Guys, I was at an autocross recently and saw 2 different C4 corvettes with something (I really don't know what exactly) that held the rear hatch up from the factory latch a couple of inches. It had a solid attachment point so the hatch wasn't just flopping around. I didn't go check how it worked. I really wish I did but, do you think we could build something similar. It seems like it would provide great air flow through the car as you were driving around in the summer. Of course there could be some serious exhaust getting sucked up if you have de-emissioned the car and were driving slowly.
I might go check it out at the next autocross I go to but maybe someone else may know more or have a good "how to" idea.

 

Hmm not a bad idea actually. All you would need is about a couple centimeters. It should be pretty simple to make something similer.

 

Bad idea in my opinion... my experience with the hatch being open while driving has been bad experiences all around. Does not matter if you have the front windows closed, open, vents open, closed whatever... exhaust gets in BAD. I have took trips across town in slow traffic and trips down the interstate at 80 MPH, all times my eyes burned after about 10 minutes of driving.

 

I think those vette owners are smoking crack.

I dunno about the vette, but the FC uses the hatch as a slight structural support.
Try and drive around with the hatch opened - the chassis creaks like a hinge needing synth lube!
I think with the hatch closed, it helps slightly with chassis rigidity.


-Ted

 

It would only make sense, every time you tie two parts together of the car, it strengthens it, in our case the two buckle points tie it together in the back as well as the mounts at the top of the glass, not a very strong point but it does do some good.

 

Hmmmm, IIRC, I think the Yamaguchi book does mention that the rear glass was integrated as a structural member.
Mazda went from an all-glass hatch to a metal framed one just to cut the weight down.
The metal frame added strength and allowed the engineers to run a thinner glass back there.


-Ted

 

Wow, I didn't even thnik of that. Makes sense though. Thanks for enlightening me

 

OK, I just thought the air flow would be good. I hadn't considered the down side. I guess I won't persue this any farther. Thanks for the info though.

 

I don't think you'd get significant airflow out of doing that!
What I would worry is all the EXHAUST fumes coming inside the car!
I'd bet you'd choke!
I recently damage my right side taillight, and now I get exhaust fumes coming inside the car due to just that!
I can't even imagine running with the hatch open - it's going to stink!


-Ted