arch vent question

[mkoch1]

For those who have fitted the factory front arch vents, did you fit any type of screen over the hole? If so where can you get screen to match the factory supplied screen. (USA source if possible)I am a little worried the tires may throw rocks through the vent and it the gel coat on the side pod. Has anyone experienced this?

Time to show off. Here is my version of the vents. Turned out to be a huge pain in the ass, if I could do it again I would just by the factory issued ones.


larger image

larger image

mark

[mkoch1]

Stig said:

I don't think it's as effective as a top arch vent like the Saleen, Mosler or Radicals, but every little helps.

I considered venting the top of the fender instead of the side pod. I have seen companies that sell fender vents that go on the top. After looking at the fender well, it seems ulitma has inserted some pretty thick reinforcements in the fiberglass and I didn't think cutting a bunch of hole in it was a good idea.

msv said:

I tried to order the arch vents, but Ted stated they were discontinued, due to the fact that the SVA test wasn't keen on them. Truly a shame, as I'm in the USA, so SVA isn't an issue.

If you haven't fitted your side pods already any fiberglass shop should be able to make you some. Of if you have fiberglass experience you could make your own like I did. I have several in progress pictures on my site www.markkoch.net/canamMain.asp that will walk you through the process. Not to hard of a project just very time consuming. I originally made myown to save money, but the time spent making them wasn't worth it. From what people are saying the factory doesn't make them anymore so custom ones are the only way to go.

mark

[mkoch1]

I think you would need to put it in a wind tunnel to make sure they work or not. Wouldn’t the air moving down the side pods past the vents create a vacuum pulling air out of the vent? Not sure the dust test proves much, my street bike wind shield can be covered in dust, I can go ride all day long and the dust is still there when I get home. I am no engineer so what do I know. I put the vents in because I like the way the look and didn't want people constantly asking what are those dents in the side pod for.

Making a kit for something like this would be hard. Even if your mold was perfect the fiberglass parts coming out of it will vary somewhat. Now add to it that fact that the piece you are making them for came out of a mold and varies somewhat from part to part and fitment can be an issue. Like stig said even the factory ones where a pain to fit. Best solution would be to have the factory incorporate the vent into the side pod mold.

Mark