1st Gen Toyota Tundra Aeroshell Build

[Macskyver]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Consider steel strap hinges with the hinge line below and forward of the eave line, with the leaves normally open. As the window swings open [up to 45° above horizontal] the leaves close, and there is a magnet to hold each one.

Tune the magnets' strength and if you forget and drive off with the window up, the air pressure would push it closed.

That is a good idea using magnets to hold things open and closed. I already got an air spring and am planning on using a mount that goes past center so that the spring holds the window both open and closed.

Originally Posted by ChazInMT

Honestly the eave isn't doing squat diddly....just lop it off to an inch or 2 and that'll free up space for your window. When you extend panels beyond the rest you start the diminishing returns cycle. The eave is providing a tiny gain, or, it could be costing you a tiny loss in Cd. Soooo, just get it gone and let the window flip on up.

I agree the eave probably isn't contributing significantly to aerodynamics now. It might in the future if I decide to hang a spare tire or two on the rear bumper. I like how it looks though and I like having the extra rain blocking and sun blocking function of it. Polycarbonate isn't fully UV resistant and will turn yellow eventually when exposed to direct sunlight. The real question I am battling in my head is if the eave is worth splitting up the rear window into 3 sections. I am leaning towards keeping it for now as I can always cut it off later and making a new one piece rear window would be trivial. I think I'll have plenty of left over material as well. I am so indecisive sometimes..

[BamZipPow]

Another option is to install a rear camera on yer aero cap and a display inside the cab. I have mine wired to be on all the time when the ignition key is on. I got mine off of Amazon and the display unit I got allows two cameras but not displayed at the same time.

[Macskyver]

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

Another option is to install a rear camera on yer aero cap and a display inside the cab. I have mine wired to be on all the time when the ignition key is on. I got mine off of Amazon and the display unit I got allows two cameras but not displayed at the same time.

Yeah, I really don't think I will have any issues with visibility, but if I do, that is the solution I would probably take.

[gumby79]

I learned to drive in big 4×4s 98-2010,uhaul box trucks99-2000(probably 20-40,000mi on "truck runs) ,and slantback "up Armor "HMMWVs (aproxamitly 12×12" side windows) 04-06. Theas experiences have taught me to plan were I'm going to need to see and drive to accommodate the visual limitations. Yes backing trailers around corners with only side mirrors.
This is my personal reasons for not even worrying about a back window.
The one on the left was my style of HMMWV
notice how much smaller the side windows are.
Don't get me wrong . I've had to get out and look a few times. But normally back into a parking spot so as to not come out blind.
Think of the lack of a window as parking between 2 moving trucks side mirrors will do the job . With my taper 5' cone is my blind spot.
---
If lane changes are your consideration for Windows, then consider convex spot mirrors. This will save weight =+mpg. Save construction cost, time,materials =+$ . Less compromised design =better curves =+mpg. Smoother finish =+mpg ,almost all windows we find have some sort of bump or recess having a negative effect(exception factory glued in wind screens)

--- look at trunk hinges don't remember specific make modle, some have very nice articulated +gas struts lift/hold assist.hinges
Gumby Stay Flexible

[freebeard]

For a number of years (the good ones ) I drove a 1961 VW panel van. I just realized I don't have a picture of it in my album.

Anyways, the panels had a smaller back window than the Kombis; almost zero rearward vision.

I welded nuts onto the ends of the mirror arms (moved them out 1") and screwed on rectangular convex mirrors with acorn nuts for lock nuts.

No blind spots and no back bumper.

[gumby79]

You inspired me to get some tuft testing dune.no rear shots as I was in transit from Wa to Mt. Unless someone who knows how to get dash camera footage from Idaho state Police I got pulled over for no Lic.plate on my utility trailer (not required for Oregon Reg., ithink herealy wanted to talk about the Aero Tonto and what I was up to with the tufts. My response "trying to see the air."

https://youtu.be/VgUJAnXGeKk

[gumby79]

finally stopped long enough to get my fuel log caught up hit29.3mpg with pool noddle gap filler. 18 fill-ups5463mi and almost 2months worth.

[Macskyver]

Over the weekend I designed and cut all the polycarbonate window pieces. I still have some drilling, countersinking and assembly to do as well as a few aluminum pieces to design/make. All in all, it was pretty good progress. I think it will work out really well. It will be a while before I install any of this as that will basically be the last step when installing the shell permanently. I still have a LOT of wood work to get done, so all these parts will just be sitting in the corner until I get back to them.

[aerohead]

I vote:
"Top Fabricator" for 2016!
Delicious work!

[Xist]

Perhaps a 50/50 mix of spar urethane and mineral spirits would prevent that polycarbonate from yellowing.