Author Topic: Spare tire well (Read 5901 times)

ClodKing · « **on:** June 30, 2008, 02:39:22 AM »

Is there anything mounted to the bottom of the spare tire well in the trunk?

I have to do some hole fixing in the rear end and figure while I am chopping, and re-welding new sheet metal, I might aswell rip that well out too, and put in a flat peice of steel.

I could lose a bunch of weight, and I don't have a spare tire anyways, so I wouldn't be missing the well at all.

I was thinking i might add structral rigidity to the back end though. And I can't do tubing right now to make it stiffer. Maybe in the future (gotta cage the truck... and maybe the car), but not right now.

mkodama · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2008, 11:25:22 PM »

From what I have gathered, removing the spare tire well doesn't make a noticeable difference when it comes to weight. Also I have never seen anything mentioning an increase in stiffness or rigidity.

But it would be a simple way of fixing holes as well as it gives you more freedom when it comes to exhaust placement usually.

Not sure about anything mounted to it though. I remember my E46 had the diffusor of the rear bumper attached to the spare tire well. So I would check for any bumper attachment locations.

ClodKing · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2008, 03:32:33 PM »

I was thinking to putting in a rear diffuser there. you know, like race car style, hahaha.

The steel part under my bumper is all bent. I don't know what you would call it. But either way, it remove that part, and add something cool to the back end...

I'm gonna play with paint and see how it would look...

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2008, 08:23:01 PM »

That panel is the rear valence, and if you cut the whole thing out, some of the metal bumper guys would pay a pretty sum for it. If you leave it in and cut out the rear tire well (which I wouldn't reccomend, as there are no gains unless you want a center exhaust) that valence acts like a parachute. Not only does it kill fuel economy, but the noise it creates is astounding.

ClodKing · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2008, 04:06:07 PM »

My valence is bowed in a bit. I wanted to ditch a the centre section, and the spare tire area, and build a diffuser. I cannot afford to buld an amazing motor, so I hav decided to go with less weight, and streamlining the car to the best of my abilities...

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2008, 10:43:05 AM »

Sounds like a good plan, just keep the side sections of the valence. BTW it takes a lot of skill and know-how to build an efficient diffuser, so don't expect too much. I suggest making a mock-up out of wood or something cheap and then using that as a template for fiberglass or plastic.

ClodKing · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2008, 04:03:27 PM »

I was thinking of using thin particle board for a template, and then altering it as I drove it.

I spent a solid 3 hours last night reading up on aerodynamics. There's alot of stuff I learned I learn there, and I am just barely scrathing the surface... I am not going to attempt this until I have a decent understanding of what to do.

I was originally gonna make one and throw it up, but I'm glad i asked, and read up a bit first...

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2008, 02:53:49 PM »

Good deal. Do enough research and don't cut too many corners and I think it will come out pretty well. The particle board idea is a good one, but the elements may wear it down quickly.