I'm getting ready to build a Polycarbonate spoiler for Chaos (98 GMC Sonoma). The dimensions are 10" X ~55" X 1/4".
My plan is to mount the bottom side with SS piano hinge mounted to inside top of tailgate (so I can fold it down inside the bed when not in use) and use 4 turnbuckle stye splitter rods to support the top. Will this be strong enough?
Also, I plan to mount the turnbuckles to the tailgate with 3/16" pop-rivets as their shear strength is 310# according to Mcmaster Carr.
Anyone see issues with that plan?
Thanks in advance.
gsettle said:
I'm getting ready to build a Polycarbonate spoiler for Chaos (98 GMC Sonoma). The dimensions are 10" X ~55" X 1/4".
My plan is to mount the bottom side with SS piano hinge mounted to inside top of tailgate (so I can fold it down inside the bed when not in use) and use 4 turnbuckle stye splitter rods to support the top. Will this be strong enough?
Also, I plan to mount the turnbuckles to the tailgate with 3/16" pop-rivets as their shear strength is 310# according to Mcmaster Carr.
Anyone see issues with that plan?
Thanks in advance.
Sounds great!
We did very similar for a bit in champcar. No issues with it whatsoever. Sounds like a solid plan.
Good to hear!
Any suggestions on spoiler angle? I've read they should be between 50 - 55 degrees...
gsettle said:
Good to hear!
Any suggestions on spoiler angle? I've read they should be between 50 - 55 degrees...
From what I understand, it depends on what is in front of it. Like if it is a flat area in front of it, you want a steeper angle versus say a sloping hatch.
It's adjustable though, so play with it and figure out what works best in your application!
gsettle said:
Good to hear!
Any suggestions on spoiler angle? I've read they should be between 50 - 55 degrees...
Since it is a truck and you did not specify if the bed is covered or not, here is my advice on angle:
Covered bed - run a straight edge or string from the top of the cab to the base of the spoiler and set the angle to about 90deg with the straight edge.
Open bed - run it nearly vertical, maybe closer to 10 degrees back from vertical.
stafford1500 said:
gsettle said:
Good to hear!
Any suggestions on spoiler angle? I've read they should be between 50 - 55 degrees...
Since it is a truck and you did not specify if the bed is covered or not, here is my advice on angle:
Covered bed - run a straight edge or string from the top of the cab to the base of the spoiler and set the angle to about 90deg with the straight edge.
Open bed - run it nearly vertical, maybe closer to 10 degrees back from vertical.
Awesome! Thanks for that info!
I'll post a picture of the truck when it's back on the ground and with said spoiler and front splitter installed.
I set my rear tonneau spoiler at 65 degrees , it is made out of 1 sheet of aluminium and was bent on a large break .I got the info from nascar trucks
As per Stafford's advice, I straight edged from roof to top of tailgate... Angle ended up being ~70 degrees. Attached mounts with adjusters at halfway point so I can go more or less angle. I made it narrower than what I want so I can just pull the 4 pins and swing the whole thing into the bed, under the cover (base is mounted with SS piano hinge).
Lexan so I can see out the back on track.
I welcome any feedback on both the spoiler and my front splitter.
No idea how either of them will work but I like the way the splitter and spoiler look!
Your spoiler and splitter look nice.
After seeing the BMW 3.0 CSL race car with its down turned winglet thing on the back of the roof reminiscent of an old station wagon back window air deflector, I always wondered how a small spoiler would work on the roof of my Volvo 164. I now see little roof spoilers for sale for modern cars. I wonder how a small spoiler would work on the back of a pickup cab?
I would think a spoiler on the cab roof would make my spoiler on the back useless?
I haven't tested this at more than highway speeds yet...My plan was to run the time trial at Road America next weekend. Those plans went out the window with my rear diff at a test n tune event last weekend.
ugh that looks unfortunate! you can't get it back together in a week??
Glitter is bad.
At someplace like Road America you are going to feel the spoiler on the straights.
Make a plan to have the spoiler adjustable, less angle by up to 20 degrees. That might be as simple as shorter braces ready to bolt on. The splitter is going to flex a lot too, so watch for that with paint or other visible indicator on the bottom of the leading edge.
jfryjfry said:
ugh that looks unfortunate! you can't get it back together in a week??
I don't think so... going to put in an 8.8 that I won't have till Tuesday. Planning on redrilling axles for bolt pattern, new seals and clutches. This will use up the RA money lol.
In reply to stafford1500 :
So you're talking about the splitter may flex down to the pavement, I assume? I'll keep an eye out for that. I do know I can stand on it (~220#) and it doesnt move much.
Spoiler is adjustable, although not sure if 20 degrees each way.
In reply to gsettle :
You won't need to adjust the spoiler up any further, but lowering it will give you a speed benefit on faster courses like Road America.
Standing on the splitter is 100% valid for deflection testing. Sounds like you have it covered.
