Front Fender/Wheel Skirt Idea....
 

Front skirts would not necessarily have to be a full blown cover to be effective, although the full skirt would have the optimum aero advantage. A partial skirt could work also.

My idea is more of a three piece design. Two of the pieces being stationary at the front and rear of the wheel well. Basically serving as filler pieces between the wheel well and tire. The third piece positioned over the top of the tire, being somewhat oval shaped, mounted to the steering knuckle and moving as the wheels are turned. Possibly even pushing on the stationary pieces to allow for more clearance at more extreme turns.

The tire would be totally exposed but would still be more aero efficient.

I hope this is understandable, I am going to have to work on some drawings for this.

I've thought the same thing.

However my fender gap is darn near zero already.

But I have an idea that could be useful.
In AnnArbor Mi the Busses have what amounts to broom materials around the wheel arches nearly touching the tires. Why not use them for aero advantage? They would only rub when turning tight; so if you drive straight a lot I "THINK" they would work alright.

i had the same idea a while back, "brooms" might make some good very low dams as well... they'll clean the street rather than be damaged!

i recently spotted "broom" strips being soled to stop draft underneath doors... i don'tt hink these strips where flexible but perhaps it's a good source to look at for people contemplating this idea

OOH I like the Airdam Idea.

Where did you see the "broom material" by the foot so to speak?

it was at a home-improvement - diy store, in Belgium where i live, so a bit out of your area i guess, but i can't imagine something similar not being available in the us.

they where not by the foot, but rather typical door-width strips with a plastic top and an adhesive strip to the side so you could stick it to the lower side of a door.

two strips should be more than wide enough to cover the total width of a car, and perhaps they're flexible enough to be bend to the shape of an airdam.

anyway maybe you'll spot these things in a shop once you know they exist... stores might not stock then during the summer, but on the other hand they may be on discount during the summer.

perhaps a company that specializes in (custom)doors or gates might have this stuff my the foot though

Here's a couple of places that sells brush seal, there are lots more:

Strip Brushes Standard Backing Sizes - Tanis Inc.
Brush Seals Custom Brushes

The Fuller Co. has some stock shapes and sizes, I didn't call to check but that's what their entry in the Thomas Register said.

I'd think that trimming the brush to ALMOST touch the tire would be the ticket. If they did touch, tho, that wouldn't help FE very much.

Great idea. Now get out there and sweep the steet. It's filthy. :p

Brilliant, I think that you are on to something!

Are the broom strips on trucks or busses for aero or for flying debris?

both? i'd say they're probably there for debris,as a bus company you don't peoples front windows being shot out by kicked up gravel..., but they don't look like hey'd hurt aero either, and they might keep the sides of the bus cleaner too.