LocostUSA.com

Has no one really pursued this? I've done a bit of digging, and was trying to think of a solution for the old "my fender mounts have cracked and broken" We see all too often on here.

I reached out to my supplier who makes my fender flares for my side gig, and they think its something that could be pretty easily done. I have my flares made out of HDPE currently, it has the highest strength to weight to form retention properties.

for example, a flare with a rough surface area of 123", with a 5mm thickness weighs ~18oz. Assuming your average fender has a surface area of 200-240^2", that would put your weight somewhere between 32-38oz.

with no specific weight numbers in front of me, I can't be exact in comparison.. but I can't imagine that a fiberglass, steel or aluminum material of the same strength/ size could come close to that weight number. The obvious downside is that you cant weld plastic to steel, but they could easily be mounted with countersunk rivets, and with a proper bonding agent and primer, they paint just like any other surface.

So, Why hasn't this been broached before?

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Tucker

I imagine it's mostly a cost issue, but also because the real problem is the mounts themselves. I suspect some of them would break even without fenders being attached.

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Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://midlana.com/stuff/book/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains
Both available from https://www.lulu.com/

True about cost - but I don't think its as costly as you would expect. I'll have to have them price out a pair, or production cost for a couple.

My thought is reducing weight and uniformity. Physics says that reducing the moment on the end of a lever will prolong the life the unit. plus the uniformity of plastic molding.

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Tucker

Starts midway down page 7 with the cut and welded fender on page 8. I wanted more coverage than one would provide.

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=11384&start=90

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

Tucker, I replied to you a couple weeks ago, but it is still in my inbox. I forwarded it to you again today. It's not bad.

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

sorry, missed that!

going back to this, I gave my producer some basic dimensions and material requirements. He says they have a similar mold they no longer use that he thinks he can expand width and length wise (it was formerly for an underbelly plastic for an enduro bike believe it or not!) So he's going to do a trial run and see how they work out. cost theoretically would be $50-60/pair. less, if I order more of course.

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Tucker

I think it would be ideal. What is the most common front tire size? I'd guess 205-50-15 od plus an inch (1/2 on each side) for frame and clearance to frame. Obviously, a little bigger is a lot better than too small if your looking for a size with universal appeal.

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

I requested a 9" wide - flat section - with 1.5" skirts on either side. If its the same HDPE he uses for my flares, its very easily trimmable with a dremel. total outside curvature distance would be 30", which would be 135° of coverage of your average 26" tall tire. I figure if its 9" wide, it can be cut down for narrower tires, and most of us don't run anything wider than that.

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Tucker

Tucker, did you ever get anywhere with these? I might be interested but would love to see an example (doesn't have to be the actual part)

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Gavin

My build: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=16005

I did, he's going to be prototyping one for me this month (supposedly) He's doing it as a favor because of my other business, so I'm not really pushing him to complete it quickly. I will certainly keep you posted! I'd expect to see one in the next month. Shipping and customs typically takes 2 weeks, so mid June ish?

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Tucker

The first test should be to see if the wind will push the fender into the tire.

There's a fair amount of area there, and wind pressure is usually more than people expect.

[remembers a particular dirt bike fender...]

you'd be surprised at just how much rigidity a properly formed HDPE piece can have.

I agree though, there's no point in having them if they have to be mounted 4" off the tire.

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Tucker

I still remember the look on my bosses face when I picked him up after a pass on his drag bike. The front fender had shifted a bit and locked up the front tire at around 180mph. When I got to the shutdown area with the golf cart to tow him back he was very nervously smoking a cigarette. Needles to say, the fender came off until we could mount it better.
Kristian

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V6 in a book frame build. Now registered.
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