What is it? (Spotted: rear engine TDI, custom aero body)

[Cd]

Has this car had a tuft test ?
I would love to see how that the air reacts to this body style.
( And I'm especially interested in seeing how the air acts at the rear of the vehicle.)

Anyone else agree ?

[HydroJim]

I love this car. Even if it's not perfect aerodynamically, it looks wicked and with the TDI probably get's great mileage. I wonder why he went with front cooling instead of rear cooling? Weight distribution maybe?

[CFECO]

What a GREAT job!
I would like to know when you get a chance, where did you get that windshield, is it DOT legal, and how much did it cost?

[NachtRitter]

CFECO - not sure if you saw this, but it sounds like he's using a DOT legal windshield from a production car... prolly a bit pricey...

Originally Posted by More air less fuel

...
The windshield is from a McLaren, the door frames, hinges, and latches are from a 1967 Corvette, taillights are 1982 aftermarket Corvette, side markers are Ford truck, front directional are 1972 Camaro.
...

[Otto]

Hey MALF, great job on the design, execution, and detailed explanations here. Thanks very much for sharing all this with us.

Can you please describe:

1. Procedure and materials used on the body;

2. Latest thinking on higher final drive ratio differential, and;

3. Regulatory aspects of getting permission to drive the car on public roads, as well as insurance issues and hurdles from your insurer.

In my mind is driving around a similar car, a sort of cross between a Porsche 718 RSK and a BMW C2 concept car, tweaked with Hucho and other aero refinements. In my ignorance I think it could be done for less than 1,000 lbs. weight, powered by TDI engine or BMW motorcycle boxer engine. No such thinking is worthwhile, however, unless the regulatory and insurance aspects are nailed down first.

[CFECO]

NachtRitter... Yes I read what the windshield was from, but where was it found, how much, and the DOT REQ... was it from a street car or race car? Thanks.

[More air less fuel]

So many questions!
About the windshield, it was purchased from McLaren in England for about $1000 back in 1987. It has the AS1 designation which relates to laminated safety glass, the correct material for a FRONT window. The car was a race car and I forget which model. The same window was used in the "Hard Castle McCormick" TV show car, I think it was called the Coyote. (1985?)
The body was made from urethane foam sheets from an industrial insulation company and then covered with glass and epoxy resin. (not polyester) Sanded and filled with epoxy fillers, primed with high solids epoxy primers, did I mention ,SANDED !, (forever!)
Painted with base coat cleat coat automotive paints.(DuPont)

The final drive is all set, it's the fifth gear that might change. Will be a little taller. If I go to far, it gets a bit funny in the shifting, the "spacing" between ratios goes out the window. Really needs a 10 speed, but that's going too crazy...It's all about keeping the antiquated internal combustion engine in it's "sweet Spot" in regards to rpm and load.

As for registering it in NY., it was easy. Just filled out a form that was titled "Homebuilt" and took it for a stolen parts inspection after I finished it. I know, sounds crazy! But that was it. Maybe things have changed since 1987, don't know. Go to your DMV and ask....

About he radiator, yes it is in the front for weight distribution reasons. It was originally in the back, but I realized that I made a mistake and changed that. Air flow was a *****, always needed a fan and the back was tail happy. Now, the fan NEVER turns on, what a waste of a really nice PWM fan motor control!

As for tuft testing, funny you should mention that. Just a few months ago my friend said, "remember when you covered this thing in yarn pieces and I drove it and you followed with a camera?" Man, I hardly recall that but, yea, we did do that! People in town had no idea what we were up to. The underside of the rear was a bit turbulent, but hey, what do you want from a 22 year old kid with no money?

Whoever made the photos better, thank you!

As for the tire situation, I will be checking into 185's also. Just not sure when.

[CFECO]

Want to sell the windshield?
LOL, just kidding...I'm really impressed with what you did, thanks for the answers! I won't bother you any more.

[More air less fuel]

You can "bother" me all you want, I enjoy showing people how I have done things.

[sheepdog 44]

Please keep us informed about the events or car shows you go to. It'd be great to see it in person!