1960's truck aero modded?

[slowmover]

Why this rig? An Airstream trailer with a turbocharged Diesel tow vehicle would be easier by a long shot to make closer to "ideal" aerodynamically. Not to mention a better combined rig as to highway speed stability.

A truck isn't necessary. It's a step backwards.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Tulok

The cargo capacity is not that important to me. I'll be building a severely oversized stake side setup for hauling trash to the local dump. the aero setup will be for my own satisfaction, and hauling things like engines and chassis parts between cities.

Stakes?

Like this?

| Truck Beds | Service Truck Beds | Installation Gallery


Some of us are having problems with the program or intent.

Will the aero-package be in the form of a removable pod which sits on the flatbed? Then using stakes with the flatbed for hauling trash?

EDIT-1:
I found such a switchable conversion, just happened to be a cab-over.

http://forums.woodalls.com/index.cfm...print/true.cfm



I suspect the original proposal is to combine these two functions into a single package.

EDIT-2:

Any need for side storage boxes? Seems like the angled part could be a curve which tapers down.

http://truckbeds.com/cms-homepage.as...k-beds-gallery

[Tulok]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Stakes?

Like this?

| Truck Beds | Service Truck Beds | Installation Gallery


Some of us are having problems with the program or intent.

Will the aero-package be in the form of a removable pod which sits on the flatbed? Then using stakes with the flatbed for hauling trash?

you got it 100%. removable pod for aero on long trips. stake bed for trash hauling jobs. The local speed limits are 25-30mph so i am not going to see much aero gain or loss there. but the highway jobs are 75mph. the truck will never do over 65. it simply can't with the gear ratios.

I have a new engine for it and i'm still researching the camshaft and manifold options, trying to decide what the best way for me to get cruise MPG will be. most likely a high dynamic compression ratio and I've devised a way to initiate a lean burn and very basic cruise control.

A big reason for choosing this rig is because with the age of it and the simplicity it will be an easy project that could just as well be melted down and turned into tuna cans.

Or, it is being repurposed as my work truck so that I can make a small living. I can't work full time due to chronic ailments unfortunately. though that may change as i continue to heal.

The aero cap is for my own enjoyment and to save me fuel on longer deliveries.part of me wants to see just how good I can get this beast to do on long trips. I have no shortage of tools or supplies to make anything happen.

if i can improve it from 8, to 10 or even 12. thats 25-50% increase. If I can get it to 16 unloaded at steady speed... then that will just be awesome!

[Tulok]

I just saw your edit.

I like the cab over, minus the cab part increasing F.A.

I don't need above deck boxes. Just below the deck which it already has.

Do you think that making the top edges angled would help out greatly vs the bare, blunt sides? I can certainly build something like that. even a nice smooth edge.

EDIT:

does anyone have any inclination as to whether a normal ride height with aero-ized pieces underneath would be better, or lowered to the ground with skirts and things blocking airflow from going under? the larger skirts would add frontal area. but then again, a pair or 275-305 wide front tires blistering in the wind is probably worse

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Tulok

Do you think that making the top edges angled would help out greatly vs the bare, blunt sides? I can certainly build something like that. even a nice smooth edge.

I think as with any of the pick-up truck caps, it will be rectangular at the cab, and curved at the tailgate.

A Practical Guide to Pickup Truck Aero-mods

[freebeard]

Another example like the Decoliner.

Do you think that making the top edges angled would help out greatly vs the bare, blunt sides? I can certainly build something like that. even a nice smooth edge.

Is this about tumblehome? In any case edges should be radiused ≥4".

does anyone have any inclination as to whether a normal ride height with aero-ized pieces underneath would be better, or lowered to the ground with skirts and things blocking airflow from going under?

Since you can make a case either way, it's probably going to be decided by the use case. The tunneled underside with massive spats and skirts won't do well off-road, for instance.

Bag it and let it grind.

Taking a look around Post Your 60-66 Chevy/GMC RAT ROD Trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network:

Swap on a Suburban 'crew cab' and boat tail that:


Take off the hood:


Take it all off:

[elhigh]

I'm thinking a sort of homebrew Herkimer Battle Jitney.

RE: lowered vs. dams and skirts. For my part I would go with a combination. Extreme lowering would require a lot of jiggering of the suspension; just take it as far as is reasonable and doesn't job the suspension geometry, then do the rest with skirts.

You asked earlier about adding a fairing to the axle tube. That reminded me of a snap-on fairing for ultralight aircraft brace tubes. I thought it was ridiculous until the testers reported an extra 10mph or so with the fairings on - no other changes to the plane at all, just fairing all the exposed tubes that were crossways to the wind. Huge difference, and a lot less vibration in the airframe too. If there's still a fair amount of airspace above the axle tube then I'd say fair it; if not then include it in a belly pan.

I would be inclined to keep that massive V6. The GMC V6 is a lifetime investment - you won't live long enough to wear it out. You'll have to break it deliberately.

I just got done reading about a guy who did some work on a 305: Mallory Maglite distro, GM TBI, GM Munci SM420 + GV OD, 4.56 axle ratio. Best mileage: 18.xx. That's probably under best conditions, reports 12-14 average while towing, worst case 4x4, uphill, towing at 18K all up for 7.2mpg.

Not bad, considering.

[ennored]

Couple things came to mind from elsewhere here at ecomodder (not that either are really relevant)...

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ort-33472.html



And just 'cause it's a similar truck...

[freebeard]

I thought I'd find more examples, but here's a radiused front edge on a stake bed:

http://www.terapeak.com/worth/1938-budweiser-delivery-stake-bed-truck-danbury-mint-1-24-diecast-collectible/221298581498/

[CARiD]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Another example like the Decoliner

Absolutely phenomenal design. Not sure if the truck is very efficient, but it definitely looks like one.