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Old 07-24-2019, 12:44 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Showcase for Wheel Discs

I think it would be helpful to showcase different successful wheel discs creations and attachments in one thread. Please add your own and note any pitfalls you may have discovered with them.

I couldn't find anybody else using my method, so here it is:

I used 1/2" underground sprinkler hose set into a groove behind the spokes to screw the coroplast into directly. It can be a challenge to line up all of the screws, but seems really solid so far.

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Old 07-24-2019, 03:02 PM   #2 (permalink)
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One general warning about coro discs (from experience): keep the edge of the disc off the tire itself. It's sharper than you might think, and over time can cut into the rubber if it's in contact, even at a shallow angle.


---


Here's one of several iterations I've done:



The Premier's Limo: 2004 Toyota Prius "winter beater" ecomodding thread




In this case, I drilled into the OEM plastic trim ring that goes on the OEM alloy wheels. Here's the trim ring:


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Old 07-24-2019, 05:15 PM   #3 (permalink)
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https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...tml#post485092

I just went for it and screwed the moon discs right into the alloy rims on my Insight Ron Burgundy! Those moon discs were one of the coolest (but not necessarily the most sensible) mods I've done. The link to the mod's above if anybody else is crazy enough to try this

I kept the screws from backing out with a little thread locker in the holes and I put a nylon washer behind each screw hole between the moon disc and the rim to keep steady pressure and keep the vibration down.
I had them on the Insight for quite a while with no issues, every couple of months I would pull them off and air up the tires.

Jeez, was that really four years ago? Minus the ridiculous solar panel on the hood that was one cool car!
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Old 07-24-2019, 06:46 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Old 07-24-2019, 10:55 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snax View Post
I think it would be helpful to showcase different successful wheel discs creations and attachments in one thread. Please add your own and note any pitfalls you may have discovered with them.

I couldn't find anybody else using my method, so here it is:

I used 1/2" underground sprinkler hose set into a groove behind the spokes to screw the coroplast into directly. It can be a challenge to line up all of the screws, but seems really solid so far.
This is really clever!

How does the garden hose stay in place and not move around? Does screwing in the coroplast cover provide adequate pressure to sandwich the tube and cover between the actual wheel?

Last edited by conor_v; 07-24-2019 at 11:00 PM..
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Old 07-25-2019, 12:38 AM   #6 (permalink)
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The sprinkler line is semi-rigid, so it spring forms itself into place in the groove behind my spokes. I have it cut a couple mils too long however to force it in extra tight. Super easy to install as well. I don't even have to remove the wheels.

I am considering my pizza pan options. At 21" diameter, the selection is sparse, but I did find a few different ones.
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Old 07-25-2019, 09:33 PM   #7 (permalink)
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So I've done this on two vehicles, 2009 Nissan Versa:



These showed a documented 2.3% gain in MPG measured over 5500 miles.


I did it again for my 2013 Dodge Dart, two versions:

MkI:



And then MkII when MkI showed a propensity to fly off:


In all instances I modified existing hubcaps. I purchased hubcaps that had the most sympathetic shape and then filled in the spokes.

I'm now contemplating doing this for my current car, 2017 Toyota Corolla. But as I've already done it 3 times I'm looking for the easiest way possible. I've purchased some flat-ish hubcaps for cheap, but really not relishing having to fill the spokes again. And, the last Dart versions turned out so well my standards have gone up, unfortunately...
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Old 07-26-2019, 05:58 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I cut an annular disc of coroplast and screwed it to my factory wheel cover...

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Old 07-27-2019, 07:03 PM   #9 (permalink)
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I've been inspired Snax. I went to Home Depot yesterday and picked up 10 feet of 1/2 inch diameter plastic tubing and I have put it inside of my rims. Worked well just as you said.
SO.
I am using this method now to create a different type of flat wheel cover. I am aiming now to make it as minimal and easy to removed as possible so this is what I have come up with and am working on at the moment.

They are not really "flat" but they will fill the large holes in my rims to reduce turbulence.

I have taken a ton of measurements and done some prototyping with cardboard. Right now I am currently working on perfecting the design in Solidworks so I can just print out the design on paper and easily trace the cover geometry onto two pieces of coroplast. The modeling and measuring is probably the hardest part of creating them this way however it will yield very smooth, uniform, and professional looking results (granted I pull it off well when I cut out the design)

Basically I will drill the large part of these covers into the tubing and the middle section will sit on the middle cap of the wheels secured with velcro. This will ensure that the coroplast sits flush inside my rims and does not create any extra drag when installed.
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Old 07-27-2019, 07:46 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Oooooh, if I had a worthwhile pic host, I’d show you the nice new discs my company is using...

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