Project "Save the Flea!" Winter beater: 2007 Civic 1.8L, 5-speed

[MetroMPG]

It fits:

[dirtydave]

Looks good!

[MetroMPG]

This was made using the revised AST (aero streamlining template).

I started by taping a strip of aluminum (carpet edging, I think) on the roof and pulling it down to get a curve.

I'm not expecting big things here, because the Civic's stock rear profile isn't too bad. Wiki says the '06 Civic sedan has a 0.31 drag coefficient. (No source given.)

I haven't yet tuft tested the car's rear glass, but I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't recirculating flow at the base of the window as I've seen on some other sedans.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by RedDevil

Any chance you can just unhinge the shack door when it needs to come out again?
See, nothing to keep you from building a 6 ft boat tail

I could, but it'll be removable (tail). Also, it'll be cardboard, no surprise. I'm only keeping this car for a year, so the mods don't need to be durable goods quality.

Errr... What are you driving in the meantime through the snow and cold? Blackfly?

That's my primary local vehicle. And I don't have any out-of-town trips planned until New Year's Eve, so have plenty of time to mess around with the Civic.

[awcook]

You have 8 days til New Year's Eve lol.

Today I retrieved my mountain bike from its ~2 year vacation in the storage unit and boy was it rusty. Today I pumped the tires in it to 40 PSI from maybe 0.2 PSI. Next up I have to either replace the chain and gears or fix them somehow. Either way, it will take lots of work.

Anyways, on my Civic I have been noticing lots of wind noise on the bottom of the car, so I think that is where you will find the most improvement in your car. The rear of the car is surprisingly great compared to other cars out there. It follows the streamlining template better than some of the competitors and even some supersports cars.

[MetroMPG]

This always takes longer than I think it will...

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

That's the nicest thing anybody has ever said about that dump!

I believe that I have the dubious distinction of owning the dumpiest of all dumps!
Ask anyone who's seen it!

[2000mc]

edit: so yeah, somehow the idea of cycling in December in Canada wouldnt compute for me

[MetroMPG]

It hasn't been bad this year. Only a couple of snow days so far, and MUCH LESS COLD than last year! (So far.)

As for the Firefly, it's currently suffering the indignity of sitting on the driveway, getting occasionally snowed on! That won't hurt it. It's the road salt I'm avoiding. When I'm done playing with the Civic, the Flea will return to its cozy winter digs.

[MetroMPG]

Last update for a day or 2!

Merry Christmas everyone.