Rear Clip security idea..

[pilbeam_mp62]

I have a "belt-and-braces" idea that could ensure the rear clip stays secure - what about 2 bolts (size to be determined) inserted from the inside of the cockpit near the roof, that would go through into rivnuts or similar in the vertical section of the clip...

Of course, it will take a little longer to open the rear clip, but that is a small price to pay for the knowledge that road bumps etc. will not jar the catches loose...

The exact design needs refining to ensure it all looks neat, but what do you think of the principal ?

Regards
Kelvin

[bluesatin]

Gman had this solution on his car but saying that if you check or use the factory security lights I don't see why you need this.

[crafty]

What you want is one of these from the inside of the cabin that locks into a Stainless Steel plate rivetted to the inside of the flange on the clip

[andygtt]

bluesatin said:

Gman had this solution on his car but saying that if you check or use the factory security lights I don't see why you need this.

IMHO this is a patch and the locks should be properly redesigned so that they close properly/easily.

ok so who would drive their car without checking the front or rear clip after someone else (say the wife) has closed it???

I do think deadlocks are a good idea, maybe ones that throw when you engage the clutch or a gear etc?

[CanAm Dave]

I am half way through building a locking system for my rear clip using small linear actuators that will throw out a steel bolts into receiver plates on the clip. I don't want to have a big airbrake incident at 200mph. I have already been asked to make the same system for someone else once it's completed. The system will be offered for sale on our website soon.

Slight delay on the website but it should be fully online in a week or so!

Regards Dave
www.rushfordperformance.co.uk

[GTR-TT]

Is this really a problem? Has it ever happend that the clip opens when it has been properly closed?

I would also like to have an easy solution so I don't have to go one lap around the car every time I have stopped and opend the rear clip for ventilation on track days. (I always do that when I get into the pit because it always feels dangerously hot under the rear clip.) But electronic actuators sound like a really bad idea if you don't have a very easy manual way to override them. Dead battery will be really enoying with the battery under the hood or even worse in case of an accident. Kill switch off and fire under the hood...

[andygtt]

GTR-TT said:

Is this really a problem? Has it ever happend that the clip opens when it has been properly closed?

I know one that came up at over 150mph and at least one of the clasps was secure as it was ripped from the centre tub and still attached to the clip.... but the issue is that they are hard to secure even when slamed and closed firmly.

[UltimaCH]

With the downforce generated at speed on the wing, does this not act like a giant lever forcing the clip to open? The wind pushing in an opening could also cause a ram effect with dramatic results. If the clip opened towards the front, should no longer be a problem imo but would then have to find a different way and solution to fix the wing (chassis?). How did the Group C racers hold down the rear clips? Don't recall seeing them flying off often.

Edited by UltimaCH on Friday 15th May 14:05

[Crazy of Cookham]

Interesting debate, never had an issue yet in 5 years many track days including Bruntingthorpe at 176mph and various Autobahn's. I would say however the clip indicator lights as sold by factory as an option are very useful. It only takes one forgetful moment or as I discovered pulling something from sidepod whilst driving and releasing rear catch by accident is quickly obvious.
As a rule I do not slam clip and will close and only be happy once I have pushed down clip and hear an obvious click from each side.
I tend to open the rear clip so many times that anything that took a lot of time and effort would be a pain in the wasit.

[CanAm Dave]

GTR-TT said:

Is this really a problem? Has it ever happend that the clip opens when it has been properly closed?

I would also like to have an easy solution so I don't have to go one lap around the car every time I have stopped and opend the rear clip for ventilation on track days. (I always do that when I get into the pit because it always feels dangerously hot under the rear clip.) But electronic actuators sound like a really bad idea if you don't have a very easy manual way to override them. Dead battery will be really enoying with the battery under the hood or even worse in case of an accident. Kill switch off and fire under the hood...

The system I have designed using the linear actuators can be opened manually in a few moments in case of any system failure. I just wanted a belt and braces system for myself as I intend to do some 200mph+ runs in the near future.

Regards Dave

[V8Dom]

Ive been looking at these



one or 2 holes in cabin going through rear firewall and through clip..

spring loaded, £2.99 each on ebay and to open pull, twist 90 degrees then open the normal way..........

And ill say it before anyone else, you have spares for your garden gate as well..

Dom

[Steve_D]

I am not aware of any incident with the rear clip that was not as a result of the driver failing to latch it properly or more importantly forgetting to latch.

I'm happy with my latches fitted with microswitches (the first) and a buzzer in the cockpit which I have to admit has saved me on more than one occasion.

The only additional devise I would fit would be 100% automatic. It would latch when the Ignition came on and release when turned off and would again warn me if the latches had not engaged.

Any other devise be it a pip pin or gate latch will get forgotten so defeats the whole reason for fitting it.

Steve

[60mph]

A switch to cut the ignition could be fitted to the rear clip when ajar .
I think the catches are adequate if correctly fitted . There should be a loud "twang " from the catch when you leen on the clip to close it . Also push the handles in with the clip open to ensure the cables are fully returned . Also close the catches with a bar and check the inner cables are slightly "too long " and free to slide in and out .

Frank

[Kiwi Carguy]

I'm not sure how applicable this is to the Ultima but my Saker has a fairly basic system that is fool proof and as far as I am aware there has been no rear lids opening unexpectadly with this design.

Keep it simple stupid