T-100 nose completion ( almost )
 

After languishing for 5-years,I've nearly completed the nose on the T-100.
I've spent 13.75-hours on it over the last week and it's for all intents and purposes complete for the exception of very minor details.
I had a piece of 1/2-inch EMT laying around and I used it for the lower bow support,which defines the lower sheetmetal edge.
Thick aluminum strips were cut,pre-drilled,oriented at the proper angle,then pop-riveted on to provide attachment points for the skin.
The local metal recycling center had a nice weight of pre-owned aluminum sheet.For a bit over $12 (US) I scored enough to do the nose.
I started the sheetmetal layout at the center and worked my way around to the sides,using panel screws with floating cone-washers to attach.Two sheets comprise the metal portion.
For the lowest portion,I used a urethane foam floor pad material from Big-Lots,a chain store which markets overruns and plenty of cheap foreign-made stuff.Worked out at about a dollar/sq-ft.
Two fenestrations are cut to allow the turn indicator/emerg. flashers to shine through.Later I will move the plex covers from the underlying nose,forward onto the new face.
I'm maintaining 6-inches of ground clearance with the flexible chin and it is already 'contacting' some curb and gutter work.
It 'blows' my approach clearance,so I'll have to be vigilant when driving up and down driveways.
Even with the bellypan,I don't want any more air going under the truck as necessary for clearance.The chin spoiler made a difference at Bonneville with the CRX and also with mpg,and I must presume it will do likewise with the truck.
The new addition makes for a generous radius around both sides and also kicks air upwards do to the raked back face.
Subjectively,she coasts like a bat out of hell.We'll have to wait on some real data though.
I have pictures in the camera and I'm hoping Al can help me with those before closing time today.:rolleyes:

Sounds cool, would love to see the pic!

here ya go!
 

Thanks to Mr. Glidewell we now have images.

Phil,

I like that 'aero-lump' on the hood!!

That's a great way to get the air flow over the truck smoother.

Basjoos has been contemplating a way to utilize two windshields to accomplish the same thing, but this looks much more doable.

Thanks for the idea.

Jim.

Phil, your creativity and tenacity never cease to amaze. Any chance you could post top and side views with your template overlaid? :)

Cheers
KB

After a couple years of running around with an air dam that came first an inch and a half (38mm) above grade then three inches (76mm), this year I trimmed it back so it wouldn't drag everytime I hit the brakes.

This year's version (I take the air dam off when the snow flies) was cut back to 7 inches above grade in front of the wheels and hanging suspension parts and 12 inched above grade in the center.

Well it doesn't rub the ground anymore andit doesn't look as goofy, but from a MPG perspective, I think cutting back the air dam was a mistake.

In my case the increase in Cd more than offset reduction in frontal area.

I think I'll go back to a flat-bottom air dam, maybe 5 inches (125mm) above grade.

I do still highly recommed the rip-stop conveyor belt. It is expensive and a bear to fabricate, but is virtually indestructible. The deer carcass hasn't been made that can this stuff.

Love the air intake - reminds me of classic jets :)

side/top
 

KB,I've got some pretty good side photos but no vantage point to get a really good plan view.
I've never analyzed "poco loco" the Chrysler racing sailboat hull which takes the place of the destroyed original aeroshell,so I don't know about it's architecture.
I needed something and the boat was available.
I'll think about the plan view photo.Time is tight with 1st week of September departure date looming up fast.

Spacecraft looking rig!

Or the Batman Returns Batmobile!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...le_replica.jpg
I think you should add a fake jet exhaust on the rear end!