Splitter Version 3

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

Moderators: timk, Stu, zombie, Andrew, -alex, miata

Magpie
Speed Racer
Posts: 7468
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:49 pm
Vehicle: NA6
Location: Purga, QLD

Splitter Version 3

Postby Magpie » Sun Jul 12, 2015 7:35 pm

I have made 3 splitters to date. The mounts I use are here http://www.miataroadster.com/kazespec-engineering/kazespec-engineering-splitter-hardware-kits/kseshk/i-1680573.aspx

Version 1 - 9.7 kg (ABS Plastic) is here http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=730055#p730055

Version 2 - 7.2 kg was made from ply 10mm with 2 layers of fibreglass on the bottom and 1 on the top. It has lasted quite well to be honest. http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=764135#p764135

Version 3 - 5 kg is made from 17mm Monopan http://www.lavender-ce.com/advanced-composite-materials/sandwich-panel-monopan/. This stuff is strong and light! However the edge does not take drilling too well. I'm getting some 1.6mm x 17mm U channel aluminium to put around the leading edge to protect it. Enough Monopan to make 2 splitters cost about $250. It is easy to cut but a bit painful to shape and trim. In the end I got an air angle grinder out and this worked well. Note this is also a bit bigger than the other 2 but weights LESS.

Version 3...

Monopan under the front after V2 splitter removed
ImageDSCN2609 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Version 2 - after about 18 months of use.
ImageDSCN2607 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Starting to mark out (the red dot in the middle is in the flash shadow)
ImageDSCN2613 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2612 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2615 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Cutting Plan. Made some changes to this version, an arch for the wheel turn radius.
ImageDSCN2606 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2608 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Cut out (used an air panel saw, like a knife through butter)
ImageDSCN2616 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2617 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2610 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2611 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2619 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Close up of edge after a bit of a clean up. Started with a die grinder, not very effective. Then a 3" grinder that worked a treat. I used more clark rubber foam to fill up the air gap. A more permanent solution is needed, a work in progress. The gap is caused by the GV Lip not being perfectly flat/level.
ImageDSCN2626 by Eipeip, on Flickr

A great tool to clean up the edges after the grinder.
ImageDSCN2625 by Eipeip, on Flickr

This is what the edge looks like close up with a bit of flat black paint.
ImageDSCN2624 by Eipeip, on Flickr

This is where it stayed for a few weeks, until I could do the edge protection. I attached some rubber seal from Clark Rubber to protect it a bit. Monopan does not hold very well to screws put into the honeycomb middle structure. Fastners need to go perpendicular to the surface not horizontal.

ImageDSCN2665 by Eipeip, on Flickr

How to bend the aluminium U channel that I planned on using. After loots of attempts I got a sheet of 18mm marine ply and cut out 1/2 of the splitter. I also attached a few hold down points to help it keep its shape.
ImageDSCN2667 by Eipeip, on Flickr

After heating the aluminium and 'tapping, it against the mould, a test piece.
ImageDSCN2669 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2666 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Final version. It is held on with Sikaflex and riveted from the underside. I would have preferred to use peel rivets however they are not available over the counter in my area.
ImageDSCN2675 by Eipeip, on Flickr

A closeup of the edge inside the wheel well. A nice neat fit.
ImageDSCN2676 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Finished
ImageDSCN2680 by Eipeip, on Flickr

ImageDSCN2679 by Eipeip, on Flickr

A few creases, I'll get better at shaping the aluminium, or sand it flat next time.
ImageDSCN2681 by Eipeip, on Flickr

User avatar
Jeo
Speed Racer
Posts: 3648
Joined: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:33 am
Vehicle: NB8B
Location: Canberra

Re: Splitter Version 3

Postby Jeo » Sun Jul 12, 2015 8:09 pm

A+ Would read again


Thanks Magpie!


Return to “MX5 Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 36 guests