Ok, well, what can i say, i love old cars, specificly anything between 1930's to 1959ish. I love to use old ideas into a new way when modifing current transportation.

Ive been looking into the use of a pitman spoiler and Thermostaticly controlled grill.

Both of which i think few have heard of.

A thermostaticly controlled grill, was in essences, several horizonal metal blades, situated across the front of the car, like current grills, but would pivot depending on the temp sensor placed against the radiator. When the vehicle was off, just starting, or in cold climates, the grill was in a "closed" position, in which the blades where stacked, edge to edge, preventing outside air from entering to cool the engine down. Intern, creating quicker warm-ups. When the grill was in the "open" position, the blades moved upward on the pivot, creating an opening where fresh air can now enter the engine, cooling it off. This system was devised by Rolls Royce, well before modern multi core radaitors and fans came about. The original design consists for 2 motors, one on either side, that was controlled by a basic temp sesnor, Kinda like how a modern radiator fan turns on at certain predetermined temps.

I know of a ify way to do the same with power window motors, however, for simplicity, i wish to know how to do the same with linear actuators. Basic construction is quite straight foward, however i lack the know how to make the actuators move in direction i wish per temp reading.

So Please can i have some added insite, and or suggestions on how to accomplish such a feat. Oh, and as for the pitman spoiler, it works nearly the same way except your speed and/or temps can controll it. I will explain further later. Im a slow typer.

Thank you for your time.

~dave HDE

 

Well i guess its time to explain what a pitman spoiler is, even though 101 views and no other replies.

A pitman spoiler is like a modern front bumber air splitter, but its motorized. The idea is when you reach certian predetermined speeds, its angle of attack would change to increase drag like a spoiler, but in the front. For each succcessive degree downward, the more resulting drag pulling the front down, hopefully gaining more traction. Back in the old days when this was first used, and when i say old days, im talking about the 1930's, they where mounted about an inch lower then the very bottom of the bumper for 2 reasons. 1) it was easier to install and replace if damaged, and 2) in the closed position it would be on a slight incline protecting the bottom of the bumper. The reasons it was discontinued was lack of interest or use, and the materials of the time were heavy, and the gearing they used could not fuction all that well in any speed above 45mph and in cold or damp weather. This doesnt seem to be a problem now with materials like Carbon fiber and aluminum. This set up would most likely help out the tC more the the toaster, but for show purposes, you would be all alone. Think, extra points.

~dave HDE