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New screen idea - opinions?
Humbug - 28/10/07 at 10:22 AM

Getting bored as I haven't changed anything on the car recently, so I got to thinking about an idea for a different screen. Not a full screen with wipers, but it occurred to me that the nearly upright mini screen can't be good for airflow. I had a bit of manky old lexan so I cut it more or less to shape and stuck it on to the existing screen with gaffer tape, and filled up the gaps with cardboard. I went for a quick spin with no helmet on, and the airflow seems to hit me above eye level, though I can still see over the top, so maybe this would be an improvement over the current arrangement? I am no aerodynamic specialist, so is there anything in this, or is it just cosmetic?

The other thing I thought was to possibly put a slight lip on the top edge, to flick up the airflow a bit higher.

Final idea, if I ever get round to making it for real, was to make the screen and wind deflectors (similar to the one in the pic) in one piece, then cut to make the "door" part - then it would match up completely with the screen. Or then again, leave it all in one piece and climb in behind the wind deflector part.

Whew, that's enough ideas for a Sunday morning! Rescued attachment 2007-10-28 New screen idea.JPG
Rescued attachment 2007-10-28 New screen idea.JPG


speedyxjs - 28/10/07 at 10:30 AM

WOW that looks really good
I think it will help aerodynamics. It shouldn't be too long before someone comes on here to confirm it


Volvorsport - 28/10/07 at 11:27 AM

you mean make it look like a striker !


Humbug - 28/10/07 at 12:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Volvorsport
you mean make it look like a striker !


... yes in the sense that the screen is more raked, but a) it's shorter )no need for wipers) and b) the idea is to wrap round the sides...


Volvorsport - 28/10/07 at 12:59 PM

i think if you found a plastic fabricator , you coud easily have that made all in one , and trim the bottom to suit the bodywork , nice idea .


smart51 - 28/10/07 at 01:38 PM

It would look a lot better if the top was curved to match the profile of the scuttle.

Make it out of polycarbonate. Make a wooden former and heat up the plastic with a hot air gun until it droops over the former at the sides so that it is made all in one piece.


Dick Bear - 28/10/07 at 03:28 PM

You might want to check out the 7/1/06 update and the 7/1/06 update of the McBearen build at:

http://metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4020

I show explain the entire process .... and it all free

Dick Bear


NeilP - 28/10/07 at 04:14 PM

Guys,

If you wanted to go the whole hog could you fetch out a raked and curved screen from a donor and then have it cut down?

Appreciate that it'll be laminate but don't know if this prevents this being done?

I'd then fit a full screen but take it right to the front of the scuttle at the bottom to give it a better rake - Sure that wipers would be a pig but we like a challenge

Cheers, Neil.


Humbug - 28/10/07 at 04:22 PM

Thanks for the replies... yes, after fitting the bodge-up I also thought a curved top would look better.


Dale - 28/10/07 at 04:40 PM

If going to that level , why not split the screen and "V" it in the midlle as well.
Thats the current plans for mine (who knows if it will happen though)
Dale


mr henderson - 28/10/07 at 06:10 PM

It will definitely produce some drag, because the frontal area is increased.

However, like most other aspects of car design, it might be a worthwhile compromise if it makes the car more pleasant to drive.


Humbug - 28/10/07 at 06:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
It will definitely produce some drag, because the frontal area is increased.

However, like most other aspects of car design, it might be a worthwhile compromise if it makes the car more pleasant to drive.


Isn't the frontal area the apparent head-on area? If so, then my extra screen presents no more than the original (tops are taped together).

The drag would (from my layman's point of view) presumably be less, because it is more arrow-shaped and less brick shaped?


mr henderson - 28/10/07 at 09:17 PM

I misunderstood, I thought we were comparing the new screen to no screen at all, as because you are looking over the top of it it isn't a windscreen in the generally accepted sense

[Edited on 28/10/07 by mr henderson]


02GF74 - 29/10/07 at 09:42 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Dale
If going to that level , why not split the screen and "V" it in the midlle as well.
Thats the current plans for mine (who knows if it will happen though)
Dale


That is a top idea Dale!!!

Mine had a single screen that I cut in two and made separate screelets. not the best photo in the world but shows what I did. (locost version of Brooklands type screens )

You can drive along and move you hand up and down to feel where the air pressure is - with these this is just over my head so perfect height.

mini screenlets
mini screenlets


David Jenkins - 29/10/07 at 09:54 AM

I have a 'proper' Brookland screens and I get a similar effect, with evidence supplied by 'bug-splats'! The screens collect loads of dead bugs, my helmet visor gets very few in comparison, and the top of my roll bar gets loads.



[Edited on 29/10/07 by David Jenkins]