Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > Aerodynamics
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 09-23-2012, 03:19 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: north carolina
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Aeromods!

Ok. So I have been reading on here about several styles of fender fairings and belly pans for aeromods. First I am unsure where to really start with this because I see so many materials being used and places to mount them. I am trying to keep my 2010 Insight semi appealing to the eye. My grille block has been painted to match the car and I would like to do the same for fender fairings. Just not sure what material to start with. Also not sure if moon caps would snap onto the rim of the alloy wheels as well as steel rims (I have alloy).

I am sure I will have many more questions aerodynamically speaking just trying to knock the big ones off now. My insight has been getting in the high 50's for mpg but there will always ben room for improvement even if its mostly city driving.

  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 09-23-2012, 03:43 PM   #2 (permalink)
OCD Master EcoModder
 
brucepick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern CT, USA
Posts: 1,932

Outasight - '00 Honda Insight
Team Honda
Gen-1 Insights
90 day: 54.18 mpg (US)
Thanks: 428
Thanked 390 Times in 260 Posts
For experimentation, get some non-residue 3M duct tape. Leaves no gunk behind when removed. Sorry that's all I have now but it might be a start.
__________________
Coast long and prosper.
Driving '00 Honda Insight, acquired Feb 2016.


  Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2012, 10:10 PM   #3 (permalink)
EcoModding Smurfer
 
Smurf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: LaX
Posts: 293

Dime - '95 Chevy S10 LS ExtCab RWD
Pickups
90 day: 18.23 mpg (US)

G/A - '96 Pontiac Grand Am
Team Pontiac
90 day: 32.74 mpg (US)
Thanks: 52
Thanked 35 Times in 29 Posts
Not sure if it'll help you or not, but I've tested double-sided carpet tape (at the hardware store) on my S10 and it peels off easily with no residue. But that was the grill, and the tape on the body was only on for ~6 hours.

The stuff is strong too, basically double sided duct tape.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2012, 04:07 PM   #4 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
freebeard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: northwest of normal
Posts: 27,547
Thanks: 7,731
Thanked 8,546 Times in 7,035 Posts
Quote:
Also not sure if moon caps would snap onto the rim of the alloy wheels as well as steel rims (I have alloy).
You have to remove a Moon caps to check the tire pressure, I would think the snap-on would loosen eventually if they fit at all. Maybe you could find a way to trade down to steel rims at little or no cost.

Once you have steel rims you could use Dzus fasteners:
Installing Moon Discs
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2012, 03:42 PM   #5 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: north carolina
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have been looking into trading my alloys for the steel rims, can't find any as a set. But I have some Lexan a dremel tool so I'll figure something out this weekend. Doesn't have to look great on the first go around so if it works I'll try something that looks better.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2012, 05:53 PM   #6 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Posts: 491

OurInsight - '06 Honda Insight
Thanks: 170
Thanked 69 Times in 44 Posts
The "best" setup I've seen on Moon caps is the setup where one drills and taps the alloy rims for the 3 mounting screws. You can then drill the cap for the valve stem. A close second, and less damaging, would be to use steel wheels.

Undertrays do a lot of good, don't show, and can be removed when you sell. You can use inexpensive coroplast in the middle. I prefer aluminum in the front and around any exhaust parts.

The right side mirror can be removed legally in some states, and that makes a small difference.

Rear fender skirts could be made of coroplast and painted with Krylon Plastic paint, or of aluminum and professionally painted at a body shop. Use cardboard first to make and trim a template to size and shape. Saves material

The nut is always the most important element in fuel economy!
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2012, 06:41 PM   #7 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Sven7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Warren, MI
Posts: 2,456

Boo Radley - '65 Ford F100
90 day: 13.28 mpg (US)
Thanks: 782
Thanked 667 Times in 409 Posts
If you're doing mostly city driving weight is probably more important than aero and I would keep the alloys. They're probably pretty good with aero from the factory, as well.

You can try getting a scrap (extra) bumper to do mods to, or build an aluminum bracket structure that bolts into existing holes. Make sure you separate the aluminum from any steel.
__________________
He gave me a dollar. A blood-soaked dollar.
I cannot get the spot out but it's okay; It still works in the store
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2012, 10:11 PM   #8 (permalink)
Drive less save more
 
ecomodded's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 1,189

Dusty - '98 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle TDI
TEAM VW AUDI Group
90 day: 60.42 mpg (US)
Thanks: 134
Thanked 162 Times in 135 Posts
I would start with a lower grill block and covering the large holes in the front bumper cover if possible. If you use a semi flexible yet hard plastic sheet to cut covers out of you could prime and color match paint your ad ons. I have seen members on this site who make carbon fiber fill in panels that look as good as they function.
__________________
Save gas
Ride a Mtn bike for errands exercise entertainment and outright fun
__________________



  Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2012, 10:23 PM   #9 (permalink)
Drive less save more
 
ecomodded's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 1,189

Dusty - '98 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle TDI
TEAM VW AUDI Group
90 day: 60.42 mpg (US)
Thanks: 134
Thanked 162 Times in 135 Posts
You can silicone or use a 3m adhesive to "stick the fill panels on,totally reversible that way.
__________________
Save gas
Ride a Mtn bike for errands exercise entertainment and outright fun
__________________



  Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2012, 08:10 PM   #10 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: north carolina
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have already done the lower grille block. I used Lexan and some silicone and color matched it and it turned out pretty well. Most people don't know its there unless I point it out. I was going to do the same thing on the rear fender skirts but just havn't gotten to it yet. I am almost tempted to take it to a body shop and see if they can fabricate something from aluminum to essentially look stock, but I know that would cost a pretty penny. As far as the under tray I am still trying to figure that one out. where to mount it, how to mount it and so on. I don't think I will be able to do the moon cap thing right now for sheer fact that I can't find steelies in my price range and I won't drill my wheels. But having removed over 75lbs from the car adding a solar panel to keep my 12V charged so the hybrid pack doesn't need to strain so much and the grille block I've been in the high 50's so I can't complain for a 12 mile city commute to work.

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com