Landracing Forum

Tech Information => Aerodynamics => Topic started by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 06:40:58 PM

Title: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 06:40:58 PM
So many 53s have been built, pickups, Avantis, but I've never seen a '47 or '48 Starlight coupe. For Vintage Gas Coupe, it appears to be the lowest drag body suitable for the class. The only other pre-1949 postwar-type body designs are Hudsons and Packards, both of which have substantially higher frontal area.
Why not?
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Bob Drury on March 23, 2012, 07:32:35 PM
  Just keep in mind that that flat front end is a cd killer.  The rest of the body may not overcome that one point. 
  I would double check the Stude front end vs the Hudson or even the 1941 or earlier Ford or Chevy coupes.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 07:55:50 PM
  Just keep in mind that that flat front end is a cd killer. 

Not exactly pointy.

The Hudson is perhaps a better form, but it's 7-8 inches wider.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Stan Back on March 23, 2012, 09:01:31 PM
Crosley?
With a factory propeller?  (No, I think that was 1951.)
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on March 23, 2012, 09:20:59 PM
Frazers were pretty slick.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Cajun Kid on March 23, 2012, 09:29:12 PM
I would think a 39 chevy or even a 36 or 37 ford coupe would be better than the 47/48 Stude ??
unless the running boards cause a problem...
Charles
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 09:36:35 PM
Crosley?


No doubt the lowest drag, but going for 200 mph in an 80 inch wheelbase car is probably not a good idea
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: dw230 on March 23, 2012, 09:42:36 PM
Comp Coupe resolves those issues. Extended wheelbase, nose modified in front of the cowl and chopped tops.

Passing Vintage Engine rules brings you into another world.

DW
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 09:49:28 PM
Comp Coupe resolves those issues. Extended wheelbase, nose modified in front of the cowl and chopped tops.


There's any number of good Comp Coupe choices, including furrin stuff. Vintage Gas Coupe choices are smaller. The first red hat car in the category would be quite an achievement.

Vintage Gas Coupes can get a 3" top chop, too.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 09:52:30 PM
Frazers were pretty slick.

Agreed, but also taller and wider (Frazer 64.5 x 72.9, Stude 61.3 x 69.8 )
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 23, 2012, 10:06:27 PM
I would think a 39 chevy or even a 36 or 37 ford coupe would be better than the 47/48 Stude ??
unless the running boards cause a problem...
Charles

All that prewar stuff is way tall, and those fat fenders and running boards (can't be removed in Vintage Gas Coupe) cause massive turbulence. I can't see why you'd think that.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: aircap on March 23, 2012, 11:53:15 PM
As the former owner of a '49 Studebaker, I can tell you they don't handle well in the wind. And here in Kansas, we have a lot of wind. It wobbled if heading into the wind, leaned over if the wind was from the side, and handled best with the wind at the rear. So I suggest you drive it backwards for best performance.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: jpm49c on March 24, 2012, 12:14:11 AM
Studebaker and Crosley used the same company for their propellers!
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Bob Drury on March 24, 2012, 12:48:30 AM
  Aircap, a few years back there was a program called The Red Green Show (I think) on PBS.
  Red was the King of Duct Tape and most of the shows revolved around solving any and all problems with Duct Tape.
  If my fading memory is right, Red decided to make a front wheel drive out of a rear wheel drive auto.
  Long story short, he turned the front seat around, installed a boat steering wheel with cables and pulleys, knocked the lenses out of the tail lights, painted the headlights red and on and on.
  If you were a sick individual you would have loved the program.
  I loved the program...................
                                Bob  :-D
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Elmo Rodge on March 24, 2012, 07:49:00 AM
We still get Red Green here in Utah but it's on too late for me.  :wink: Wayno
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Rex Schimmer on March 24, 2012, 11:19:03 AM
My choice is the 1949 Nash 600 sedan, great flowing lines, and if you put it on the ground the wheels are almost completely covered. Big frontal area though and ditch the sun visor.

Red Green RULES!!!!

Rex
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: salt27 on March 24, 2012, 11:28:19 AM
As the former owner of a '49 Studebaker, I can tell you they don't handle well in the wind. And here in Kansas, we have a lot of wind. It wobbled if heading into the wind, leaned over if the wind was from the side, and handled best with the wind at the rear. So I suggest you drive it backwards for best performance.

Just hire Freud to drive and all is good. :-D
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on March 24, 2012, 12:14:56 PM
My choice is the 1949 . . .

Only 1948 or earlier bodies allowed in Vintage Gas Coupe.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Rex Schimmer on March 24, 2012, 04:13:46 PM
Damn!! Your're right but I still think they could be fast! and Red Green still rules!!

Rex
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on March 24, 2012, 07:39:35 PM
. . . ditch the sun visor.

Red Green RULES!!!!

Rex

I'd be tempted to keep the visor, but set it up with Dzus fasteners - it will keep the passenger compartment cooler while you're waiting in line, and just throw it in the push vehicle before you make the run.

"Keep your stick on the ice."
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: floydjer on March 25, 2012, 01:06:04 PM
Chrysler Airflow???
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Moxnix on March 25, 2012, 01:34:22 PM
Didn't a guy from Seattle have an Airflow for LSR?
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Glen on March 25, 2012, 01:35:24 PM
Yes
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: RichFox on March 25, 2012, 01:59:22 PM
If you are talking about the Dozier/Haggerity/Barnett DeSoto Airflow, it isw a San Francisco Bay Area car.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: bearingburner on March 26, 2012, 12:32:39 PM
Remember that duct tape is the handy mans secret weapon.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Stan Back on March 26, 2012, 02:57:19 PM
And illegal.

The DeSoto is a rare and beautiful coupe' model, too.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: Buickguy3 on March 26, 2012, 09:42:55 PM
   Looks sorta like this one.
  Doug :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: interested bystander on March 26, 2012, 11:53:29 PM
A nuther pic of the Airflow:
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: floydjer on March 27, 2012, 09:18:52 AM
A nuther pic of the Airflow:
I like it. Of course, I`ve owned two SAAB SPG`s
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: typo41 on October 11, 2012, 07:49:18 PM
Since this is on Aero,, and the mention of 39 Chevys and 40 Ford Coupes,,,one thing is frontal, but remember, what happens to the wind as it passes over and under said shape. At about 140 thoes wonderful trunks become a airfoils and start lifting.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: aircap on October 11, 2012, 11:52:30 PM
Quote
Only 1948 or earlier bodies allowed in Vintage Gas Coupe.

Not a problem.
The 47's and 48's are nearly identical to the 49's.
I suggest a Starlight Coupe - the round rear window section might cut the air better.
Title: Re: The other Studebaker
Post by: tortoise on October 23, 2012, 01:25:57 PM
Quote
Only 1948 or earlier bodies allowed in Vintage Gas Coupe.

Not a problem.
The 47's and 48's are nearly identical to the 49's.
I suggest a Starlight Coupe - the round rear window section might cut the air better.
See post #1. A 49 or 50 with a 47/48 front end and fenders would be legal -- same tin on main body section. The Commander has a nose with wheelbase extended 4 or so inches over the Champ, so would be the best for higher speed classes. A 3 inch top chop is also allowed in VGC.