Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls
Another rendering added to my desktop background rotation.
Jim, have you figured out a method to add "illuminated width"?
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Hi Robert,
Ah, yes, that topic rears it's head again....
This is the part where styling plays a big part of any creation like this.
I really thought hard about adding horizontal "wings" or "fins" to the rear of the car to get a shape more like the Aptera. But since the automotive license plate is bigger in size than the motorcycle plate of the Aptera, that idea was scraped. I could not get a look that really suited me in this shape. And the wings would add more air drag to the overall design, but I might have made the compromise, just for the look.
As it stands now, the tail extension is not really road legal in the state of Wisconsin with just the rear facing tail lights.
The vehicle needs to also have rear facing reflectors that indicate it's true width at night, and well as sideways facing reflectors that indicate it's true length.
To accomplish this, the plan is to "embed" such items into a cutout in the sloping sides of the extension, and cover the lenses with clear acrylic.
As of tonight, I'm still trying to determine just how high to make the cutout and how long it should be to meet legal requirements.
As long as the cutout is taking place, that will make way for additional brake and turn signal lights, so the cutout may be 2.5 inches high by about 2 feet long or so, depending on how things work out.
Of course the acrylic cover will be recessed and flush with the rest of the bodywork, for good airflow.
Jim.