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Old 02-01-2013, 10:22 AM   #7 (permalink)
plasticuser
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 74

Annette - '04 Ford F150 FX4

Penelope - '08 Mazda CX-7 Sport
90 day: 23.47 mpg (US)
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Thanked 27 Times in 15 Posts
In the wind tunnel videos I saw, on the F150 it completely disrupts the airflow against the side of the truck about 8" high, reaching about 16" high by the back of the truck. I think I could stick a lego house there and it would be better.

That said, in most UCC states, the requirement is to be able to see 200 feet behind the vehicle, and a little math for my vehicle tells me I need a 4.5" extension to meet that requirement. For shorter vehicles, the distance will be less. Obviously, if towing, on a truck the mirrors need to be wider.

Design issues!

The second idea I have is a small pyramid inverted on a long or extendable stalk. Like the 2nd attachment above.

The third idea I have is for a slatted mirror that has many vertical elements. It would allow air to pass through the slats, but from the driver's view, the mirrors would be overlapping prisms and provide a single image. However, this would be a PITA to make or adjust.
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