Ute Aerodynamics?

[freebeard]

One bucket over from the Cybertruck is the Delorean:


motonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/delorean3.jpg

[JacobLeSann]

You know, I like that idea. What if you went even further, and had a handle inside the cabin hooked up a mechanism that could extend and retract a panel over the rear-vision tunnel? Driving in town at low speed? Retract it. On the highway at speed, where drag is an issue? Extend it. I’ve had ideas about extendable aero on several of my imaginary vehicles, I wonder if it is worth the weight and complexity.

The Delorean will forever look awesome. I wonder what the .Cd is? The Lotus Esprit Mk.1 has always felt like the Delorean designed as a proper sports car. Would love to see how bad window louvres are for drag.

[JacobLeSann]

I told my dad about the adjustable panel idea and he asked: “why not a shutter?”. Possible stroke of genius?

[Should be biking]

Why don’t you just rig up a backup camera for rearview?

[JacobLeSann]

It’s possible, but it’s not my preference. I know alot about mechanical designs, and know very little about electrical design. I know the backup camera on the 2019 Rav4 I drive for work is usually frosted over. Beeps at me even though there’s nothing there. I feel like a good system would be expensive, maybe I’m wrong though.

I find the idea of being able to “turn off” my rear windshield kind of appealing. LOTS of lifted trucks with poorly-adjusted LED low-beams here. I know I can flip the rear view down but even still, helps to keep that annoying crap out of my retinas.

[freebeard]

So what about the 'lift-over height' of a typical car trunk? Would you give it a proper tail gate?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

So what about the 'lift-over height' of a typical car trunk? Would you give it a proper tail gate?

Besides those Brazilian old-school dual-cab conversions, recently I have seen a fair amount of trucks with the tailgate replaced by a proper trunk lid.

[JacobLeSann]

Considering the height of the original trunk in addition the buttresses, yes I will definitely need a tailgate. That one is tricky. I love the tail-lights of the 96-98 Sedan and coupe and I feel like the wiring can be modified and hinges implemented. I’ve seen it done once or twice, but I think most other civic ute builds likely just weld the rear end, and have no tailgate. Going off the Holden I posted in the beginning of the thread, it looks as though it has a rear end design like this.

The second option is to do it right, and make my own tailgate. Using the original taillights off the sedan is tricky, as half of my rear lighting would be missing should I be carrying loads with my tailgate down. Adding to that, my license plate would need to be moved down to the bumper. I have an aforementioned S10 in my yard that might be useable for these parts. Beyond that, I’m sure I can copy the Smyth kit.

There was a 1988 Civic Wagovan for sale on Kijiji not far from me. That would be perfect for a conversion. Long wheelbase, AWD civic with taillights like a truck. I digress, though.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JacobLeSann

CI love the tail-lights of the 96-98 Sedan and coupe and I feel like the wiring can be modified and hinges implemented.

Didn't the hatchback of the prior generation have a truck-style tailgate anyway?

[JacobLeSann]

Yes it did! I have a clapped out hatch in my yard with that neat tailgate. It has nearly the same taillights as the coupe/sedan though, so it’s not a huge improvement over my sedan’s stock rear ended. The 1992-95 civic hatches are getting stupid pricey and rare, too.

The 1996-00 hatchback has taillights that may better suit the bill, and unless I’m wrong there is more space in between them, as well as good metal to makes tailgate. My cars are all buried inside snow piles right now, so can’t really check.


I guess it’s all a question of how often I will have my tailgate down.


Random side note: my uncle has a late 60’s Beetle shell in his shed. He wants me to have it for free! I’d fix that up as a winter driver, but it’s 2022 and my local government loves road salt