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Old 02-04-2010, 11:36 AM   #73 (permalink)
mjboks
Quest for a 400 mile tank
 
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 50

Adventure Truck - '07 Toyota Tacoma Double cab V6 TRD 4wd offroad
90 day: 19.26 mpg (US)

Commuter Bicycle - '94 Slingshot mountain bike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChazInMT View Post
Hey MJ, I finally got my cap built. Just last night as I was about to cover the thing with shrink wrap I had an epiphany. I wanted to just scrap my cap and build my new idea. My inspiration is all these low cd cars & SUVs we see that have a large rear surface area. So this is obviously not the enemy. On my cap, I wanted the back to be as low as possible, but I'm afraid it may be a mistake for 2 reasons. 1) Not really the most efficient aero design, 2) Not real practical at all.

So what I would build now would look more like this.


[...image deleted by cfg83 at request of OP...]

(Photoshop creation)

This design would taper the air down the top and sides. By angling up the tail gate hatch area, it allows a large door access and window. The hatch door could even be removed to haul tall stuff, or even make it like 2 doors for more free head room when removed.

A simple line drawing would be like this.


[...image deleted by cfg83 at request of OP...]

Just more food for thought, I think this would be easier to build than my cap and way more practical. Built using CCriders basic technique.

I'll post updates of my build later this a.m.
Now you're just teasing everyone here. I want to see results from your current cap before you scrap the idea. I think you're first cap is a great aero design. Although it doesn't lend itself to a great hatchback design which I'm going for. I'm one those that use my truck for hauling and will need access to the back. I also want it somewhat easily removable for when I have a lot of gear or something tall to haul. I'm also leaning towards the easier and more practical design for myself without sacrificing as much aero as I can. Ideally it would be a roller tonneau that would follow the curve back to the tailgate.

As for your new design, I like it and looks a lot like the newer hatch back vehicles coming out. It sort of reminds me of a Volvo C30 which I happen to see on the drive to work this morning.


For the sake of everyone following your progress, at least do and A-B-A test with the current cap before you scrap it.

btw, what software are you using to create your designs?

Last edited by cfg83; 02-07-2010 at 01:14 AM..
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