Ute Aerodynamics?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by JacobLeSann

I’ve heard that about the Europa. I don’t quite like the original look but I love the Chip Foose and the Rei Amemiya redesigns.

aerohead, do you have any papers that describe the Europa’s aerodynamics? I know the car was done without a wind tunnel, which is impressive.

I searched the rat's nest and came up empty-handed.
I do have a vague recollection of an article describing how Colin Chapman would tie himself to the top of some Lotus, and while an employee drove the car at high speed, Chapman would crawl around like a spider on top of the thing, using his hands to 'feel' the airflow, and maybe hold a tuft wand.
It was a long time ago, and my little gray cells aren't very reliable anymore.
'Air-whispering.'

[JacobLeSann]

aerohead, that’s absurd! I doubt that would even work well (wouldn’t his body be disrupting airflow?), but that’s a funny anecdote regardless.

Here’s some random images:



In Sweden there are a lot of Utes that came about from the A-Traktor legal loophole. Iirc, you can legally have a car before the age of 17 if you modify a car to be used as a farm tractor. There are certain odd requirements that lead to a Ute design being the end result. This one is from a Volvo, and you’ll notice it *almost* has a notchback. Interesting.



My parents went to Mexico, and they kept telling me about the “new VW Rabbits” there. I thought they meant the VW Amarok, but it turns out it was likely one of these. They’re so cool! I love them. VW Saveiro Cross.



Modern NASCAR trucks. I wonder if these are a viable item to study in terms of pickup box drag reduction. I notice the fences atop the tonneau cover….stability, mainly?

[freebeard]

Saveiro

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Volkswagen_Gol
Volkswagen Gol - Wikipedia
Volkswagen Saveiro is a lightweight pickup truck. All Gol generations have been sold with this bodystyle, which was introduced to the market in 1983. It is named after a traditional Brazilian fishing boat. It is currently sold in Mexico since 1999 as the Pointer Pick Up.

A pizza delivery truck:


Similar to Camper World series trucks. Conforms to aerohead's Template. I always wonder why they don't run slant-chopped camper tops. Visbility?

Random pix:




The fences are for when they go sideways, to cut lift.

[JacobLeSann]

I’ve seen the first image of that Pizza truck, but can’t find any info on it. Looks like his rear extension ramps up from the rear-base of the bed and up and over the tailgate.

Id probably go for a slant-chop camper top. I mean, it rhymes. I’d bet money you could have better visibility with less overall weight than a fastback topper (less glass, and at a more upright angle). If I don’t end up going with a ute, I think a slant-chopped shooting brake could suit the bill too.

Is that one picture a modified Rampage/Scamp? Those are interesting with the coupe doors, unlike other Utes. Sacrifices some bed space for better cabin space.

[JacobLeSann]

Oh wow, give this a look. I love these PPG cars from this era. ‘89 Chevy XT-2. Looks like a Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor mated with a Dodge Deora II concept.

[freebeard]

I’ve seen the first image of that Pizza truck, but can’t find any info on it.

I don't remember the picture being that small ???

I took the picture myself. It's probably parked right now on Main Street in Springfield. I talked to the manager, and he knew it got better gas mileage but didn't know how much. It's really a warming oven with a reader board or 3rd brake light.

The modified is a Subaru BRAT. The T-top gives it away. It was in a parking lot on Main. The Type III (which could be 'uted') was at the Oregon Country Fair.

[JacobLeSann]

I love that pizza truck. Make sure to secure those 4 cheeses with some tie straps!

Those BRATS are sure cool. I love the B-pillar styling being similar to the El Camino. Never seen one in person.

On my Ontario trip, I thought I had seen a VW fastback of that vintage, but it was actually a Volvo. Man, cars with the pontoon front fenders and round headlights will always be cool.

[freebeard]

I took this picture in Wendover (B'ville Salt Flats). IIRC correctly it was French -- Renault or Peugot.

[freebeard]

Now I'm thinking it might have been a Simca, they came with a Ford V8-60.

I can't find the post but didn't you mention a 1970s Beetle ute? Perhaps it was a Lil Hound Dog.


www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=535455

[JacobLeSann]

This one, but I swear it was on a classic Beetle. Maybe my eyes are bad…or I was just focused on the road. I don’t like the body lines, but I still like that they did it.

The beetle kit you just posted (Lil Hound Dog?) looks awesome. I love the look of the bed sides being above the vehicle belt-line.

———————————-/

I’ve seen you posted many types of Beetle kits on here. With these, are you supposed to just register the car as a beetle, and then run it with the swapped body? I wonder if the same logic could apply to building a custom Ute. I feel like Big Brother won’t like me removing a set of seats/belts and chopping my car’s body.