Wheel Covers using bicycler DIY ...

[SmallFry]

I wonder if that would work for my front wheels, or if it would even make a difference?

[Christ]

If you have big truck wheels with ALCOA standard wheels, probably not much... you could fill in the holes, but that might cause a brake cooling problem.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by cfg83

that's why I only ever do one wheel at a time. Not gonna waste effort on a bad design. I will report on damage to the cover as/if it happens.

Good idea.

You lucky warm climate people have the luxury of lots of time (appropriate weather) for doing & testing mods!

Christ - thanks for posting those metal/plastic working ideas.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by Christ

If you have big truck wheels with ALCOA standard wheels, probably not much... you could fill in the holes, but that might cause a brake cooling problem.

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Good idea.

You lucky warm climate people have the luxury of lots of time (appropriate weather) for doing & testing mods!

Christ - thanks for posting those metal/plastic working ideas.

Always here to help -.-

As far as big-truck guy:

Yeah, those are ALCOA standard wheels... you probably won't get much better aero from them, unless you can put a dog dish over your lugnuts or something, but even then, they're not going to get much better than they are.

[SmallFry]

Originally Posted by Christ

Always here to help -.-

As far as big-truck guy:

Yeah, those are ALCOA standard wheels... you probably won't get much better aero from them, unless you can put a dog dish over your lugnuts or something, but even then, they're not going to get much better than they are.

I've thought about getting the center caps and lug covers, but don't have the time, or the money (to spend on someone else's truck). On a side note, on the rear discs, they're brushed aluminum. I've tested an area with polish (but was to lazy to do the whole wheel), and it does smooth out quite a bit (and shine more than they do now). Is there much difference in smooth surface vs. not? I know there is, but not sure if there is in relation to my situation. From my time of watching Nascar restrictor plate races (Daytona & Talladega) that instead of decal/wrapping, they actually paint the car and logos on for 0 raised edges. They also wax the surface and do a wipedown right before green flag, but on the scale of searching for .0001 sec or less gains (that still make a huge difference), it matters.

[cfg83]

Christ -

Originally Posted by Christ

Ya know, those plastic lugnut covers make great mounting locations, too.

I agree, but the conical shape that comes out of this design makes it a leetle more problematic for using them as a mount point.

Everything is being dictated by my wheel's shape. For the lugnot mount, Instead of a conical shape, I would need a "shallow convex bowl" that starts flat at the center and then curves inwards to the rom of the wheel. Hard to explain.

Coincidently, the pizza pan I have is the perfect shape. It's drawback is that it is maybe 1/2" diameter too big. If I used it, I would risk damaging the tire, and it would be vulnerable to car wash damage too. It's actually a candidate for the "melting oven plastic" option you described. However, my wife's Mom and Dad bought our stove as a moving-in gift, so I am leery of "making a mistake" with that, if you know what I mean. My wife lets me do whatever I want to my car, but the stove is her baby.

CarloSW2

[cfg83]

MetroMPG -

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Good idea.

You lucky warm climate people have the luxury of lots of time (appropriate weather) for doing & testing mods!

Christ - thanks for posting those metal/plastic working ideas.

Yeah, but I always pick the wrong time to do it. It was "only" 90+ degrees F yesterday, but the unshaded part of the concrete driveway could fry an egg (my stupid brain insisted on bare feet). I wish I'd seen the DIY bicycler video 3 months ago.

I know, I know, always the complainer,

CarloSW2

[Christ]

Originally Posted by cfg83

Christ -



I agree, but the conical shape that comes out of this design makes it a leetle more problematic for using them as a mount point.

Everything is being dictated by my wheel's shape. For the lugnot mount, Instead of a conical shape, I would need a "shallow convex bowl" that starts flat at the center and then curves inwards to the rom of the wheel. Hard to explain.

Coincidently, the pizza pan I have is the perfect shape. It's drawback is that it is maybe 1/2" diameter too big. If I used it, I would risk damaging the tire, and it would be vulnerable to car wash damage too. It's actually a candidate for the "melting oven plastic" option you described. However, my wife's Mom and Dad bought our stove as a moving-in gift, so I am leery of "making a mistake" with that, if you know what I mean. My wife lets me do whatever I want to my car, but the stove is her baby.

CarloSW2

I understand, I understand, and you can use any heat source, as long as it can get you to 240* or so and hold there for a few mins. (Grill?)

[skyl4rk]

Originally Posted by cfg83

It was "only" 90+ degrees F yesterday, but the unshaded part of the concrete driveway could fry an egg (my stupid brain insisted on bare feet).
CarloSW2

Cardboard box painted black, old storm window, instant plastic melting oven

[cfg83]

skyl4rk -

Originally Posted by skyl4rk

Cardboard box painted black, old storm window, instant plastic melting oven

OMG, you're totally correct. Use the agony of the summer in my favor. I promise to try this later this summer.

CarloSW2