Project, the Third - Now contains collabsible boat tails (1971 VW SuperBeetle)

[ChopStix]

It looks like you have studied the same problems that I'm trying to figure out. Only you did it a couple years earlier!

[kach22i]

Nice thread, I've enjoyed viewing it.

[buckeye_coaster]

Super interesting! Love seeing your thought process.

[freebeard]

Thanks. At the moment I've mothballed the Superbeetle (NADA mid-book went up $400 in the last six months) and I'm sorting out a 1979 VW Dasher. Once I get back to it, the 1958 Canadian Beetle will get any boat tail, with either the electric conversion or a 1776 boxer I have on the bench. I have some aluminum-skinned panels cut and bent, and I got about half of these wakeboard control arms for the curve aluminum tubing. The longer ones for front to back and the top one for verticals.



Edit: also, here's a project study done while this thread lay dormant:

[123gts]

Great thread. Been thinking about doing the same thing to my 2001 vw beetle TDI or swapping the drivetrain into something more aerodynamic.

[freebeard]

I happen to have these laying around:





Also:



EDAG Biwak Concept 2006

[123gts]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I happen to have these laying around:



EDAG Biwak Concept 2006

Interesting concept, never seen that before. A TDI jeep swap or other small SUV like vehicle would be easier and more practical.

[freebeard]

EDAG be interesting. EDAG Engineering GmbH: EDAG

Here's their “Light Car-Open Source,”:


https://www.fastcodesign.com/1196672/edags-light-car-is-a-tiny-eco-friendly-kitt

Most interestingly, the major chassis structures are made from ASA.TEC fiber–an “industrially standardized basalt fiber.” Basalt fiber is actually made from quarried basalt rock which is heated up to around 2,500ºF and pushed through fine nozzles to create streams of molten rock that solidify into fibers as they cool in the air. The product is similar to carbon fiber or fiberglass, but is physically stronger than fiberglass and significantly cheaper than carbon fiber. Its use in the physical structure of a vehicle as a composite material is a first for EDAG, and it promises to make a strong, lightweight chassis that improves the car’s performance and yet costs less than other options.

I'm a big fan of basalt fiber. This is from 2009.