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Effective wind deflector/buffeting reduction?


Cueball1

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I tried different wings and was never happy with result so went with modified doors.   I removed everything but the metal lower door frame and mounts then cut m10 lexan to replace the entire door panel.  Works great 

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I've just been experimenting along similar lines:

 

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Works very well.  Agreed that the windscreen mounted deflectors did jack.  It's not perfect yet as they are too flexibly mounted.  Will come up with firmer mounts next.  You still feel the wind but the pulsing, aggressive buffeting is gone.

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  • 1 month later...

I completely agree the key is to extend the from the windscreen back as far as possible.  Taller did not seem to matter as much.   I extended mine about 6".  This way all the buffering from the air hitting the fender does not enter the cabin.  I also modified the top to match.  

 

As a bonus the visibility with the top on was improved. 

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Has anyone tried to create a windshield mounted scoop/diverter like some have for their miata?  I'd think this would be quite effective in changing the air pressure behind the screen, thereby reducing the buffetting.  I need to find someone with a 3d printer to help test the idea.

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They all, essentially, grab air from the top of the windscreen and drop it down and a bit outward behind the windscreen, filling a bit of the negative pressure "void" to reduce air being pulled in from the sides.  I'd think the square design of our screen surrounds would make a fairly easy and solid place for attachment and allow quick/easy install/deinstall.

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Interesting.  Wouldn’t work for me that’s where I look to see traffic lights.

 

If you get one, let us know how it works out.

 

People seem to be trying for “zero” wind buffering.  Having grown up with MGs and Triumphs, I’m not sure I get that.  Love the wind in your hair (albeit little remaining) feel myself.  It’s the Lotus Sevens strong side buffeting I’m tempering.

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1 hour ago, jbcollier said:

Love the wind in your hair (albeit little remaining) feel myself.  It’s the Lotus Sevens strong side buffeting I’m tempering.

Agree completely. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Definitely not looking for zero buffeting in an open car but it is definitely an uncomfortable (and potentially harmful to your hearing) level at freeway speeds.  Drove an early Miata for many years.  Would love to figure how to drop it to that level of an open air experience! 

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Rather than the scoop at the top of windshield I chose to install a NACA Duct under the car on the side opposite of the header.  Then ran a 3 inch high heat resistant hose to the top of the tunnel.  Then put a 2 1/2 splitter on the inside with a short run to the driver's and passengers footwell.  This hose was capped with a  360 degree dash vent cover.   

 

This provides cooler air to the feet and gets the hot footwell air moving as a bonus.   I think that this reduces the neg pressure zone at the footwell and helps with buffering too. 

 

Cheers

B

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I found a great way to defeat the assault on my ears and face. Cover up my head.

 

I own two helmets for autocross:  An open Snell SA hemet and a full-face Snell M helmet

 

Drove my Seven on Minnesota roads today in 50-degree-F windy weather.. No top, No doors, No windwings.   Wore the full-face motorcycle helmet.  Worked a treat.  At speed, flipped the clear visor down.  Still heard the engine sounds.  Was perfectly comfortable, no face-warping buffeting.  Low speeds or stopped at at a traffic light, flipped the clear visor up.  Felt fine and no fogging.

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I owned a Birkin years ago and currently drive a Westfield and I found that with both of these cars that the further back from the front windshield that you sit the worse the buffeting issue is and the harder it is to fix. I'm 6'4" so I always end up pretty far back.

 

After using wind deflectors and additions to the windscreen I found that this was one case where "less-is-more" is really a thing. On the Birkin I used a Brookland screen and that worked pretty well. On the Westfield I'm using an aero screen with a short lexan addition and it had taken care of the issue. Even at over 100 mph my head stays still without any buffeting.

 

For me it's by far the best choice.

 

dave

 

 

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I use a good set of noise reduction earplugs that work quite well at eliminating the annoying pressure and noise from buffeting but still allow me to hear the engine, etc.

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I wear hearing aids so I just turn them off. Helps with the noise but does nothing for the buffeting. I have a brooklands screen I want to try; I'm looking at proper aviation-style goggles to go along with it, with impact resistant lenses.

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10 hours ago, Cueball1 said:

Really not interested in wearing a helmet on the street. Is there other less intrusive protection folks use with Brooklands or aero screens? 

I don’t wear a helmet when driving. I do where a full coverage pair of glasses that have 2.4mm thick ‘bulletproof’ lenses to protect my eyes. They are a shooting glass and the optics and protection are very good. I also find that I don’t follow other cars/trucks very closely to minimize the chances of a rock being thrown up at me. 

 

It’s funny - sometimes you’ll be driving along and suddenly see a large bug like a bumble bee headed straight at my face and then it flows the airstream right up and over my head. It’s like magic!

 

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On 8/14/2023 at 10:48 AM, kayentaskier said:

If it's the wind buffeting you're concerned with, the best solution is to sell the windshield, install the aero screen and wear a helmet.

Not going to do it for me.  My mother was 100% Irish, and I am melanin-deprived. In summer, my face fries in the sun.  Given a choice between coating my face with zinc cream or putting on the car top, I'm putting on the car top.

Edited by pethier
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