Clear Wheel Covers

[brucey]

We all know smooth wheels are the way to go for MPG. With most sources on this websites wiki reporting somewhere between 3 and 7 percent increase, that's something that I would call 'low hanging fruit'

The problem comes from it's not aesthetically pleasing to most, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think moon caps look great on certain rides.

People have experimented with clear wheel covers before. The idea of course being maintain a wheels look but get the aero benefit too. With the main problem being mounting points to properly attach it, followed by brake dust from the caliper attaching to the clear cover and making it not only more difficult to clean, but making it more obvious the cover is there.

Why not use those two problems against each other for a solution?

Essentially, have TWO clear covers. An inner disc and an outer disc. With some long bolts in between and have them pinch the spokes. Yes it might cost a bit, but the wheels should stay cleaner if anything, since they will be 'sealed' in. Plus you're still getting the aerodynamic benefit.

I think I'm going to try this method as I really appreciate the wheels I have on the new car, but I'm sure they're not helping to maximize efficiency. I also haven't been able to find anyone using this method, so does anyone have any thoughts on this? I can draw a picture if my explanation is confusing.

[Xist]

You're a madman, Brucey!

Sounds good to me!

[Smokeduv]

Looking forward to this.

[spacemanspif]

What about using brake dust shields for the inner part of the wheel? Seems that it would be the easiest solution for the inners as long as you don't mind not seeing your brake hardware...

[RedDevil]

I wonder what material you are going to use for the clear covers.
I bought a plate of acrylic glass to experiment with, but if that breaks it sheds large sharp pieces so it should not be used anywhere near the wheels.

Polycarbonate would be a safer choice, but sadly quite expensive.But maybe you can use thin PC foil, glue it on sturdy rimsize rings and mount those.

I want to buy some polypropene plates to fabricate rear wheel well covers (a.o.).
PP is cheap, strong and easy to work with. But not translucent, at least not glass-like; and not very UV resistent, so they probably need painting anyway. But they hide the wheels and lessen their drag and aesthetic issues

[brucey]

Polycarbonate most likely. It isn't really that expensive.

A simple metal dust shield could also work, possibly saving me some time. But looking at prices online it seems like polycarbonate would be the same price. Will look more into it.

[jedi_sol]

VX Cross trek? i recognize those rims.

[t vago]

You want to make sure that your wheel cover mounting hardware will clear your brake hardware. I ran up against this issue last year, when I tried to outfit my truck with pizza pans. One wouldn't think that 1mm thick zip-ties would pose a problem, but they did.

[brucey]

Originally Posted by t vago

You want to make sure that your wheel cover mounting hardware will clear your brake hardware. I ran up against this issue last year, when I tried to outfit my truck with pizza pans. One wouldn't think that 1mm thick zip-ties would pose a problem, but they did.

I plan on using the outside edge of the rim in the small "U" shape that forms at the end of each spoke.This shouldn't pose a problem with clearing the calipers or rotors.

And yes, it's a crosstrek.

[brucey]

Found a source that will get me sheets in different thicknesses with UV protection and will cut them in disc for me up to 17 3/4". Going to see if it will fit as it will save me some time with this project.