Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - 180mph, Paint-Safe, Clear Tape???

cptinjak · 03-24-2012, 08:34 PM

Hello all! I have been lurking this forum for a while but I finally need to post. I can't seem to get clear answers by searching.

I want to cover up the fog light openings on my C5 corvette. There are documented advantages (SAE paper 2002-01-3333, Aerodynamic Test and Development of the Corvette C5 for Showroom Stock Racing) to closing these openings in both decreased overall drag and increased frontal downforce. My motivations are mostly speed related and could be used one night at a time, but if I can come up with a good solution that is more permanent, I would also enjoy the inproved fuel efficiency on my commute.

I would like something strong enough to withstand the pressure created at speeds up to ~180mph, but also clear, as the foglights need to shine through. I would also like it to be rather inconspicuous, and not look like... well... like I put a bunch of tape all over my car, lol

I was thinking of packaging tape, as it seems like the only strong, clear, affordable solution, but I am worried about the adverse effects to the paint. Will I pull chunks of clear coat off when I remove the tape? Will sunlight deteriorate it and make a huge mess?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Jack

Sorry, but my post count is not high enough to post a photo of the foglight opening. Google "c5 corvette" and look at the images if you want to see what it looks like!

03-24-2012, 08:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
cptinjak EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	180mph, Paint-Safe, Clear Tape??? Hello all! I have been lurking this forum for a while but I finally need to post. I can't seem to get clear answers by searching. I want to cover up the fog light openings on my C5 corvette. There are documented advantages (SAE paper 2002-01-3333, Aerodynamic Test and Development of the Corvette C5 for Showroom Stock Racing) to closing these openings in both decreased overall drag and increased frontal downforce. My motivations are mostly speed related and could be used one night at a time, but if I can come up with a good solution that is more permanent, I would also enjoy the inproved fuel efficiency on my commute. I would like something strong enough to withstand the pressure created at speeds up to ~180mph, but also clear, as the foglights need to shine through. I would also like it to be rather inconspicuous, and not look like... well... like I put a bunch of tape all over my car, lol I was thinking of packaging tape, as it seems like the only strong, clear, affordable solution, but I am worried about the adverse effects to the paint. Will I pull chunks of clear coat off when I remove the tape? Will sunlight deteriorate it and make a huge mess? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Jack Sorry, but my post count is not high enough to post a photo of the foglight opening. Google "c5 corvette" and look at the images if you want to see what it looks like!