I ran out of cardboard.
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Originally Posted by ultimx
Ever consider using balsa wood as a frame?
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I think I'll use an aluminum platform/structure and foam for the "good" version. This cardboard one's not going to be heavy.
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Originally Posted by freebeard
I assume the blue tape running off down the side of the car is for alignment purposes?
When you cover the top (he assumes), will you still be able to get to the straps to remove it? I'm curious about the weight.
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Yup, and yup: I'll make a little hatch on top to get at the inside gubbins.
Weight: well,
my first tail (hey, I'm a regenerating reptile!), which was
much larger but mostly duct tape & cardboard, only weighed ~12 lbs. But with the wood frame inside this one, it's probably more in the 20-25 lbs range (W.A.G.). I'll weigh it when it's done of course!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepdog 44
You could buy one of the those large poster frames, and just use the clear plastic to wrap the tail light section.
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I don't think I'm going to cover the lights. I'm concerned that in some conditions, reflections could hide the lights inside.
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I'm curious what the structural requirements of a boat tail are.
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So am I!
But seriously, it's not the material, it's the design. You could make the structure from chopsticks if you triangulate enough.
I'm not pretending to be an engineer, but I am triangulating for strength, and the way it's going together, the skin & bulkheads become part of the structure as well. (So as long as it stays dry...)
Also, anyone watching me building this will have seen me at different stages grabbing the frame and wiggling at first, then getting closer to
wrenching the rear of the car back and forth as it has gotten stronger. (The tail wagging the car.) Seems strong to me.
Just driving down a smooth road, besides gravity, I don't think there are significant forces at play on a properly shaped tail. The bigger issue (I think) is it also has to withstand a lot of sudden bouncing, jolting, jerking around over bumps.