Plastics moon discs - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

hypermiler01 · 03-08-2009, 08:35 PM

It costs several hundred dollars to make a casting die.

cfg83 · 03-08-2009, 08:47 PM

moorecomp -

Quote:

Originally Posted by moorecomp

How about using kids round plastic saucers that are used for sledding? Cost just a few bucks around here.

I was noticing those a few months ago. I think they have pretty big diameters, usually greater than 15" (my wheel size).

CarloSW2

MetroMPG · 03-08-2009, 10:20 PM

The plastic saucers are a good idea. You could always trim them down to your rim diameter.

Better than pizza pans, actually, because as Phil has pointed out before, the slightly "domed" wheel cover is apparently the ideal aero shape.

cfg83 · 03-09-2009, 03:50 AM

MetroMPG -

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

The plastic saucers are a good idea. You could always trim them down to your rim diameter.

Better than pizza pans, actually, because as Phil has pointed out before, the slightly "domed" wheel cover is apparently the ideal aero shape.

Ha ha, you could do a group buy for 3 cars with a material UMC of ~$5.50 a disk :

(needs some paint)

CarloSW2

.

cfg83 · 03-09-2009, 01:54 PM

Piwoslaw -

Maybe DIY vacuum forming is an option for you :

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ming-7404.html

CarloSW2

Bror Jace · 04-11-2009, 04:03 PM

I'm another that is looking for plastic "moon" hubcaps. I bought 16" stainless steel push-on hubcaps last year and just recently lost one. Because they are prone to loosening and flying off.

Heck, I even found the same "moon" wheel cover (but in 15") by the side of the road. So I know this is a common problem. It's not just me.

I have a set of cheap 15" plastic wheel covers I bought year ago. These have a thick metal wire that, in conjunction with plastic fingers, provide the friction to keep them in place. Running them 4-5 months each year for 5+ years, I have never lost a one. They stick well and are lightweight so there is less force pulling them off.

I too have to think it's just a matter of time before these are commercially made. Why not make them and make outrageous claims about 5-10% greater fuel economy?

With all the gimmicks that are out there ... why not make these ... something that will actually work? (albeit subtley)

aerohead · 04-11-2009, 04:14 PM

I have no business sense whatsoever,however from back-tracking on the EV-1 I ran across some articles which suggest that production numbers below 40,000-50,000 units a year are economically un-profitable i.e. of no interest to manufacturers unless it's some high-end niche market.

wagonman76 · 04-12-2009, 01:02 AM

I like the idea of plastic sleds. As winter ends they are probably on clearance for dirt cheap too. That might be an option if my coroplast discs ever come apart. Right now I have coroplast discs taped to my trim rings and then painted over. I could get a set of junkyard trim rings (so I don't screw up my originals) and bolt the appropriately cut plastic sleds to them with small screws and nuts.

As far as mass production, probably just not the market for them. Back when hubcaps were the norm, you still hardly saw any moon discs as it was. Now most cars seem to have alloy wheels so any market would be even smaller.

Bror Jace · 04-13-2009, 12:40 PM

I thought about this s'more. Common sense tells me if 'they' can make and sell stainless steel covers, sell them and make money ... 'they' can do the same with ABS plastic.

Shawn D. · 04-13-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bror Jace

I thought about this s'more. Common sense tells me if 'they' can make and sell stainless steel covers, sell them and make money ... 'they' can do the same with ABS plastic.

Of course "they" could make some, but the majority of folks who want moon discs are hot-rodder types who don't want plastic discs -- hot rodders want real aluminum or stainless discs.