Landracing Forum

Tech Information => Aerodynamics => Topic started by: Hooley on May 26, 2021, 08:52:23 PM

Title: removing the head lights
Post by: Hooley on May 26, 2021, 08:52:23 PM

I have been reluctant to remove the head lights from the front of our 1953 Studebaker for fear that it could upset the air. I know it has been done many many times. What kind of gain could I expect from removing them?

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Don Martin on May 28, 2021, 10:42:04 PM

I'm with you Hooley. Beach Ball Sanchez did it in the late 50s. I read he picked up 13mph. I could use that.

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: sdroadster on May 29, 2021, 10:41:17 PM

I have thought about removing the headlights, but continue to think that there is an element of high speed control with the headlight in the stock position. If you look at the front of the car, the oncoming air is forced between the hood scoop and the headlights. I think this adds an element of directional control. Without the headlights my intuition keeps telling me the car will wander.  I have made some changes over the years, and most of them don't make any difference at all. 13 mph is a lot of benefit, we need to think about this.

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Rex Schimmer on May 30, 2021, 02:34:47 PM

I always thought that this was one of the best "Studies" that ran at the salt. These guys are from the North West and it had a 550+ inch big block in it. I think it ran in the 250-260 mph area. Haven't seen them for several years.

Rex

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: WZ JUNK on May 30, 2021, 08:06:38 PM

I have no dog in this fight, but I will enjoy show.

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Hooley on May 31, 2021, 09:35:15 AM

THANKS GUYS for your input, that has been my thinking . I thought the yellow Stude was real swoopie looking too.

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Don Martin on May 31, 2021, 07:44:53 PM

How's it go? If your spinning add weight if your not add HP. I'm adding both and bringing the stuff to remove my headlights if I'm not fast enough. Never fast enough, Right? We can always put the back on.

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Hooley on June 01, 2021, 08:16:12 AM

GO DON GO

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: SPDRACR on June 01, 2021, 07:26:56 PM

As a roadster guy....Take those headlights off !!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: KATIE on June 11, 2021, 12:01:37 PM

1953 Studebaker?, , , If you take the headlamps off, , ,do you just have a hole in the front of your fender? If air rushes in there, where does it go? how does it get out?  I suppose it also depends on the body class?    KATIE

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: manta22 on June 11, 2021, 01:12:31 PM

How about replacing the headlights with "Dagmars" like those on that big Buick?

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Hooley on June 11, 2021, 04:33:59 PM

Quote from: manta22 on June 11, 2021, 01:12:31 PM

How about replacing the headlights with "Dagmars" like those on that big Buick?

   That would be stylish

Title: Re: removing the head lights
Post by: Hooley on June 11, 2021, 04:36:23 PM

Quote from: SPDRACR on June 01, 2021, 07:26:56 PM

As a roadster guy....Take those headlights off !!!!!!!!!!!

KAtie, we would fill them in kinda like the yellow car above.