lets see your Aero mods

[Cd]

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

As I was musing on this today, it occurred to me I could get some rubber wall border and use that as the bottom 3" which would keep the bottom flexible while still deflecting airflow around the tires...

I have used that in the past as an air deflector. It has a nice rubbery look to it and looks more professional than the shiny plastic lawn edging. It's easy to cut, and comes in rolls of 20'.
The price has gone up quite a bit in the last few years though, and the stuff is surprisingly heavy in large quantities.
The main thing I had to say about it though is that over time it has a tendency to become brittle ( over 2-3 years ) in the areas where it is fastened to the bumper, so I'll be sure to use larger washers next time.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Flakbadger

I was thinking about the same thing, except all the border material I've looked at is rather flimsy. Spent quite a bit of time at the big box hardware stores looking, actually.

Sometime soon, I'm going to contact a local semi truck trailer outfitter, and see how much the rubber skirting they put on the bottom of trailer wings would run me... You know, scrap pieces. I think that would have the rigidity needed. Probably out of my price range, but, you know, it's a thought.

If you'll orbit by local truck stops,occasionally you may find mudflaps and side skirts which have been torn off big rigs.The price is definitely right.

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by Cd

Is that a scoop underneath the front bumper?

[Cd]

Originally Posted by jedi_sol

Is that a scoop underneath the front bumper?

That was a small spoiler that I had tilted up to channel air to the radiator. It also served as a small air dam.

( Full grille block )

[ECONORAM]

Originally Posted by aerohead

If you'll orbit by local truck stops,occasionally you may find mudflaps and side skirts which have been torn off big rigs.The price is definitely right.

I was thinking about that the other day. Those mudflaps are made of durable stuff, and seem to have to s good stiffness and flexibility.

@Spacemanspif, if I can find the sites I'll post the links. I did some research on splitters a few years ago. What got me started was the Top Gear guys, racing a diesel BMW in some sort of race in Europe. That was back in 07-08. Found one! https://hookedondriving.wordpress.co...ont-splitters/ Found two! BMW Race Car Aerodynamics Part 1: Practical Splitter and Air Dam Design | Lang Racing Development
I do need to come up with better material. I've only used 3/8" plywood painted with oil-based paint, and with RTV on the front face, and it isn't that durable. Only lasts about 12-18 months before deterioration sets in. I'm thinking about ABS welding some 1/8" sheets together for the splitter...

[freebeard]

I wouldn't use plywood anywhere on the outside bottom of a car unless the edges are very well sealed, like soaked in epoxy 1/2" deep.

The Lang Racing article suggests Alumilite. Similar products are Polymetal and Grimco MaxMetal. 3mm Polymetal is described as stiff as 5/8" ply at 1/10th the weight. Having experimented with samples I believe it. It is also available in 6mm, and MaxMetal is available with thicker aluminum skins.

I doubt the ABS would be as stiff.

Edit: Here's an interesting article: http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/06/...-is-the-force/



There is a venturi that starts mid-vehicle and passes over the differential and exits through the rear deck lid. Air scoops in the rear doors dump through the rear bumper.

[ECONORAM]

Yeah, unfortunately I'd already made the second one from plywood by the time I found that article. I agree the ABS isn't super stiff; however, it works good for the Avenger's belly panel. But I think I'll get one of those for the truck; the aero forces I've seen pounding the front end are really something else. Polymetal: PolyMetal™ - Aluminum Skin on Two Sides of a Recyled Thermoplastic Core Grimco (says they only do wholesaling): Grimco - Substrates: Max-Metal, MAX-metal
I toyed with the idea of a similar ducting for my truck over 5 years ago, but had not clue how to execute it with what I had available in time and materials.
Interesting to see the exhaust wrap; wonder how often he has to replace the manifold? Exhaust wrap accelerates metal fatigue, as I understand it...

[freebeard]

I can get sample scraps up to full sheets of Polymetal from a local supplier, Multicraft Plastics. They have three prices: end user, B2B and wholesale. I haven't asked them about Grimco.

[ECONORAM]

Found a local place that sells Max Metal sheets; $105 plus tax for a 4'x8' x 6mm thick sheet.

[wagonef8]

I get sheets of aluminum at local scrap yard 60 cents a pound last i went