What's everyone's background?

[adrive7]

Originally Posted by lgtech

Ooooo... here's a what if.... and kind of a lofty one... I could be off my rocker here...what if we had an official Ecomodder project car??? Imagine... we form a team, select a car, the group designs and implements changes with the goal of 125+ mpg (or more)? The group shows the automakers what ecomodding is about and that real fuel economy is attainable. We could issue some press releases, and who knows, some of you guys might get on TV. I'd be willing to contribute a little cash to that project! I think it would be an awesome way to harness the power of the forum and get the word out to the masses. Certainly, there would be logistical issues (geography being a big one), but I think they are all surmountable.

Thoughts?
Lg

I smell an Automotive X-Prize.

[lgtech]

LOL - I wasn't even thinking about that, but it would be a nice return on investment!

[cfg83]

lgtech -

You should put your idea into a new thread. I vote for Ecomodding SVOboy's CRX (without his permission, of course, ).

CarloSW2

[Bicycle Bob]

I started out as a dropout in a factory, got into silversmithing, and then went to the library for a bit of engineering. I wish I'd read J.E. Gordon first. My resume got to be a long list of one-off gadgets that worked first time. Taking up Human Power as a focus, I built my first vehicle from scratch, and it won its world championship ten years later. I gave a lecture on its integrated frame/suspension in composites to a class of graduating engineers, and got applause. Now I want to do a similar one with a wood-sprung frame and tiny engine. The Car Cycle

[RobertSmalls]

I just got my BS - Mechanical Engineering, but I'm still working at the auto parts store. I ride my bicycle a few thousand miles a year for fitness, fun, and transportation. I roll with a pair of Daytrekker saddlebags. I would love to figure out how to commute to work on the bike and arrive looking and smelling professional, but until I figure that out, I'll be ecomodding my car.

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

I would love to figure out how to commute to work on the bike and arrive looking and smelling professional, but until I figure that out, I'll be ecomodding my car.

My main rules for arriving in what seems acceptable condition are to avoid polyester clothing, maintain a vegetarian diet, and not get into foul moods. A good flow of air around your body is cleansing as well as cooling. Bucky Fuller invented a "Fog Gun" that would degrease hands with just a few ounces of water.

On really hot or humid days, you might have to ride slowly or even use an electric booster on the way to work. Velomobiles typically reduce airflow, but keep your body shaded, which can be a great boon.

You could take advantage of phase-change cooling by modifying an insulated bottle to dispense frozen berries or miniature popsicles. There are also ways to circulate ice water through your helmet and/or vest if you prefer.

[ishiyakazuo]

When I was a student, I majored in Computer Science (Engineering, as opposed to Math). I also specialized in Japanese language, and minored in Linguistics and Asian Cultures. (It took quite awhile to graduate, mind you!)

Now I work for a company that makes video testing equipment (pattern generators, diagnostic and debug tools, etc.) as a software engineer and, on occasion, as a Japanese-language translator.

When I was younger I didn't care about cars at all (when I tinkered, it was with PCs). Now I'm becoming a lot more interested in what makes cars tick though, so (while it doesn't sound like much, it's a start...) I started out by doing some repairs on my wife's Corolla (replaced the stereo, cornering light, battery)... now I feel like doing more ambitious things

[toyobug]

I have been in the telecommunications field for 16 years. Started in the Air force. Honorably discharged. Went to work for the phone company. Got laid off after 4.5 years of loyal service. Worked odd jobs and was self employed for a year. After Hurricane Katrina ripped the gulf coast a new @$$, I went to Iraq as a contractor for the Army. I am still here in Iraq 3 years later. My interests are anything "alternative"; solar, wind (kudos to Ed Begley for his work with PACWIND), alternative fuels. I basically read a TON of stuff on the web everyday. I found this site just a few days ago and have read numerous threads from start to finish. I desperatly want to get home to start my own project now.

[Ford Man]

I was a field engineer for a construction general contractor until 2000 when I had an accident that left me disabled.

[kaveman12]

Mechanical Engineering Student

Joining the long list of folks here with engineering backgrounds.