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The wind forces are way to strong for that solution. In my experience, there is quite some pressure from the air and also think about the fact that the wheels are following the road's every little bump. So there is also some serious vibration going on.
mgdurand
Member
If there's a concern with one of these things killing somebody, maybe you should use gluten-free pizza pans?
Quick update. After driving with them for several thousand miles I was able to see a noticeable difference in energy usage. I never had the time to do a controlled test. I tried but it isn't easy to do two identical test runs with and without the disks to be able to measure the actual difference very accurately. But on the other hand, covered wheels aren't a new concept and many tests have been done before. There is a lot of data out there indicating the difference at highway speeds is between 4-6%.
I decided to take them off and have a professional company manufacture new ones for me including a better mounting system. Hopefully one that allows the disks to be removed quickly. That was the biggest drawback of my solution. I will update when I have the new disks installed.
I decided to take them off and have a professional company manufacture new ones for me including a better mounting system. Hopefully one that allows the disks to be removed quickly. That was the biggest drawback of my solution. I will update when I have the new disks installed.
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JJMc
Member
David99, what about Moon's snap-on discs? I didn't see their hardware, but that would be a quick solution to fastening.
islandbayy
Active Member
ERP
Ludicrous Member
I am concerned some of you are so comfortable drilling into your wheels. Is it possible to do it safely? Yes, with a properly fixtured wheel on a mill with repeatable control of the hole depth, and testing to determine it does not cause fracturing. But doing it by hand in a garage is very risky.
A much safer and simpler solution is to add a tapped hole to the end of the lug nuts. Then use a spacer bolt to bring the surface flush to the disc which is secured with a small button head screw. I've put together a quick assembly and rendering of this setup. It's easy to install and much less obvious when the disc is off.
A much safer and simpler solution is to add a tapped hole to the end of the lug nuts. Then use a spacer bolt to bring the surface flush to the disc which is secured with a small button head screw. I've put together a quick assembly and rendering of this setup. It's easy to install and much less obvious when the disc is off.
Thumper
Active Member
RC plane builders use a product called Monocoat. It is available at hobby shops in fairly large sheets. It comes in colors, is adhesive when heated and shrinks to tautness. I have used it to build recumbent bicycle aero tail boxes which last for years. I think it would work well directly on the wheel but it might be difficult to remove without paint damage. It might not be difficult to remove.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
Exactly what I was talking about, though the spacer could just be a hollow tube and use a longer bolt.
ERP
Ludicrous Member
While that would work, I would not want to go that route. It would be much more difficult to install the disc. Everything would have to be preassembled on the disc then blindly lined up with the lug nuts.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
Good point, though I could think of a few ways around that issue, but your way is probably the easiest.
MarcG
Active Member
The company that said they would make them is totally dropping the ball. They kept saying 'soon' but nothing happened. Now they don't even answer my emails.
Quick update.
The shop has finished the disks and custom lug nuts. It all looks great, but unfortunately the lug nuts aren't deep enough so they have to be redone. But we put them on just for a few photos. I think they will have the kit ready in about 4 weeks hopefully.
The shop has finished the disks and custom lug nuts. It all looks great, but unfortunately the lug nuts aren't deep enough so they have to be redone. But we put them on just for a few photos. I think they will have the kit ready in about 4 weeks hopefully.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
ratsbew
Active Member
Awesome! So you've partnered with a shop to manufacture these? I can't wait to see a scientific test of these!
I didn't really partner with them, I just brought the idea to them and they are using me as a test mule. I let them borrow a wheel so they could prototype. They are not a huge shop but they are known for their custom made disks. Their idea is to offer a kit for Tesla owners. I won't get any commission for any of their sales.
BTW, the disks are really well done and light (aluminum). They are clear painted so they are easy to keep clean.
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
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