24 replies to this topic

[fusionfanatic]

all you need is some poly carb, i think it would be difficult to keep clean what with all the oil in there but one possible idea is a CNC machines aluminium base incorporating ends, either as separate parts or the same part, then the back top and sides could be formed from a sheet of poly-carbonate so it resembled a tunnel, that way I see it as being actually manufacturable. Well expensive but as a one off design project I think it would be cool. you know the ends could be made from plastic too and bonded on. some lovely stainless T bars to fix it down! if I were at my desk I think I'd do a rendering!

I get proper excited when it comes to new ideas! How much would you pay for a see through blue illuminated rocker cover? I recon short production run would be over £100!

[ClubbyAsh]

all you need is some poly carb, i think it would be difficult to keep clean what with all the oil in there but one possible idea is a CNC machines aluminium base incorporating ends, either as separate parts or the same part, then the back top and sides could be formed from a sheet of poly-carbonate so it resembled a tunnel, that way I see it as being actually manufacturable. Well expensive but as a one off design project I think it would be cool. you know the ends could be made from plastic too and bonded on. some lovely stainless T bars to fix it down! if I were at my desk I think I'd do a rendering!

I get proper excited when it comes to new ideas! How much would you pay for a see through blue illuminated rocker cover? I recon short production run would be over £100!

It could look great although agree with the keeping clean, and i'd definitely say over £100!

[steven]

i love the idea somone please make one

[tiger99]

Polycarbonate will rapidly disintegrate due to the presence of various nasties in the oil and its vapour. It is intolerant of most organic solvents, which is unfortunate as it has many good properties.

I think that acrylic (perspex) will soften at the running temperature of the engine, close to 100 C, so that is out.

I expect that there is something which is suitable, but at what cost? Pyrex glass may be an option, just don't overtighten the fixing nuts. PET (soft drink bottles) may work, or PETG, more expensive, would be better.

http://en.wikipedia....late#Copolymers

Another way is to use Polycarbonate, which is ok mechanically, but have it coated with something impervious to oil vapour such as Parylene N.

Now how about a transparent gearbox?

[ClubbyAsh]

right after a bit of a chat with my friend who is like some sort of plastics guru and has worked in the plastics industry for years he says he feels the idea is good and could work although you would need the correct machinary. He says polycarbonate would need to be used and should withstand the heat easily, he also said that obviously vacuum forming would be out of the question as you could not form the threads for the oil cap mounting so this would need to be made using an injection moulding machine!

also he said LED's don't like heat and if used they would pop, his addition to the idea would be to add a polycarb window to an existing rocker cover which personally i think could still be made to look good!

[fusionfanatic]

right after a bit of a chat with my friend who is like some sort of plastics guru and has worked in the plastics industry for years he says he feels the idea is good and could work although you would need the correct machinary. He says polycarbonate would need to be used and should withstand the heat easily, he also said that obviously vacuum forming would be out of the question as you could not form the threads for the oil cap mounting so this would need to be made using an injection moulding machine!

also he said LED's don't like heat and if used they would pop, his addition to the idea would be to add a polycarb window to an existing rocker cover which personally i think could still be made to look good!

When I started to think about this my idea evolved from a window in an existing cover and the LED's would be external to the casing, Forgive me if I am wrong but does the rocker cover get too hot to put your hand on when its running at full temp? I'll have to try it.

I see this as a show piece, not ever intended to be used all the time, with that in mind I pictured it having no filler at all! I really need to make some illustration of what I have in mind!

[IainNeon91]

Hi there Ash, if you are feeling creative and don't mind trying something new, then i would recommend buying yourself some water transfer patterns to have a play with, you can find some pretty 'snazzy' patterns which would defiantly be different! Just a suggestion!

All you need to buy is the 1mx1m pattern sheet (smallest size they do) and the Aerosol activator

Aerosol Activator: http://www.wickedcoa...osol-activator/

All Patterns: http://www.wickedcoa...s-page-2/films/

Video of someone doing it at home:

Edited by IainNeon91, 26 November 2012 - 05:16 PM.

[splintercat]

heres a pic of me old MINI 30 i tidied up the engine bay and used an old petrol filler cap for an added bit of bling
added to the alloy rad and alloy water bottle .....

Edited by splintercat, 28 November 2012 - 03:19 PM.

[cradley-heathen]

i have always wanted a really early cast alloy rocker cover, one as used on formula juniors or some of the other old rare ones that sell for a fortune on ebay.

one day i will get me one, and use it as a mould to cast some more!

[splintercat]

Hi there Ash, if you are feeling creative and don't mind trying something new, then i would recommend buying yourself some water transfer patterns to have a play with, you can find some pretty 'snazzy' patterns which would defiantly be different! Just a suggestion!

All you need to buy is the 1mx1m pattern sheet (smallest size they do) and the Aerosol activator

Aerosol Activator: http://www.wickedcoa...osol-activator/

All Patterns: http://www.wickedcoa...s-page-2/films/

Video of someone doing it at home:

read this and saw the video definately worth looking into this is....