Aerodynamic improvment in front of vehicle. (Tire spats/deflectors)

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Does the UFE have active-suspension? It looks like the "whiskers" would be knocked off on driveway ramps,sidewalk curbs, and parking barriers.

No. It's a concept car, lacking ground clearance, rearward visibility, wipers, bumpers, practical ingress and egress, realistic interior, manufacturability, etc.

It has been recommended elsewhere that DIY wheel strakes be made flexible and expendable.

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

It has been recommended elsewhere that DIY wheel strakes be made flexible and expendable.

...I would recommend they also be retractable, which would mitigate their need to be expendable...just have them retract into the body, against spring pressure, whenever they 'contact' something immovable; their flexibility aspect would thus be greatly enhanced.

[BamZipPow]

Sponge foam could work...it's soft enough to compress on impact but firm enough to divert air.

Git a block of sponge foam and cut it down to the shape you want. You'll probably have to attach it with some adhesive...

[cfg83]

BamZipPow -

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

Sponge foam could work...it's soft enough to compress on impact but firm enough to divert air.

Git a block of sponge foam and cut it down to the shape you want. You'll probably have to attach it with some adhesive...

Yeah, that's a good idea. I think you would need to paint it so that it doesn't absorb moisture.

CarloSW2

[thatguitarguy]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...I would recommend they also be retractable, which would mitigate their need to be expendable...just have them retract into the body, against spring pressure, whenever they 'contact' something immovable; their flexibility aspect would thus be greatly enhanced.

How about retracting automatically under speeds of 10-15 MPH, and then lowering into position when air pressure on the bow pushes them down at higher speeds. The faster you go the lower they get. After all, if you're hitting dips and driveways faster than 10-15 MPH, you're not an ecomodder anyway.

[cfg83]

Old Tele man and thatguitarguy -

The Probe IV concept was retractable based on speed (and also springy, I think). I will post another picture later tonight.

CarloSW2

[Cd]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Does the UFE have active-suspension? It looks like the "whiskers" would be knocked off on driveway ramps,sidewalk curbs, and parking barriers.

Phil good to see you again.

I use flexible rubber wall base for my 'whiskers'.
It is pretty inexpensive too.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...1&cmRelshp=sim ( $ 2.48 a section )

[moonmonkey]

if you use these strakes, would side skirts help,or hurt,

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by cfg83

BamZipPow -



Yeah, that's a good idea. I think you would need to paint it so that it doesn't absorb moisture.

CarloSW2

Plasti Dip should work then...

[moonmonkey]

cfg83 is there any more to post from that article? have'nt found it on the web yet, noticed the front strake is flat on the inside edge , great info!