View Single Post
Old 11-05-2012, 07:24 PM   #144 (permalink)
Chris D.
EcoModding Minded
 
Chris D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Eagan, MN
Posts: 667

Lunar Mist - '02 Toyota Tacoma SR5
90 day: 25.31 mpg (US)

Silver Streak - '08 Toyota Corolla S
90 day: 38.25 mpg (US)
Thanks: 67
Thanked 25 Times in 12 Posts
Send a message via AIM to Chris D.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChazInMT View Post
I can think of 3 reasons to leave it on. First to protect the bottom of back of the cap. Second in a rear end collision it adds some protection. Third it keeps that back angle on bottom to less than 10 degrees which is optimum for a rear diffuser area.
I'm guessing you've never driven a truck with the tailgate down and went over speed bumps.
That will end up destroying the foam over time unless he plans on mocking his shell in glass or bracing the gate so it doesn't move.
A down tailgate wont give you any protection if it just swings upwards with little to no force. Most of everything that's going to hit him will more than likely be a passenger car and the tailgate will just bounce upwards off the rearward cars fascia panel.

I think that ditching that much weight will help far more than a body panel being used as a bumper.

I own the same truck he has and I'm on my 4th rear bumper from rear enders. Silver is a color that just blends in and doesn't get much recognition.

A simple piece of plywood could sufice.
I did something simple and cheap that could be used to subframe the tailgate.

scroll down, mite give ya some ideas. I'm sure that foam isn't cheap and the elections are almost over with, coroplast heaven!

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...er-2560-2.html
__________________


  Reply With Quote