Right... forget the practicalities of mounting plates, lights, and reflectors for a second (just the important bits then! ). And think about mounting rear cycle-wings instead of the traditional body-mounted wings.

So, how about fabricating a rear-tub cover from fabric then?



What the hell is he on about now!?

A bit like the Caterham boot cover, but longer in all directions so it covers the whole rear-tub. Fastened firmly in place with a liberal smattering of pop-fasteners on top / bottom / side chassis rails!

Why bother? Well, firstly I hate the collection of crud around the rear bodywork fixings and secondly, I like the idea of being able to whip the entire rear-cover off in 60 seconds to get to bits for maintenance / cleaning.

I'm pretty sure that if fastened properly, then it ain't going to blow off at speed, and I don't think it could look any uglier than the traditional seven-style rear end.

I guess the major concern would be the vulnerability of the fuel tank, but then again, does a mil thickness of ali really provide all that much more!?

Any thoughts...

I like it, a very fast tent!

Have you seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pwabDeqVi8

[Edited on 19/1/11 by Strontium Dog]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, only for the whole car. You want a fabric with enough stretch that you can pull wrinkles out in the curves but something that won't shrink when wet.

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Originally posted by smart51
I'm thinking of doing the same thing, only for the whole car. You want a fabric with enough stretch that you can pull wrinkles out in the curves but something that won't shrink when wet.

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The Germans did this a while back

quote:

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Originally posted by scootz

quote:

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Originally posted by smart51
I'm thinking of doing the same thing, only for the whole car. You want a fabric with enough stretch that you can pull wrinkles out in the curves but something that won't shrink when wet.

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Have you identified such a material?

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I think the word for it is CLOTHES

At 90 mph there's this sudden tearing sound.......

quote:

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Originally posted by scootz

quote:

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Originally posted by smart51
I'm thinking of doing the same thing, only for the whole car. You want a fabric with enough stretch that you can pull wrinkles out in the curves but something that won't shrink when wet.

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Have you identified such a material?

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... I'm thinking lycra is probably a bit too weak - might rip at the studs / seams if the wind catches it.

quote:

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Originally posted by scootz
... I'm thinking lycra is probably a bit too weak - might rip at the studs / seams if the wind catches it.

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Wooden frame, canvas and dope? Bit like a Sopwith Camel.

There is a material called Vyadine (or something like that) it's like a very cheap leatherette copy and is backed by a thin webbed membrane. It will pull at the point the push fasteners are attached, but you could easily renforce that area...

If only you knew someone that could sort you out witha bunch of CF "washers" that could be riveted and bonded through the material

quote:

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Originally posted by Steve Hignett
There is a material called Vyadine (or something like that) it's like a very cheap leatherette copy and is backed by a thin webbed membrane. It will pull at the point the push fasteners are attached, but you could easily renforce that area...

If only you knew someone that could sort you out witha bunch of CF "washers" that could be riveted and bonded through the material

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What did you say the width was again?

memory like a seive

I'll have a look tomorrow, I actually looked at one of them the other day, thinking I needed to do something with it and never clicked!!!

41.5cm

Surely it's at least twice that width mate???

LOL... inches!