Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Big Van airdam/side-skirt design suggestions

kach22i · 04-22-2015, 08:56 AM

I had a 1976 short box Ford van back in 1983-84.

I installed a deep sheet metal chin spoiler with a garage door bottom edge rubber, and I recall being able to get a nice broad arc to it.

I had the same problem back then as I had a few years ago on my S-10 when I tried lawn edge material, people kept bumping it with their low car bumpers while parking.

The sheet metal would dent, the lawn edging eventually would crack.

I now use conveyor belt material, much more expensive, but will last more than a few years.

I've found that the greatest attribute of a deep chin spoiler is better control and near immunity to cross winds on the highway.

As for the rear where most of the drag happens, something like the baffles currently retrofitted to large semi truck trailers, or something like the below may help.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...uck-26367.html

Mesilla Valley to put Aerodynamic Tails on 4,000 Semi Trucks

Someone mentioned curved leading edge corners.

Custom Trailer Aerodynamics | Freight Wing

I recently saw a semi-truck on the hi-way with the rear baffles installed, but not deployed, they were still stuck flat against the back. You can lead a horse to water.............

Your other choice for front corners?

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ces-21242.html

04-22-2015, 08:56 AM	#10 (permalink)
kach22i Master EcoModder Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan Posts: 4,183 Thanks: 128 Thanked 2,804 Times in 1,969 Posts	I had a 1976 short box Ford van back in 1983-84. I installed a deep sheet metal chin spoiler with a garage door bottom edge rubber, and I recall being able to get a nice broad arc to it. I had the same problem back then as I had a few years ago on my S-10 when I tried lawn edge material, people kept bumping it with their low car bumpers while parking. The sheet metal would dent, the lawn edging eventually would crack. I now use conveyor belt material, much more expensive, but will last more than a few years. I've found that the greatest attribute of a deep chin spoiler is better control and near immunity to cross winds on the highway. As for the rear where most of the drag happens, something like the baffles currently retrofitted to large semi truck trailers, or something like the below may help. http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...uck-26367.html Mesilla Valley to put Aerodynamic Tails on 4,000 Semi Trucks Someone mentioned curved leading edge corners. Custom Trailer Aerodynamics \| Freight Wing I recently saw a semi-truck on the hi-way with the rear baffles installed, but not deployed, they were still stuck flat against the back. You can lead a horse to water............. Your other choice for front corners? http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ces-21242.html __________________ George Architect, Artist and Designer of Objects 2012 Infiniti G37X Coupe 1977 Porsche 911s Targa 1998 Chevy S-10 Pick-Up truck 1989 Scat II HP Hovercraft You cannot sell aerodynamics in a can............