Metro aerodynamics

[cfg83]

Peakster -

Originally Posted by Peakster

MetroMPG (or anyone else that's done an exterior mirror deletion), what type of material did you use to fill in the void where the side mirror attaches to the door? I'm in the process of removing my mirror(s) again.

I think that those textured ABS sheets would work :

http://www.gassavers.org/showpost.ph...91&postcount=3

I think they go for around $5 for a 12x12 sheet. Here's a $3 example before S&H on ebay :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ABS-P...spagenameZWDVW

I got some nice flat mudflaps on sale at Autozone for $.99 a pair. One pair should be good for inside/outside cutting and placement. Just make sure the already triangular shape is big enough to cover the hole before you buy. It will last in the outdoors because it's a mudflap, right?!?!?!?!

(another project on my todo list)

CarloSW2

[MetroMPG]

I used some leftover krazy karpet. But I ran out of time (warm temps) last fall to get it attached with black silicone. So it's just duct taped on. Black duct tape though.

[Peakster]

Originally Posted by cfg83

I got some nice flat mudflaps on sale at Autozone for $.99 a pair. One pair should be good for inside/outside cutting and placement. It will last in the outdoors because it's a mudflap, right?!?!?!?!

CarloSW2

Excellent idea! Thank you.

[cfg83]

theclencher -

Originally Posted by theclencher

No digi camera!

I will be using the "mudflaps" as mounts for motorcycle mirrors.

CarloSW2

[Peakster]

With spring & summer coming along, I thought it would be of interest to see how unrolled side windows affect FE on the highway. Here's the video of the test and these are the results I came up with:

Temperature: -6*C
Winds: 9 km/h coming from the south/east
Speed: 80km/h
Route:
Attachment 267

Run 1: 55.6 mpg (both windows closed)
Run 2: 54.6 mpg (driver's side window open)
Run 3: 54.7 mpg (both windows open)

That's only a 1.8% penalty to have the window(s) open @ 80km/h. I wonder why there was virtually no difference in mpg whether one window or both are open in my car?

[jwxr7]

I have done some recent aero mods to my metro and wanted to see what you thought. I haven't figured out a good way to post quality pics into a thread so I'll have to direct you to my garage pics . I think I have the theory behind the kammback design but may lack in execution of the concept. I had a little trouble with symmetry (one side didn't want to bend the same as the other)and don't have an angle finder so I had to get creative. I was shooting for between 10 and 15 degrees on the top part and just bent the sides down with no real goal on angle (just not too much).
The kammback is coroplast and the half skirts are in the cardboard stage and will probably end up being full skirts. It is hard to get the curves required for full skirts .

Also wanted to ask if I am bad for using GasSavers.org on a homemade bumper sticker?

[MetroMPG]

I see you used the exact same "ridge pole" method I did to keep the center from sagging.

I think it looks fine. The only thing I would try to do differently if possible (I know it's not easy working with coroplast) is to avoid a sharp transition from top to sides. If there's any way to round that "shoulder", it would be better.

A sharp shoulder will promote trailing vortex formation more than a generously rounded one.

(My kammback prototype also had a too-sharp shoulder.)

[jwxr7]

The only thing I would try to do differently if possible (I know it's not easy working with coroplast) is to avoid a sharp transition from top to sides. If there's any way to round that "shoulder", it would be better.

If you look closely at the driver's side you can see 2 corners at the bend. That was my attempt at a rounded shoulder . Now I just need to get the other side to do it too. I could bring out the heat gun and see what I can do .

[Bill in Houston]

I like it. I hope it works out well for you. Might also keep the interior cooler?

[MetroMPG]

Yep, that's better. I wasn't sure which side was the good side .