Have you used dope?
 

I was wondering if anyone has tried making an aero mod in the same fashion as an early aeroplane? This is, make a frame, stretch a sheet over it, and then paint it with lacquer or urethane. Hunting down coroplast is surely easier, but I'm curious as to whether this would work?

As long as you have a frame similar in concept to an airframe ;) That is, if it's flapping around or significantly deforming - you're doing more harm than good.

Threads like this are why I like GasSavers.

Plucky title? Um... Check!

DIY focus? Check!

Contributing new ideas to a sound ecomodding topic? Check!

Quick response from a knowledgeable GS member? Check!

Makes me want to hug the Acetone Bunny.

Although, I really should be more supportive :p I'm not nonsupporting, I'm just not saying that I'm... errr not.... Hooray double negative :p

trollbait: what part were you considering framing up & doping?

trebuchet: I didn't think your reply was too negative. Actually, the first thing I wondered was if an aeroshell/cap was being considered. I don't know anything about airframe construction, but I imagine it would be challenging to keep a huge surface area like that from "balooning" into the low pressure around it at speed (like some closed convertible tops do on the freeway). I have no idea how stiff the urethane would make it.

But I'd like to see someone try.

I've been toying with this, sort of:
https://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...airingside.jpg

The color though, ugh, like the village people were auditioning for an eco-biker :)

Oo! That reminds me:

A friend of mine covered his velomobile with the sturdy shrink wrap plastic that boat yards use. There are bales and bales of that stuff thrown out every spring when the boats are uncovered, around here anyway. I picked up some for him to re-use.

https://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...s/Dec28_01.jpg

people who make vehicles for the Super Mileage Vehicle Chalange like the fabric like real airplanes use, because it's more durable and easier to work with, check out compenys that sell suplys for home built air planes.

Yah, but the reuse of the discarded boat wrap is a really awesome idea. And having done some fabric sewing and doping myself, and having also done rc monokote heat shrink plastic, the monocote is easier by far to work with.