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Old 06-20-2010, 10:11 PM   #14 (permalink)
3-Wheeler
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Southern WI
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AlienMobile - '00 Honda Insight
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls View Post
...Interestingly, the bumper rebar is already at the end of a three foot long "diving board" of aluminium honeycomb, so a three foot extension would make a six foot cantilevered beam....
You are correct, but when looking at the Uni-body construction under the car, one can also make out lots of sheet metal around the "center" beam, which makes this incredible in strength, much more than just a beam by itself. No need to calculate the moment of inertia here (Z-section if you like math).

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls View Post
...To add rigidity to it, I will make a few triangles between it and the strong location just above your center lumber, where Honda has provided three threaded holes in strong sheet metal....
I was looking at those three fasteners as well, and will use some small aluminum L-brackets to tie those points to the lumber.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls View Post
....I am anxiously awaiting the completion of an Insight tail extension, whether Jim's meticulous work in fiberglass, Jim E's cardboard prototype, or my own coroplast + Al tail....
I would just like to wrap things up before the weather gets real cold, just like last year with the under-body panels.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls View Post
...What kind of fuel economy is an Insight really capable of?...
Well I don't know for sure, but I think that over 100 mpg is possible with my turtle driving style. How about you guys? Any guesses?

Jim.
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