Wind Fairing ideas...

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super50

super50

Joined
May 12, 2008
Threads
28
Messages
168
Location
Northern California
Friends,

I have installed a Surco Safari roof rack and I really like the looks and its cost. It will be used for light stuff mostly. It will have the floor as well.

I want to fabricate and install a custom wind fairing in front to reduce wind noise (which is significant with the windows/sunroof open) as well for mpg, when it is on the roof. I have looked at a lot of pics on this forum.

I was thinking something transparent and adding LED lights under it as well, budget permitting. I am looking for input regarding materials and mounting ideas.
Thanks in advance!
 
I made a couple of prototypes and tested them when I made mine. A few things to save you the time. First, use 1/4" acrylic instead of polycarbonate. It's cheaper and actually scratches a lot less (car wash, etc.). And you don't need the extra impact resistance, imo. Don't go thinner- unless it's fully supported it will flex too much with the wind. Also, try to get it to within 1" of the roof to completely cut out any noise. Mine is all but silent.


Good luck!
 
Thanks! Appreciate your input.

1407 - where did you get the Acrylic material? Local Home Depot either has small plexiglass rectangles, or large ones as big as a door which cost a hundred bucks...
Also, how did you install to the rack? Your install looks very clean and streamlined.


Manhattan - the fairing needs to be at least 6' high and 53" wide, dont think the Yakima etc are large enough..
 
Tap plastics for the material. I got the tinted, but they have clear also.

I customized the rack to have flat mounting areas along the front. The upper basket front is offset from the lower, and the flat stock I just welded between them. SS hardware and rubber washers to keep the plastic from cracking. I made the prototypes out of masonite to save screwing up the plastic. I'll try to find a few more photos.
 
bamabrock said:
can those be mounted without the logos facing outward? I'm not a fan of advertising for companies for free.
Click to expand...

Yes, they can be. Spray paint the logo so no one sees from the back, if you want to be completely sponsor free.
 
OK I got the Acrylic from Tap Plastics. What a cool place! I had no idea
1407 - thanks for the pics and the tips..very helpful
 
OK so the custom wind fairing for the roof rack is up. Still some whistling with the sunroof open.

Wondering if adding a sunroof wind deflector will help...

If someone here has a sunroof wind deflector gathering dust, please pm me.
 
The only noise I get when the sunroof is open is from the spring loaded front thingamabob in the sunroof. Yes, that's the technical term. Try pulling it down with your hand and see if that's giving you the noise.
 
Pics of the wind deflector...

IMG_1287.webp
 
Last edited:
Installed this fairing on my Gamiviti rack to reduce wind noise and it works great. However when used with the sunroof air deflector it created a noise at 70 MPH that sounded like a wheel bearing going south.

image-2761538291.webp

image-2761538291.webp
 
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