P3 Fenders

[Ty]

At first I wasn't too fond of the P4's aerodynamic wheel fairings, but they've grown on me. Obviously they'll help efficiency at highway speed, although I'm not convinced of their survival in the real world of parking lots, curb stops, and road debris.

It is often said around here that at the end of the month with everyone seeming to move to new apartments, hauling their furniture in (and on) their brother-in-law's pickup, that enough tables, chairs, sofas, beds, and dressers are scattered around Loop 610 that in one lap you can collect enough lost furniture from the traffic lanes to furnish a three-bedroom house. That's not what you want to find in the dark of night in your Elio - or any other vehicle for that matter.

At the same time with recent heavy rains, I've wondered what the spray pattern would look like thrown up by either set of fenders. In a conventional 4-wheeler, the body and fenders take most of the spray, with a bit of it being forced to the outside of the tire and scattered across the adjoining lane. It would seem that the Elio, with it's tires open to both sides, could shower the body aft of the wheel with a lot of water. At low speed this probably wouldn't be a problem, but the spray thrown up at highway speed could "irrigate" the central pod rather well. The P4 fairing would contribute the least to this problem, containing the majority of the spray, but the P3 or cycle-fender variant could throw a considerable rooster tail. One solution might be the compromise seen in the "Indian" style fenders.

I'll probably order the P3's as an accessory - an option for driving on sunny days, or when I want a different look for my ride around town. The P4's with their improved economy would be my choice for a long highway cruise. Well, we'll see - it's an experiment to look forward to.

One last concern, brought up in previous posts: If you opt for the P3 fenders, you're going to have to invest in a couple of rims. Exposed, they are NOT going to look good with the current OEM rims. Either a pair of aftermarket rims, or at least a paint job for the OEM black. If they could be fitted, I'd consider a trim ring and small dog-dish hubcaps. Otherwise, a set of wire wheels - but I've had 'em, and don't enjoy spending my weekends wielding a toothbrush and polishing cloth. The P4 fairings would eliminate that - I'd just want to paint the OEM rims with maybe a hammertone silver to relieve the black-on-black-on-black look of the tire, rim, and rear part of the fairing.

Here's something I've been wondering about lately... The fairings/fenders are held on by two pipes that slip over other pipes (basically) and are held in place by 2 set screws on each pipe (total of 4 set screws per fender). How likely are those 4 set screws to remain tightly in position if you keep changing them out? How many Elios will be running around with one fender because the other side launched itself into the stratosphere when the set screws came loose. Sure, we should check them before every ride but, like on my motorcycle, I may look to make sure the tires are inflated, but I rarely (never) pull on the fenders to make sure they haven't come loose.

 

[skygazer6033]

Ty --- If that proves to be a problem just drill a 1/8 hole through both inner and outer pipes between the set screws and put a shouldered pin through it. Set screws keep it tight pin keeps it on if the set screws work loose. Easy fix.

 

[NSTG8R]

Here's something I've been wondering about lately... The fairings/fenders are held on by two pipes that slip over other pipes (basically) and are held in place by 2 set screws on each pipe (total of 4 set screws per fender). How likely are those 4 set screws to remain tightly in position if you keep changing them out? How many Elios will be running around with one fender because the other side launched itself into the stratosphere when the set screws came loose. Sure, we should check them before every ride but, like on my motorcycle, I may look to make sure the tires are inflated, but I rarely (never) pull on the fenders to make sure they haven't come loose.

Ditch the set screws, drill all the way through both pipes, and install four of these babies (might look familiar to the avaition crowd for "remove before flight" flags). If you know the OD of the female pipe, just order a set with the "grip length" that's closest. Easy to release too when it time to change a flat, or swap out the fenders/fairings.
[quick release push-button pins]

 

[Snick]

Ditch the set screws, drill all the way through both pipes, and install four of these babies (might look familiar to the avaition crowd for "remove before flight" flags). If you know the OD of the female pipe, just order a set with the "grip length" that's closest. Easy to release too when it time to change a flat, or swap out the fenders/fairings.
[quick release push-button pins]

View attachment 5701

I like them, but they'd probably be stolen if you didn't wire and rivet them on.

 

[NSTG8R]

I like them, but they'd probably be stolen if you didn't wire and rivet them on.

That's the beauty. You take the little ring out, and swage a short piece of cable from the pin handle to the frame (like the picture, but minus the key ring). It'll make them harder to steal, but nothing's theft proof is someone wants it bad enough.

 

[Coss]

I like them, but they'd probably be stolen if you didn't wire and rivet them on.

Where do you live that you have to worry about having your fenders stolen?
I don't want to go near there

 

[NSTG8R]

Where do you live that you have to worry about having your fenders stolen?
I don't want to go near there

...yeah, got me curious too!

 

[Ty]

Ditch the set screws, drill all the way through both pipes, and install four of these babies (might look familiar to the avaition crowd for "remove before flight" flags). If you know the OD of the female pipe, just order a set with the "grip length" that's closest. Easy to release too when it time to change a flat, or swap out the fenders/fairings.
[quick release push-button pins]

View attachment 5701

Hey, you could easily use one of these or something even more appropriate...

Now that I look at it.... China? I thought Masterlocks were made in the USA! Sigh...

 

[Ty]

I like them, but they'd probably be stolen if you didn't wire and rivet them on.

How long before fenders show up at chop shops? They'd be REALLY easy to steal. Of course, that Skyz system would record the theft...

 

[Elio Amazed]

Where do you live that you have to worry about having your fenders stolen?
I don't want to go near there

I had the front grille stolen from my '03 Mustang while it sat in our Wal-mart parking lot.
The thief or thieves had to have been pretty good mechanics with just the right tools.
They also had must have been flexible and had to have spent at least ten minutes at the vehicle.
Four hard to reach hidden screws and Four hard to reach hidden bolts out without the hood released.
They only left a few small scratches where they pried the grille/bumper outward to get at the lower bolts.
Totally clean job. They took all the screws, bolts and fastenters too.

Knowing my own temperment and tolerance for thieves, I'd say they had a lot of jazz and were lucky.