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

[BamZipPow]

Since the wheel pant held up quite well on this past road trip, I've been looking into transitioning it to fiberglass with the appropriate plan taper. This will be my first foray into fiberglass. The current wheel pant dimensions aren't contacting parts of Dark Aero so the fiberglass version will need to stay within the current version.

I'll have to change up the upper support rail from wood to metal and figure out a way (if it's feasible) to incorporate rubber conveyor belting on the front side of the wheel pant in case I bump into anything with it.

[BamZipPow]

Dark Aero indeed...

[BamZipPow]

Alone again...

[slowmover]

Don't log in often, but always go to this thread.

Doing donuts, ha!

[BamZipPow]

So I'm at a stage into this project where I've demonstrated that a boat tail can be developed on a single wheel platform with different mechanics to deal with the adherent issues with using that platform. There are many ideas on how to implement a boat tail on a vehicle and this is just one approach.

Fer me to move forward in designing and fabricating a more permanent design will require different materials/tools and skill sets that I currently don't have.

I am inspired by Randy Grubb's projects using aluminum sheeting and rivets to create his designs (Decoliner and Deco-pods) and this is one direction that would be ideal but cost prohibitive fer my budget.
Randy Grubb - The Blastolene Indy Special, Jay Leno Tank Car, Decopods and Decoliner

Using sheet metal instead of aluminum sheet would lower the project costs but add significant weight as a trade off. Sheet metal could be welded instead of riveted. Moving to a metal shell would prove a more stable and secure platform than the current setup but my design would have to be pretty much be set in stone with minimal design change. I have been studying travel trailer designs like the 1936 Keyhole travel trailer and I am trying to implement some of that build and design technology into my boat tail build.
1936-Keyhole

Moving towards fiberglass is conceptually the easiest direction as far as shaping complex curves to head towards but it has its own inherent learning challenges. Working in papier mâché may be a good transition in developing skills towards fiberglassing.

I will try a few attempts at converting the wheel pant into a more aerodynamic design by using fiberglass or sheet metal as my material of choice. Hopefully I will be able to build my skill sets and experience to a degree that will allow me to build out the boat tail shell into a more permanent design.

I will try building a model (as close to scale as possible) so I can work on different design shape transitions based on the current rig measurements. I should be able to try out a few designs in the comfort of my home instead of dealing with trying them out in the elements outside at full scale.

[aerohead]

Hobby Lobby has some papier mache goodies to check out.Their eggs will blow your mind! (extremely strong/light).They have sales pretty regularly too.I keep one of their eggs in my office to remind me.Another will probably be sacrificed for leading edges on the side mirror fairings.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Hobby Lobby has some papier mache goodies to check out.Their eggs will blow your mind! (extremely strong/light).They have sales pretty regularly too.I keep one of their eggs in my office to remind me.Another will probably be sacrificed for leading edges on the side mirror fairings.

Like this 6" one?
6" Paper Mache Egg | Hobby Lobby | 222703

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

Like this 6" one?
6" Paper Mache Egg | Hobby Lobby | 222703

That's the critter! Wait 'til you lift one off the shelf.
Poor man's carbon fiber!

[deejaaa]

paper machete is great for making molds off of. i've worked with fiberglass and it can be difficult and expensive at times. i know you will find a solution in your adventure and if there is anything i can do to help, just ask.

[freebeard]

Papier mache recipe

Note the use of Copal Varnish for waterproofing.

The colors are protected against atmospheric influences, and made to shine with greater brilliance, by 2 or 3 coats of copal or anime varnish. Superior articles receive as many as 6 or 6 coats of varnish, and are finally polished.

I'm available as an editor.

Fiberglass? Don't breath the fumes. My suggestion would be Polymetal.



It's rigid, so you could cut pie-shaped pieces and roll in the curvature, then rivet it together. Most importantly, it's prefinished.