to match the car when I saw it.

I was like, "Whoa, what was that?!!!!" and then it was gone. Wish I'd had more time or seen where it was going.

cfg83 · 09-28-2009, 04:59 PM

Frank -

That Chevy looks really nice! It's funny when the tapering makes it look like 1/2 a car.

CarloSW2

Frank Lee · 09-28-2009, 06:56 PM

Unfortunately all I have is these few pics. I want driving impressions and fe data!

I actually worked up a sled trike conversion on CAD many years ago but my former employer is way too stupid to investigate something like that.

Yes, I like them all even though in each of them I see major things I'd do differently.

The Chev could use back windows and why not go further with the boattail?

On that red one (I think a VW Fox?) and the Skyhawk I'd have put the back wheel in the trunk. Stability would be much much better and the back seat is more useful anyway.

The Arctic Cat's rear end needs to be much much lower and the rear wheel further back. Needs a windshield too. This thing has gotta be WICKED FAST

I think I'd like to do that to a four stroker.

Christ · 09-28-2009, 09:15 PM

I love that Cavalier (the boat tail one, for those not keeping score). That, in addition to the diesel Chevette and a long geared trans...

dreams

Frank Lee · 09-28-2009, 09:25 PM

Notice how pic #3 represents what the Chev looks like to the wind at a modest yaw angle...

Christ · 09-28-2009, 09:30 PM

I just wonder what it sounds like inside that car... Unless it's braced/insulated, I'd imagine there's some serious noise in there from metal panels vibrating.

I'd also probably make it a lift-back, but I'd most likely nix the side windows, or install fixed 1/4 windows, such as from a CRX or similar.

Christ · 09-28-2009, 10:50 PM

Does the second car actually have the wheel in a place where it removes the potential to use the back seat altogether, or is it more a matter of only losing the center of the back seat?

wagonman76 · 09-28-2009, 10:55 PM

I like the Cavalier too. Really good work on the tail. Looks like it might benefit from stock plain steel wheels, those rally wheels weigh a ton. However that might have been remedied in the pic with the wheel covers.

Wonder if the Skyhawk has covers for those headlight buckets? I believe they used to sell them, but would be easy enough to make some up.

I've always been partial to 80s and early 90s GM cars.

Frank Lee · 09-28-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christ

Does the second car actually have the wheel in a place where it removes the potential to use the back seat altogether, or is it more a matter of only losing the center of the back seat?

I'd say the back seat is history; it was none too wide in the first place and unless the guy got creative with a linkage-type suspension the spring(s) and shock(s) or strut assy soaks up much lateral room.