Going Green and saving some Green

[Hotrod_ace]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

External mirrors on both sides are the law here so I'm keeping mine but looking for some smaller "racer" style ones.

As for wipers you can get lower profile "flat" ones, build a deflector to attach to the rear of the bonnet (hood) or perhaps remove the passenger one and fit a smaller driver side one. Another alternative is to go all "ricer" and get them to park vertically.

I think I agree about the safety factor of the side mirrors. I found some smaller more aero side mirrors that I might try.

I like the vertical wiper trick. I'm still leaving mine off though. The amount of rain we get doesn't warrant keeping them on and if I find I really do need them, I have them stowed away in my cab.

[Hotrod_ace]

Originally Posted by SimonSellsAustin

Ace, I hope you never have to use that fix-a-flat crap (it ruins rims and tires from the inside but it will get you to the tire shop). I'm with you on the spare removal. I removed mine because I haven't had a flat, since 2001 after I ran over a board in the road (I drove it straight to the tire shop and left it over night- 2 tires were flat in the morning). I did have a blowout once back in 1999 due to a faulty tire with plenty of tread and no warning signs (bubble was on the inside).

I only put my spares in when taking trips and in both of those situations a spare didn't suffice (when I had the blowout the spare was crap and got me only 2miles). Since then when I'm just putting around town the spare is out! It really isn't a big issue for me and it rarely happens. I've had more problems with spares being too old and unmaintained when needed than with the flats themselves. That's what roadside assistance is for. Here in Texas we have free roadside assistance. I also have roadside for free through Ford.

I forgot about Fix-a-flat being a bad repair option. I used it to repair a trailer tire about a year ago and they couldn't patch the tire. I'll only use it if I'm absolutely stranded somewhere.
I like the idea of putting the tire back for long trips. Thanks.

[euromodder]

Putting wipers in the vertical position is extra bad news for a pedestrian you might hit.

Sure it doesn't happen often to a single car or driver, but pedestrians get hit by cars every day.


I don't regularly carry a spare anymore, but I do put it back in for longer trips.

[Sven7]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Putting wipers in the vertical position is extra bad news for a pedestrian you might hit.

I'm curious as to the reasoning here.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Putting wipers in the vertical position is extra bad news for a pedestrian you might hit.

Agreed. Some cars have them vertical by design, but not in the middle which improves pedestrial safety at the expense of visibility (thicker A-pillar).



The "Boy Racers" at my work suggest this may be illegal now anyway.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Hotrod_ace

Future Mods Planned: Wheel disks, grill block, composite front bumper/air dam, rear bumper delete, antennae delete, thinner oil, LRR tires... and who knows what else.

Congratulations on the masive savings just by swapping vehicles. I would put the cash in investments (retirement or college) or debt reduction (credit cards or mortgage pay-downs) and you'll compound the bonus.

On the vehicles... somebody must have already mentioned a tonneau cover for your ranger. Elsewise, I would recommend the grill block, with radiator ducting for the remaining opening so air is forced through your radiator and can't go around it inside the engine bay. You will notice the difference in coolant temps come summertime. The airdam, made with simple lawn edging that's probably available at Orchard Supply on 17th street (yup, I'm in Orange County too).

For the cooler months, remove the belt on your A/C compressor.

My tires are at 60psi and going strong. But judge your own safety. And those streets in Santa Ana! You will feel them when the tires are pumped up high!

Welcome... james (one of "the joneses")

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Sven7

I'm curious as to the reasoning here.

There's far more chance of a scooped up pedestrian hitting them, resulting in cuts and lacerations.

[Hotrod_ace]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Congratulations on the masive savings just by swapping vehicles. I would put the cash in investments (retirement or college) or debt reduction (credit cards or mortgage pay-downs) and you'll compound the bonus.

On the vehicles... somebody must have already mentioned a tonneau cover for your ranger. Elsewise, I would recommend the grill block, with radiator ducting for the remaining opening so air is forced through your radiator and can't go around it inside the engine bay. You will notice the difference in coolant temps come summertime. The airdam, made with simple lawn edging that's probably available at Orchard Supply on 17th street (yup, I'm in Orange County too).

For the cooler months, remove the belt on your A/C compressor.

My tires are at 60psi and going strong. But judge your own safety. And those streets in Santa Ana! You will feel them when the tires are pumped up high!

Welcome... james (one of "the joneses")

Haha, small world.
* On Sunday I found a tonneau cover on craigslist $120, and the color even matched...(gotta love Craigslist)

* I'm trying to figure out the the best way to do the grill block (want it to look good)

* I would like to figure out the best Wheel size for fuel economy (14", 15" or 16") and get Moon Disks and LRR tires. I can't believe you run your tires at 60psi. What are they rated at on the sidewall?

*I ordered a set of aero side mirrors that I'm going to install (found them on ebay for $30 shipped) then I'll sell the OEM mirrors. I'll post pics after install.

As far as the extra money goes, we still owed on the Lincoln so the balance is only about $15K. We plan to use that to convert the Prius to a Plug In and get solar panels for our home (If you know of any gov. rebates in OC, let me know)

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Hotrod_ace

* I would like to figure out the best Wheel size for fuel economy (14", 15" or 16") and get Moon Disks and LRR tires. I can't believe you run your tires at 60psi. What are they rated at on the sidewall?

SentraSE-R did some pretty involved testing on different sizes and weights for his car. Search for it on the forum and you'll see. In general, larger wheels reduce RPMs, which is generally good for steady state driving--such as freeways. But lighter weight is better for P&G routines, where you repeatedly drag the weight up to a given speed. Remember too that rotational mass is different... the rule of thumb this forum has taught me is to double the weight to get a rough estimate of rotational mass. Try not to go for wider tires. Keep in mind that the tire diameter will effect overall diameter too.



j

[TXwaterdog]

Originally Posted by euromodder

There's far more chance of a scooped up pedestrian hitting them, resulting in cuts and lacerations.

There's an easy fix, DON'T HIT PEDESTRIANS!