Sand And Small Gravel

[DAVID BROWER]

It got me to thinking... Are the 'outriggers' on the Elio going to spray/throw debris up against the sides of the car? Even with flaps I can't see how they wouldn't.

Inquiring minds want to know...

WITH THE ENCLOSED FRONT WHEELS IT REALLY SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE .
THE WHEELS ARE TURNED SHARPLY ONLY AT SLOWER SPEEDS .

THE 3 WHEEL MESSERSCHMITTs DIDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS BUT
WHEN THEY CAME OUT WITH THE 4 WHEEL TIGER , THEY QUICKLY LEARNED THAT
SOME STONE GUARDS WERE NEEDED FOR THE REAR FENDERS

 

[Lil4X]

I've been concerned myself about the rocks and gravel thrown up by the front wheels. Short spats or mud flaps might help, but they probably won't look too good. A better solution might be that 3M "clearbra" to cover the rocker panels and maybe the lower door and whatever that thing is on the other side of the trike, the "non-door" area.

That 3M film works very well. I used it on my first RX where the factory had neglected to provide a pad on top of the rear bumper to take the impact of stuff being loaded and unloaded through the rear hatch. As a last-minute DIY project only hours before my departure on a 6800 mile vacation trip, I was hit with darkness and cool weather during the application. Well, I got it on there, but it still had a few small bubbles and a wrinkle that I couldn't work out in the dark.

By the end of the three-week trip through blizzard and desert sun, it smoothed itself out so well that if you didn't know it was there, you couldn't find it. 3 1/2 years later, it was still almost perfect, despite having been hit with the edges of several cases of gear being loaded and unloaded by some less-than-careful folks.

Several friends have since used the 3M film and report excellent results as well - it can really take a beating, whether installed over paint, plastic, or even headlight covers. Edges are difficult to detect - if you buff off wax carefully, and you probably won't have to replace it unless you suffer a collision.

Back in 2000 when I was introduced to the stuff, it came in custom laser-cut panels that were pretty pricey (about $80 for that 3 1/2" X 45" strip for the bumper top). It came with excellent instructions, but be aware, despite the recommended process, it's still a 2-man job. For the uninitiated, it's like putting on a very large decal . . . a little soapy water helps you glide it into place, then you squeegee out the water underneath with a credit card. A pro installer would probably do a better job if a concours finish matters to you.

 

[Critter]

Thanks for the information. I may need extra protection being my driveway is dirt and gravel. I am thinking the third wheel will reduce how often the driveway has to me mowed.

 

[Critter]

My driveway is one reason i have always used honda motorcycles with enclosed driveshafts. May go with protection spray and mud flaps on the elio if necessary.

 

[WilliamH]

My driveway is one reason i have always used honda motorcycles with enclosed driveshafts. May go with protection spray and mud flaps on the elio if necessary.

With those tracks you may need to regrade it.
Mine had gotten so bad that people in conventional cars scrapped bottom.
Spent about 20 hr regrading it.

 

[Critter]

With those tracks you may need to regrade it.
Mine had gotten so bad that people in conventional cars scrapped bottom.
Spent about 20 hr regrading it.

The hump in the middle is small enough for almost all normal cars. A friend with a vette would not even try my driveway. I have the means to reduce the hump if Elio is too low to clear the middle.