Full boat tail on a Matrix

[arcosine]

The weight limit is for braking in a safe distance, not going. I suppose the trailer wheel could have a brake. An origami trailer-tail, or, if you want to fold it up like a tent, maybe fabric.

[freebeard]

http://psipunk.com/sunred-solar-moto...-solar-panels/

[renault_megane_dci]

Wonder what one could do with this concept applied to the template ...

Foldable setup, I would try to have roof and sides hinged to the rear door with the quarter circles angles meant to lock it in place when unfolded.

What's the target length of the setup ?

[Weather Spotter]

The dreaded happened last night.

The tail came off. It was easy on the top but the lower end we had to undo the u bolts and remove the tail from the draw bar then heat the draw bar up to glowing orange to remove.

The car looks short and odd.

Now I get to plan version 2.0 !!!!!

[MetroMPG]

RIP, boat tail.

[Weather Spotter]

I also took of the back end belly pan off and that and the tail were hooked together.

[Weather Spotter]

here are some pics

last ones i took with tail on:
















pics of the attachment points on top and seal between car and tail (leak points):




taking off the belly pan:


pan after 2 years:


tail is off:


rip tail version 1:






with all the old stickers and old mpg stats (43 mpg? thats old):


how the car looks now:

[freebeard]

Only a boattail, but one more is gone...

[Weather Spotter]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Only a boattail, but one more is gone...

I know, its sad. its harder to find my car in the lot now



I am planning how to make tail 2.0...... I want to keep leaks out so I might make it attached to the OEM tailgate, It could also have a bottom section that could be raised up for towing access. Ideas are floating around and I have not given up. After 3.5 years the tail needed major rework so its time to take it off and plan another one

[freebeard]

No pain, no gain.

Ideas? Skegs that pivot just behind the rear wheel and have a skateboard wheel at the tip that normally float 3 1/2" off the ground but lift to a reasonable departure angle on impact?

My only boattail so far:



For the final v1.0, I will use Polymetal or equivalent. Rolled simple curves with flanged curved edges, riveted internally. The result will be sort of pseudo-compound curves and a rigid monocoque that should need minimal internal bracing, likely a trunk floor.