Boat tail - Redneck style...

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by aerohead

You might want to consider these projects as aerodynamic proof-of-concept exercises.
'Utility' can require a quantum leap as far as fabrication requirements go.If the mpg benefits suggested by the original device merit additional investment,then we've at least got a known quantity to incentivize the extra effort.

Eco-modder ≠ Eco-OEM. It's not fair to compare apples to orange smoothies.

[freebeard]

MetroMPG -- I'm starting to think it's an overactive imagination.

Google Images inurl:ecomodder.com boattail doesn't find it.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Eco-modder ≠ Eco-OEM. It's not fair to compare apples to orange smoothies.

The point I wanted to make is that a 'finished' device might eat 800-man-hours before completion.
You'd want to have a high degree of confidence that it was going to work when you were done.A non-utilitarian,quick-and-dirty fabrication would provide a test mule for performance evaluation.
Bondo is a pro,and I wouldn't presume to know his costs to bring a high-utility part to fruition.
I do know that it took my 3-man team at ABARIS 7-days to fabricate a composite part the size of a loaf of bread,using standard industry practice.

[Fat Charlie]

Yeah, features and refinement add exponentially to time and money requirements.

A good boattail is a huge undertaking.
A good, pretty one is more than two huge undertakings.
A good, pretty one with utility is an even bigger project, while a good, pretty one that does not compromise the car's original utility is ridiculous.

3-Wheeler's Insight comes to mind: a ludicrous project done for the love of it.

[redneck]

.

I repaired the front air dam and re-taped the bumper while in N.Y. The other problems would have to wait. It was time to return to S.C.

I pulled over a couple of times along the way to check the air dam. All was well.

Then...

In Wytheville VA. I pulled into a gas station to use the facilities.

As I stepped out of the car, I got a little surprise...






I never saw or heard anything.







If you look closely at the next picture. You'll notice a missing screw on the skirt. I'm guessing it backed out and allowed air to get behind the panel, blowing it out.




The only thing I could do was tape the loose edges down and continue on.

Thankfully, the rest of the trip was uneventful.


928.8 miles (includes 60 local miles while there)

12.56 gal.

73.94 mpg


I also kept track of the engine hrs. vs. actual driving time for the return trip.


13.5 engine hrs.

15 hrs. actual driving time


Part of the reason for the discrepancy is because of my normal EOC.

The other part is because I got caught in stop and go rush hour traffic in the morning and i only ran the engine as needed.

Then in the afternoon, a portion of I-77 south in VA. became a parking lot for some unknown reason. Luckily, the first half of that delay began at the top of a long down hill stretch, thus it didn't require the engine to run.

865 miles (actual trip distance)

divided by 15 hrs.

= 57.66 mph average speed


Had I been able to shave a hour off. The average speed would increase to
61.78 mph.

I hope that helps to clear up the MPG to MPH ratio.


Have a Great Day...





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[MetroMPG]

Thanks for the return report!

Going to make a replacement panel?

[deejaaa]

that is amazing mileage. one of these days I will commit myself.

[redneck]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Thanks for the return report!

Going to make a replacement panel?

I plan on making several revisions to the car this year and this area will be re-visted among others.

However, for the interim I will make a replacement panel.





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[MobilOne]

For a much better tape; try Eternabond tape. I have used it to tape over joints on my truck camper and it has lasted about 3 years so far.

Masterful work you have done! A great inspiration! Thanks

[bennelson]

Redneck,

Was the foam that you originally used for the boat tail, the same as what you used for the air dam and back sides?

I'm extememly impressed with the tight bent curves at the back of the boat-tail. How was that done without simply breaking the foam? I've never been able to bend foam at all. That was just foil-faced 1/2 white bead "styrofoam", right?

I'm looking at possibly adding a boat tail and am exploring materials options. I like your use of conduit.