Civic hatchback aerodynamics

[basjoos]

So far, I have installed underbody panels, grill blocks, read wheelwell skirts, smooth hubcaps, and caulked all of the seams on the front and sides of the cars. After the caulk dried I used a razor to cut a line on those seams (doors, hoods, gas cap cover) that I need to open.

[krousdb]

Dood. you are my hero! Me next! Well maybe not the caulk.

[molecule]

ballsy
what motor you got and whats the mileage gains like

[SVOboy]

JDM D15B and CX tranny.

He's not had it on for a full tank yet either!

[molecule]

is there a reason you didn't cover the whole rear well...?
i guess you probably couldn't get the tire off if you needed to...
hmm

i'm been trying to devise a way...maybe a clip system...
where you would have to lay down and reach way up to install/remove them...

[Bunger]

Originally Posted by krousdb

Well maybe not the caulk.

Maybe if you used clear caulk, and used a piece of ice to smooth it into the cracks, the outcome would be a little cleaner looking.

All these caulk threads are reminding me of the "Caulk" skit that SNL did a little while back. I'm sure you can imagine the premise.

[MetroMPG]

nice, basjoos.

my car is going backward, aerodynamically.

my cardboard grille block that's been on since november is delaminated, the duct tape is in tatters and it's literally about to fall off on the road.

my aborted attempt at "scientifically" evaluating the belly pan hasn't been reproduced yet. and i don't want to put on the permanent version and miss the chance to know exactly what it contributes.

and my wheel skirts are off - though i did borrow the heat gun i'm planning to use to form the 90 degree lip in the plastic to mate to the wheel arch lip.

so why am i futzing around in the forum instead of making stuff...

[MetroMPG]

ps - if ever there was a candidate for a boat tail (i.e. someone unafraid of altering the looks of his car), it's you. you're going to go far!

(on less fuel, of course)

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by molecule

i'm been trying to devise a way...maybe a clip system...
where you would have to lay down and reach way up to install/remove them...

The other day while waking up (you know those half dream / half awake moments?) I actually figured out how to do this.

I'm currently finishing my basement and I picked up a "pocket hole" kit for making strong, simple joints with wood. I used it to build a bookcase, and I'm also going to use it for a few other things.

Essentially the plan is to make a wood positive, or maybe a wood and bondo positive. I'll then make a mold with plaster of paris and THEN i'll make another positive with fiberglass. I'll smooth it out (with some primer and maybe a little bondo too. In 3 or 5 locations on the back of the fiberglass wheel skirt I'm going to put a giant gob of plastic epoxy. When it dries I will use the pocket hole system and drill a few holes that will be angled.

At this point we can drill a few holes in the car using the small half inch "lip" in the wheel well and maybe put those little plastic female screw receivers (usually used for mudflaps) into these holes.

Anyway, it's a lot process, but it should be hella fun when it's done.

[Bunger]

I've used Dzus fasteners in the past for hoods, bumpers, front ends, etc... should be great for what you need.

http://www.kenlowe.com.au/body_hardware.htm

Some of the pictures there will give you an idea of what I'm talking about, I'll see if I can find some better ones.