Idea: Boat Tail construction (non-rigid)

[ps2fixer]

So far every boat tail I have seen is made solid. Has anyone attempted a flexable one sort of like a baloon that can move and bend when the wind changes / cross wind? In my mind, it seems it would be the most efficent since it would do like water, and curve and bend with how the wind wants to go.

I'm not prepaired to make anything like this yet, but wanted to put up the idea and either get it bashed down, or encouraged.

Material ideas:
1. Clear plastic of some sort, melting/sealing it to form the primary shape
2. Same as 1, but have a light bendable frame such as the polls used in some tents


Idea base: Falling drop of water forms to an ideal aero shape for given wind, speed, etc.

EDIT:

Seems I'm not the only one to have this idea. I like the setup on post #23 on http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...g-10691-3.html.

[Frank Lee]

As long as it doesn't flap in the wind...

[MetroMPG]

Inflatable / non-rigid boat tails are like DIY hybrid systems: Everyone loves the idea; they get talked about a fair amount; few actually attempt it because it's not easy to do!

Phil (aerohead) experimented with a prototype inflatable tail on his Toyota pickup:



Search around and you'll find discussion of that.

[ps2fixer]

Wow... that truck does have a bubble butt!

I wouldn't mind a boat tail too much, but the problem is the actual look of the car and the rubber neckers. I figured an aired up one would be ideal for that reason (clear). Might be a bit of a pain to make sure it don't leak though :-/. I'll have to search around if/when I attempt that mod.

[Frank Lee]

HA HA "Rubber neckers" PUN!

[Cd]

Yes, speaking of rubberneckers, I can certainly imagine what people will think of a giant object which resembles a male member inflating and erecting itself off the back of your car.
It would certainly make driving more interesting eh !

[Frank Lee]

Maybe the girls would like it- get 'em interested in "aerodynamics" and modding and such?

[ps2fixer]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

HA HA "Rubber neckers" PUN!

Haha, Didn't even think of that pun . Seems like this site has more puns than the annoying orange videos (see youtube).


If the boat tail ends up looking like "male member inflating and erecting itself off the back of your car", I don't think I'll have the balls to drive the car (pun intended )