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Old 10-22-2011, 02:27 PM   #125 (permalink)
aerohead
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Chrysler Airflow

Quote:
Originally Posted by kach22i View Post
I tried my hand at a more complex alternate, using Tyler's drawing as a base.

To make the doors operational with the extra thickness, one would have to add a deep wedge or cut-out (not shown). The leading edge of the door would be similar to how they treat thick rubber door trim. This of course might disrupt the air flow, not sure of the net gain (if any).

On the other hand, Beetle doors are only a couple of inches thick, verses 6 inch thick modern doors, maybe redoing the hinge is all that is needed.

Automobile pictures by kach22i - Photobucket


Too complex?
If you'll do a Search EcoModder for 'Chrysler Airflow,' you can see what Carl Breer and his team did for the DeSoto Airflow test mule in 1934.
The aerodynamics of that car are very similar to the Beetle.
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