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Making Aerodynamic hubcaps and rear wheel skirts?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Tree Hugger, Feb 13, 2008.

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  1. Tree Hugger

    Tree Hugger New Member

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    I've been searching for a little while now, and couldn't find an answer to my questions, so here goes.

    1)Has anyone tried (sucessfully hopefully) to make their own Aero/racing hubcaps? I heard that the ideal design is smooth and slightly convex. Would just screwing a piece of flat, and very thin aluminum work as well or is the design imperative of the curved shape?
    I really like the look of them, and am planning on making a set, but if they won't be effective, I think I may just splurge and buy a set.

    2)Has anyone tried the similar with regards to a rear wheel skirt? I was thinking of maybe getting some really thin aluminum, some L-brackets, and some car paint to match my car, and fab up a set for the rear. Anyone try this, or have any experience or knowledge with skirts?

    Thanks in advance!!
    Steve
     
    #1 Tree Hugger, Feb 13, 2008
  2. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi smwood...,

    Check out my post at this link : http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/41338-aero-anticorrosion-mod-trim-rings.html

    Another approach is to by premade caps and screw them to the trim rings. Mike's Hub Caps is one source they say.

    BTW, if you have seen a car with flat aero hubcaps around in Chicagoland, that was probably me. I added the flashing to my trim rings at the beginning of the year. They have gone through all that snow with no damage.
     
    #2 donee, Feb 13, 2008
  3. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    I'm thinking of just wrapping the outer portion of my trim ring with a piece of shrink-wrap-like material. Bam, blocks the air and dirt cheap.


    Edit:
    Actually, since my plastic wrap idea is such a great idea, I'm going to do that right now. Pictures after I borrow my friend's digital camera.
     
    #3 Bob64, Feb 13, 2008
  4. priusfreak

    priusfreak New Member

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    Will the wrapping be ribbed for her pleasure? Sorry just caught me the wrong way ;)
     
    #4 priusfreak, Feb 14, 2008
  5. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    It'll be smooth as silk stockings on the legs of your ideal female partner... to give the wind that extra smooth aerodynamic touch.

    The only downside: the trim rings become a bitch to remove if you can't grab it from the inside due to the plastic getting in the way.
     
    #5 Bob64, Feb 14, 2008
  6. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    #6 ken1784, Feb 14, 2008
  7. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    NICE! but the skirts don't flow well with the car. Google does a horible job at translating. Is the something offered in Japan?
     
    #7 TheForce, Feb 14, 2008
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I don't like the look of those skirts at all...I want something that smoothly fits on the car and is more aerodynamic. Those look very amateur.
     
    #8 efusco, Feb 14, 2008
  9. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    #9 ken1784, Feb 14, 2008
  10. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    WOW $2000 US? Plus shipping? And they look kind of ugly? Does it come with the rest of the addons? I think I will pass anyway.
     
    #10 TheForce, Feb 14, 2008
  11. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    A 3/8 wide right-angle "offset" screwdriver will fit right into the slots that are along the edge of the trim ring making popping them off a breeze.
     
    #11 Doc Willie, Feb 14, 2008
  12. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    While the rear bumper looks ok...

    Holy crap, the skirts look like they're made of foam and nailed on.
     
    #12 Bob64, Feb 14, 2008
  13. Tree Hugger

    Tree Hugger New Member

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    Well, I got me some aluminum sheeting and a pair of tin snips today... Guess who has Racing Wheels!! Wooo!! Look out land-speed records, here I come! No seriously though, I hope they do help my MPG a bit, but if not, they're aluminum, so I can just take em off and recycle them :D

    Oh, and I just used a regular screwdriver to pop off those "hubcaps" now. they come off really easy still. I also blocked my grille, and topped off my tires to 45psi at all four corners :cool: And now that it's parked in my garage instead of outside it should be nice and warm to drive tonight... I better be getting some great gas mileage after this, or I'm gonna be peeved.

    Oh, and yeah those skirts are the style I'm talking about, but has anyone fabricated a set on their own? If not, I may try making a really nice set, and then mass producing them... $ :) $
     
    #13 Tree Hugger, Feb 14, 2008
  14. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    #14 Bob64, Feb 14, 2008
  15. Tree Hugger

    Tree Hugger New Member

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    #15 Tree Hugger, Feb 14, 2008
  16. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    They are close to the ugliest wheel spats I have ever seen and as aerodynamic as a brick I would think.
     
    #16 patsparks, Feb 14, 2008
  17. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi Tree Hugger,

    Might not be the best test tomorrow, if its like today. Finished a tank at 47.2 mpg last night, then the drive into work and back today was 56.4 mpg. Wont last with this crazy winter though.

    You might want to put a little bias in those air pressures. Set the rears down to 43 psi.
     
    #17 donee, Feb 14, 2008
  18. Tree Hugger

    Tree Hugger New Member

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    What does the bias do? I know the front is supporting more weight, but how does that require the rear to be ~2psi less? I'm thinking of upping the pressure to 50/48 or 50/50 tomorrow. The car still rides too smooth for me at 45 :D
     
    #18 Tree Hugger, Feb 15, 2008
  19. Flying White Dutchman

    Flying White Dutchman Senior Member

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    #19 Flying White Dutchman, Feb 15, 2008
  20. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    To be exact: [SIZE=+1]$2397.08 [/SIZE]not including shipping, or any sort of import taxes, insurance or stuff.

    Depending on what model you have, I'm not sure that part is worth up to 10% of the amount that we paid for the car...
     
    #20 Bob64, Feb 15, 2008
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