5 lb deck lid.
03-07-2010, 09:52 PM
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5 lb deck lid.
My decklid with the bracing for the wing weighed 19 lbs. The hinges were another 4 lbs. I didn't weigh the latch mechanism, but I am going to claim it is a direct offset to the weight of the aluminum hood pins.
The deck lid that was vacuum formed for me weighs 5 lbs. That is including the inch and a half by 1/8th aluminum I used to make the front edge a little stiffer.
Total weight savings 18 lbs.
My existing deck lid was, shall we say, "challenged". Multiple holes, some dents etc. They warned me that all this would detract from how well the lid turned out. They also suggested that I spend some time making blocking for the underside so that it wouldn't risk being deformed when they vacuum formed the new lid. Did I listen? Well sort of. I did minimal prep on the surface and zero blocking. They were kind enough to do some of the blocking for me. If you look closely you can see where it would have turned out better if I had listened. However, all that being said, I am really pleased with how it turned out. If I were to do it again, I would listen to the expert of course. It is just barely rigid enough and might have been a little better if we had gone with a thicker material, but then it would have weighed more.
How do you mark where to drill the holes in the deck lid so they line up with the ones in the car for the hood pins?
The deck lid that was vacuum formed for me weighs 5 lbs. That is including the inch and a half by 1/8th aluminum I used to make the front edge a little stiffer.
Total weight savings 18 lbs.
My existing deck lid was, shall we say, "challenged". Multiple holes, some dents etc. They warned me that all this would detract from how well the lid turned out. They also suggested that I spend some time making blocking for the underside so that it wouldn't risk being deformed when they vacuum formed the new lid. Did I listen? Well sort of. I did minimal prep on the surface and zero blocking. They were kind enough to do some of the blocking for me. If you look closely you can see where it would have turned out better if I had listened. However, all that being said, I am really pleased with how it turned out. If I were to do it again, I would listen to the expert of course. It is just barely rigid enough and might have been a little better if we had gone with a thicker material, but then it would have weighed more.
How do you mark where to drill the holes in the deck lid so they line up with the ones in the car for the hood pins?
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03-07-2010, 10:19 PM
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Yes
That is the theory. Not sure what it will do with the wing and with or without a diffuser, but that was the prototype that came out the best. Testing will tell. Anyone have a wind tunnel I can borrow?
I don't think ABS comes in red, but I can check.
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03-08-2010, 08:18 AM
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As long as you do it carefully, you really cant **** it up.
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03-08-2010, 10:41 AM
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those are airtabs.
Home : Airtab
Also... Chris, you could still "glass on" some foam structure to the underside to help support the trunk's flimsiness.
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Also... Chris, you could still "glass on" some foam structure to the underside to help support the trunk's flimsiness.
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03-08-2010, 10:58 AM
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I used a inch and a half by 1/8th aluminum strip riveted to the front to help it hold the curve better.
This whole project started as a "can I make one out of fiberglass". The thermo/vacuum forming made a much nicer product with a lot less effort (on my part) and was lighter than what the fiberglass would have weighed. Commercial fiberglass deck lids are in the 8 lb range with carbon fiber in the 7.5 lb range. I am making a really conscious effort to reduce weight this year, so the need for more material will have to be pretty obvious for me to consider it. Between the aluminum, the careful placement of the hood pins to generate just a little tension and the stiffness the shape itself lends I think I am going to be okay. I can't wait to get out and test it.
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03-08-2010, 11:06 AM
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And then, I have to actually get setup with someone to manufacture them, work on taking orders, shipping etc etc.
I think I am pretty happy just doing the one off.
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03-08-2010, 11:25 AM
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So much for secrets on the internet.
This whole project started as a "can I make one out of fiberglass". The thermo/vacuum forming made a much nicer product with a lot less effort (on my part) and was lighter than what the fiberglass would have weighed. Commercial fiberglass deck lids are in the 8 lb range with carbon fiber in the 7.5 lb range.
This whole project started as a "can I make one out of fiberglass". The thermo/vacuum forming made a much nicer product with a lot less effort (on my part) and was lighter than what the fiberglass would have weighed. Commercial fiberglass deck lids are in the 8 lb range with carbon fiber in the 7.5 lb range.
miata
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03-08-2010, 11:32 AM
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Did you investigate the axis power racing alternative? supposedly sub-2lbs, but very expensive.
miata
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