Aerodynamics of a bug

[Wally]

Originally Posted by Gerrelt

I've grown quite fond of the elefants feet rear taillights. They have a really nice functional look.
I only wished they were a bit better build.

+1 'Scheisskwalität'...
I have one taillight reflector housing that has two seperate departments and is a cast/mold alu-like material and very nice quality. Never could find another one though...

[Gerrelt]

Originally Posted by Wally

+1 'Scheisskwalität'...
I have one taillight reflector housing that has two seperate departments and is a cast/mold alu-like material and very nice quality. Never could find another one though...

Ah, thanx for posting that. I never new there was a "metal" version of these lights.

I think they are from the late model VW thing (181).

Do they look like this?: Link to samba add

The Thing got them in metal for sturdiness for going off-road, is my theory..

I want a set!

[graham]

Hi very interesting thread here.I would like some peoples views on the best way to dissperse air out under the car once its been through the front grill and through the rads.I do have a box section made up to cover the rads but I am sure that this could be better designed to creat downforce instead of lift and also channel air better under the floorpan.I have also been tinkering with some designs for the rear wings, apron and bumper set up I will post some sketches when I get time thanks.
[IMG]~original[/IMG]

[IMG]~original[/IMG]

[Jadewombat]

Originally Posted by graham

Hi very interesting thread here.I would like some peoples views on the best way to dissperse air out under the car once its been through the front grill and through the rads.I do have a box section made up to cover the rads but I am sure that this could be better designed to creat downforce instead of lift and also channel air better under the floorpan.I have also been tinkering with some designs for the rear wings, apron and bumper set up I will post some sketches when I get time thanks.

Nice car. I think dispersing the air under the car from the front grill may create more lift by making a pocket of more air between the car and the road as you're trying to minimize the amount of air passing under the car. Sending the air up and over the hood through a scoop about 1/3 way up has been proved to create more downforce on the front end as seen on this Acura here:

http://www.germanlook.net/forums/sho...t=2820&page=14

and 911:



...although I don't think you'd want to cut up that beautiful black hood of yours though?? Looks like your car is pretty sleek as it is. You could maybe install ducts from the grill to the backing plates of the front brakes to keep them cool. What kind of front bumper is that?

[graham]

Originally Posted by Jadewombat

Nice car. I think dispersing the air under the car from the front grill may create more lift by making a pocket of more air between the car and the road as you're trying to minimize the amount of air passing under the car. Sending the air up and over the hood through a scoop about 1/3 way up has been proved to create more downforce on the front end as seen on this Acura here:

http://www.germanlook.net/forums/sho...t=2820&page=14

and 911:



...although I don't think you'd want to cut up that beautiful black hood of yours though?? Looks like your car is pretty sleek as it is. You could maybe install ducts from the grill to the backing plates of the front brakes to keep them cool. What kind of front bumper is that?

Thanks Jadewombat
I did think about cutting the hood but as you have said cutting it would not be something I would want to do .The bumper is from a Rover 400,It has been modified a bit but not heavily.

[graham]

I have been pretty active recently on this site as I have spent the past three or four days on the sofa with the sodding Flu. Anyway this is an idea I have had for a rear bumper/spoiler.It would work by releasing the pressure from the rear of the bug where the cars original design seems to act like a parachute.ie wings,apron,engine lid.The holes/vents in the wings etc would escape through vents and get channelled into the rear bumper at an angle to produce down force.In addition to this, the top of the bumper would be angled to produce more down force.It would be built to fit close to the body to eliminate what seems to also be the parachute shape of the standard bumper.Also the bottom center section could include veins.I have seen engine lids with holes behind the number plate this could be angled to produce more directional airflow.I am not sure of how it would effect the rear of the car but as I see it, it could possibly
1. create and add down force
2. release pressure from the rear wings,apron,engine lid.
3 create some rear end stability at high speed.

I have got an old porsche style body kit rear bumper that I was intending to use as a starting point .

All input welcome

Hope it turns out better than my sketches .

[Wally]

Hey Graham,

I like your sketches! The vents in the rear fenders and apron is something that Remmele has done to his cars for a long time also and I think the reasoning behind that is strong. It will surely help some, same as it would on the rear of the front fenders.

Not so sure there would be downforce as such on a rear closed bumper though as turbulence behind the car is probably very high. I do agree they act as parachutes otherwise. For that reason I filled mine up with expanding foam (PUR)

Walter