My prototype wheel skirt - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

cfg83 · 10-02-2009, 04:07 AM

vtec-e -

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtec-e

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Those are some interesting pics of similar skirts. It's kinda funny how i came up with the same shape without any outside influence! My reasoning behind it was the wheel arch tapers in a little towards the rear of the car but the wheel doesn't, obviously! So i slid a straight edge down the wheel arch till it touched the tire at both the front and the rear. This was going to be the lowest point of the wheel skirt and it was sloped as it turns out. If i designed it with an outward bow i would have ended up with a different lower edge. I'll still put a slight bow in it for aero and rigidity purposes and also to give me a little more clearance.
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Coolio, form follows function.

CarloSW2

vtec-e · 10-02-2009, 10:51 AM

I think there has been some confusion regarding the material used. It's plastic right the way through and needs two to three runs of a stanley knife to cut so it's tough enough. Under close scrutiny it is a little porus and this results in it being lighter. The surface finish is ever so slightly rough but has a gloss finish to it. I'm going to take a few more pics now. Won't be doing any ecomodding this weekend as i'll be working. But i'll make a start at it on monday.

ollie

vtec-e · 10-02-2009, 11:19 AM

Here's the front flare as requested:

And the full side view:

Rear view:

This pic highlights the need for an outward bulge. And the very end of it needs work to tidy it up a little.
I'm erring slightly on the side of painting it black as it will stand out less. However, painting it the same as the car would look smart. Any suggetions are welcome!

ollie

Nevyn · 10-02-2009, 03:12 PM

TEST YOUR PAINT FIRST! Some cheap spray paints like to eat through foam-plastic.

My vote is for 100% black. It'll make your car look more like the back end is floating.

Christ · 10-02-2009, 03:22 PM

I like to highlight mods, not hide them, so I vote silver.

Maybe a poll is in order for the thread?

vtec-e · 10-03-2009, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevyn

TEST YOUR PAINT FIRST! Some cheap spray paints like to eat through foam-plastic.

My vote is for 100% black. It'll make your car look more like the back end is floating.

Good point about the eating plastic qualities of the paint. When the time comes i'll test it on a scrap first. Isn't there an undercoat that allows the paint to flex with the plastic? I should probably consider that too.
I've also added a poll to see what the general consensus is. Obviously it won't have a bearing on mpg but it helps if the mod looks good.

ollie

Cd · 10-03-2009, 10:41 AM

Cd · 10-03-2009, 10:42 AM

It looks good either way.
Do what you want !

vtec-e · 10-03-2009, 01:32 PM

Dude!! You photoshop skills are waaay better than mine! I tried it on another pic but it didn't work out. I'm preferring the silver to be honest.

ollie

Cd · 10-03-2009, 04:01 PM

Thanks !
The bad thing about silver paint is that it shows details such as the corrogation in the material that you are using. Also, if you use spray paint, the paint will tend to have a visible pattern with metallic colors. ( So use a good quality paint and a criss-cross pattern. )
With either color ( but especially silver ) I would suggest maybe adding a small black edge to the bottom lip and curling it under.
You can use black trim pieces that are usually sold for screens at home improvement stores ... or just use some good quality electrical tape if you have a steady hand. If you look at wheel wells on cars, the metal does not end in a sharp edge, but rather has a rounded edge that tucks into the wheel well.

If you go with black, you will find that matte black hides imperfections, as well as makes the piece look professional and not 'cheap' looking.

( Just my suggestion )