covering the bottom

[BlewBYu]

Is there an advantage to covering the bottom because of aerodynamics?

How many of you cover all of the bottom? How many cover only a partial amount?

Trying to decide what I should do underneath.

 

[Mojo Racing]

I cover the whole bottom... I am just trying to get away from disturbed air pockets.

I don't know if that is best, but that is what I do.

I figure if there is a chance at disrupted air flow, I don't want it.

 

[Maglev]

I cover all bottom exposed cut out wood parts i.e. ladder style cut outs/rout outs with monocote trim cut to size, peal and stick. Cover the weight pocket back area with HVAC silver foil tape 3M (Lowes).

 

[bracketracer]

I cover any holes, top or bottom.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Always cover any openings.

 

[xjarcher]

I get vinyl from a local sign shop and wrap the whole car. That's my paint job! Nice slick surface and it's easy.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

Yep, cover all openings....

 

[W8NONU]

I cover the whole bottom with clear packing tape.

 

[561 racing]

I cover the whole bottom with clear packing tape.

I might suggest something stronger, during the Mid America I witnessed 2 cars using this method and both cars could not support the weight and had to be repaired during the race.

 

[W8NONU]

I cover the whole bottom with clear packing tape.

I might suggest something stronger, during the Mid America I witnessed 2 cars using this method and both cars could not support the weight and had to be repaired during the race.

I occasionally see this, too. I've had cars roll the leading edge. What would your suggestion be?

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

1/64" plywood, aluminum tape, duct tape. Just something stronger

 

[Kinser Racing]

I've used the Monokote Trim Sheet and it works really well.

 

[Vitamin K]

I like blue painter's tape, because it holds well, is lightweight and is easy to remove if I need to. I should note, though, that I only use the tape to cover voids. I don't use it to hold weight in.

 

[561 racing]

I like blue painter's tape, because it holds well, is lightweight and is easy to remove if I need to. I should note, though, that I only use the tape to cover voids. I don't use it to hold weight in.

Again, I don't think it's strong enough. What the guys suggested is what I do.

 

[GravityX]

Like everyone else, I cover all openings top or bottom.

 

[Mojo Racing]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vitamin K I like blue painter's tape, because it holds well, is lightweight and is easy to remove if I need to. I should note, though, that I only use the tape to cover voids. I don't use it to hold weight in.

Again, I don't think it's strong enough. What the guys suggested is what I do.

I found a lightweight vent ducting tape (not duct tape) in Lowe's. This stuff is lighter weight than the aluminum tape and has a high tack so it will not roll up. Works great for my stuff.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

I like blue painter's tape, because it holds well, is lightweight and is easy to remove if I need to. I should note, though, that I only use the tape to cover voids. I don't use it to hold weight in.

I wouldn't recomend this. If it starts to peel from the stop section they will take it off. Something more heavy duty is preferred.

 

[jator359]

1/64" plywood, aluminum tape, duct tape. Just something stronger

+1 on the 1/64" ply, CA sealed around the edges. Absolutely no risk of material roll-off. We typically use ladder frames in our builds so the ply cover has the added benefit of structural stiffness.

 

[Fumbles]

I'm using 1/64th basswood on the bottom. I know it's heavier than balsa but it's thinner than the 1/32 balsa sheeting that I can get. Ultra strong and it's also for structural stability. I then cover the top with mono/econokote type of material & silver metallic ducting tape near the weight pocket.