Splitter material?
 

Hi all-

I'm thinking of adding a splitter to the bottom of an RS front spoiler. I see lots of people seem to have them. Does anyone know what material would be good to make one out of? Something along the lines of inexpensive DIY stuff would be nice.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I've used aluminum sheet with good results. Get .060 thick.

I've use 3/16" polycarbonate and 1/4" plexiglass with good results but the aluminum Chuck mentioned would probably be easier to work with though.

Plywood.

Tom

I've seen plywood splitters all the way up to the ranks of the Speedvision cars. It's not an approved material for most PCA members but it works just fine. Keep in mind the weight though. If you have a glass bumper and the mounting can't handle another 3-4 lbs you may need to either use aluminum or reinforce the mounting.

How about rubber?

http://www.rubbercal.com/Skirtboard.html

ABS plastic, carbon fiber and fiberglass also work

Hmmm... Several good ideas here. Looks like I need to make a trip to Home Depot.

I too have used 1/4" polycarbonate. You want the splitter to 'self-sacrifice' before taking the bumper apart, IMHO.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1121301212.jpg

I guess I'm not sure what polycarbonate is. I agree that it should be something that can break off before taking the whole spoiler if possible. I'm repairing an RS bumper that was broken in two, and wouldn't want to do it again.

There's a material used in the graphics business called Sintra (also the same thing by another company called Komacell). It's an expanded PVC (same thing that plastic plumbing pipe is made from, just "foamed" a little bit). Comes in several thicknesses from 2mm (5/64") to 13mm (1/2")in black, white and several colors. Very easy to fabricate, relatively durable, relatively lightweight, and inexpensive. Any local sign shop should have some around - bet they'd even have some scrap in the sizes you need.

I bought a 4 x 8 sheet of 3/16 inch abs plastic from Professional Plastics, Inc off the web. After cutting out the splitter, I have enough material for at least one more and plenty for those small projects. I think the total cost with shipping was about $70.00. It looks great and appears very durable. JP

"I guess I'm not sure what polycarbonate is."

Pretty common stuff. Used for windows of race cars. Should be available at your local home building store. Some trade names are Lexan, Tuffak, Makrolon, and Hyzod.

Here's one source: http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

"natural composites" :) the only way to go.

hemp

if "natural composites" the only way to go.

Baytec P, it's the plastic used on the bottom of snowplow blades... :)

I used 1/8" aluminum plate
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1121403180.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1121403195.jpg

I went through a 'slightly crazy' phase with several different thicknesses of aluminum.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1111613203.jpg

Anyone familiar with the material they use as min. height/rubbing strips on current F1 cars?

Sherwood