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Hi Robert,
If you work up something in SolidWorks, please shoot me an email, because I am really interested in what you come up with.
For my design, I plan on using that "streamlining template" that AeroHead has already posted, and determine curvature of all sides based on that.
Whatever angles I end up with be based on the relative angle on the template for distance.
On the underside of the car, I will measure the angle on our driveway apron to determine what the maximum angle is as the drives in and out of the driveway. Some gas station driveways are slightly steeper, so I will design the tail to clear this ramp angle.
Hopefully, six degrees of slope on the underside will be enough for this clearance, as I really don't want to go steeper than this.
As you know, the Insight hatch back window is already at 18 degrees, so this angle will just about be the same across the length of the extension.
You are very observant, and yes, foam and fiberglass will be used. With a strong structure like this, there will be no need for any further framework of any kind. The fiberglass structure will be strong enough for you to sit on as mounted on the car, if you wish. It also has to be strong enough for someone pushing on the rear of car, when trying to move through snow in the winter.
As for strength in a rear end collision, the structure will disintegrate!! The mass of even a lightweight GeoMetro would be enough to pulverize any type of lightweight structure for this purpose.
The motorcycle fairing that was made 15 years ago was just strong enough to deflect birds if they hit it at speed, but I'll bet a little league player could drive a baseball through it. Again, the strength was just enough for the job, and the full size fairing weighs only 13 pounds. In comparison, an old Vetter fairing weighs about 40.
Keep me posted on your progress.
Jim.
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