Boat tail project based on a single wheel trailer...

[aerohead]

Bam,do you remember back when GM cars had fiber-optic bundles which led from all the lights to small indicator panels on the fender tops?
This was an elegant solution.

[Fat Charlie]

We had those. There was also a pod centered above the backglass with brake light indicators (repeaters?) so you could see them while backing.

[freebeard]

I was thinking the same thing; except using a fiberoptic cable all the way to the dashboard. Quick disconnect would be possible but non-trivial.

[BamZipPow]

I will keep in mind that type of ingenious technology if I come across the materials fer cheap and figure a way to implement them.

Fer now, I only have the dead wiring harness that I can put to use...which is basically free.

I did notice yesterday's run was rather smooth with the new tire installed.

I've been also looking/researching other replacements fer the air bag when the time comes to replace it due to age/wear. The Firestore Work-Rite suspension was too big and cutting it down would've reduced it's capability to function as designed. I ended up returning it today. I will need to contact Timbren about the axle-less suspension as it looks promising to use their 400lb rated spring as the air spring replacement in Dark Aero. I will probably have to install a bump stop fer the rebound. I will lose the adjustability of the air bag spring though.
Axle-Less - Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

[BamZipPow]

Filling the gap between back of the tire and the mudflap.








The gap is hollow fer now. I'm looking to fill it with a pool noodle/foam so in case of any mechanical failures of this gap cover...anything falling off won't be a road hazard.

[BamZipPow]

Doing more research fer the spring suspension...here's what I've come up with so far:

Original solid rubber puck, 2" thick, 3.75" diameter, 5/16"x1.5" studs

(Current) Goodyear Air Sleeve Spring, 1S3-013, 1.5" height (compressed), 3.6" height (expanded), 3.2" base diameter, 2.6" top diameter, 5/16" top bolt, 3/8" bottom stud/air port, 100psi (max)

Here's what I've found so far looking at airless airbag/springs:
Firestone Work-Rite, no suitable products that can be fitted because of the hollow core design

Timbren Axle-less suspension, potential in the 400lb rubber suspension part, 1" deflection when compressed, less than 3.5" wide, approximately 4.5" long, approximately 2.5" tall, unknown core

SumoSprings Solo, solid core, 5/16" stud attached, potential to cut down and attach a threaded insert to secure to the bottom, manufactured to various heights, densities, and diameters

The SumoSprings Solo has the biggest potential to replace the Goodyear airbag spring provided I can get some specs on the models they have available.

SuperSprings Self-Adjusting Suspension Stabilizers > SumoSprings-Solo

[slowmover]

Sumo might be best. But take your time. Timbren has a great rep for consulting with those wanting to use their Aeon hollow rubber springs. All of them are going to want to know something about weight, lever angle and expectations.

[BamZipPow]

Put the tail cone back on Dark Aero...seems a little crooked.





Made the mud flap into a fixed rudder tail! I had to find a way of keeping it on Dark Aero.




Wheel pant is 18" long x 7" wide. 2" gap at the widest point between the wheel pant and tail cone. Tail cone and tail rudder is 25" long fer a total length of 45".

I shouldn't have any issues of impacting the curb when backing up since I have it mounted much higher this time around. I've even accounted fer the back end dropping when the wheel swivels around.

[BamZipPow]

Had a crazy idea of using the Kong dog toy as a possible replacement fer the air spring. I should be able to cut the bottom ring off and put a bolt and washer through the top to secure it to the articulating section of the single wheel. I'm not too sure how much weight compression the toy can handle over time though.

[BamZipPow]

Big picture view of Dark Aero hooked up. No load in the bed or Dark Aero...65psi in the air shocks and 95psi in the air spring.