Spent the afternoon making side skirts and an air dam for the Escort. Had everything bolted up and took it out on the first test run. Was raining cats and dogs outside. Went down the street, got up to speed and then *spash!* The whole front of the car was submerged. Came to an abrupt stop and put it in reverse. Drove up the street to the nearest gas station to check the air dam. The air dam goes from the front bumper to just under the car. Tore the holes out that were poked through on the under side. Worst still, my hubcaps came off the front! They were nice and aero from the factory so I'm bummed. I'll fix the damage underneath easily enough tomorrow. Will have to order new hubcaps or perhaps this is my cue to get moon dish. Will post up pics soon. > : (
VT247
Went out today and fixed the damage from the lake size water sink I drove into yesterday. Couldn't find my old front hubcaps, they're gone. So, I ordered a set of $40 hubcaps (4) off Ebay. They look almost like the stock ones, nice and smooth. Fixed the front air dam I put on. Pulled out 5 of the mounting areas. Also found a fender for $55 which included shipping for the passenger front. Ordered me a mountable vacuum gauge for $15 too. The side skirts and front grill cover are left over EPDM pond liner / rubber. Originally used the rubber to re-line my pond and kept the left over. It's tough, flexible and lightweight. It's certainly no professional job but I'll be happy with any mpg gain.
Here is a pic of my pond. It's own mini ecosystem. Snails made their home in the top ponds. Frogs come out and mate in the ponds during spring. Have Koi in the bottom pond and gold fish in the top. Birds, squirrels, snakes and turtles often come by for a visit. Neighbors duck loves it too.
Here are my other 2 gas sippers. The Ford Pinto is a 1978 Pony with a 29,500 mile 2.3 liter with a 4 speed given to me by my grandmother....free! Was the first year for the gas tank fix. The RX-7 is a 1983 first Gen custom made convertible. Got it off eBay several years ago for $1600 with 83,000 miles on it. Still has the original rotary and 5 speed manual. Would love to swap in a better rear axle, the 4.11's make the rotary wind out. I skip shift in lower gears but always wish I had another one to reach for at 55 mph.
VT247
Spent the afternoon making side skirts and an air dam for the Escort. Had everything bolted up and took it out on the first test run. Was raining cats and dogs outside. Went down the street, got up to speed and then *spash!* The whole front of the car was submerged. Came to an abrupt stop and put it in reverse. Drove up the street to the nearest gas station to check the air dam. The air dam goes from the front bumper to just under the car. Tore the holes out that were poked through on the under side. Worst still, my hubcaps came off the front! They were nice and aero from the factory so I'm bummed. I'll fix the damage underneath easily enough tomorrow. Will have to order new hubcaps or perhaps this is my cue to get moon dish. Will post up pics soon. > : (
VT247
Sorry to hear about your loss.I too am a member of the 'it turned from aerodynamics into hydrodynamics' club!
I've yet to restore the diffuser ripped off the truck at walking speed in a 'lake.'
Don't lose heart.There are many misadventures awaiting you.Welcome to the 'club'!
Sorry to hear about your loss.I too am a member of the 'it turned from aerodynamics into hydrodynamics' club!
I've yet to restore the diffuser ripped off the truck at walking speed in a 'lake.'
Don't lose heart.There are many misadventures awaiting you.Welcome to the 'club'!
..."Membership has its privilege"... or is that perils?
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