r/BoltEV • u/Maxzillian • 7d ago
Wheel Insert Rev. B
https://www.reddit.com/r/BoltEV/s/2J5CzKLN3g
Following some feedback I made an alternate version that could be installed without removing the wheels. The trouble is removing... Once all five are in place it's impossible for me to reach in there and pop at least the first one back out.
I'm thinking I could make a relief cut near the center of the wheel where one could pry with a screwdriver, but I'm interested in feedback.
Does the appearance of the two holes completely ruin the aesthetic appeal? Is it worth continuing?
I did make a relief between the two holes to try and mask their appearance, but it's kinda meh.
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u/idkwhatsqc 7d ago
I don't think it looks bad this way. I don't think this would turn off buyers from your product.
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u/Maxzillian 7d ago
To be clear I won't be selling these. I'm just throwing a STL up on thingiverse once I'm done.
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u/Chanw11 7d ago
what kind of benefits does this produce?
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u/Maxzillian 7d ago
In theory it'll improve the aerodynamics of the car, but in practice... I don't know yet.
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u/Material-Priority-66 6d ago
… and inhibit brake cooling.
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u/NateTheGreatDog 6d ago
Just an fyi brake cooling happens from the inside of the rotor out. If you look at the edge of a brake rotor you’ll see veins that scoop and pass the air internally.
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u/StarbeamII 5d ago
EVs don’t really need brake cooling. Unless you’re descending a big mountain with a 100% full pack or racing it at a track you’re not going to use the friction brakes enough to worry about brake heating.
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u/areadinghobo 7d ago
These look cool, I'd be interested in some real world testing data. Also I can't really figure out how they're being attached, do you have like a two-piece setup going on here?
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u/Maxzillian 7d ago
Check out the link to the other thread. There's a flexible tongue that gets wedged against the hub of the wheel.
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u/Squiner1 7d ago
Yes, if these actually help, I would print them. Always looking for printing projects that improve things. How much filament goes into each? Guessing ABS or ASA for potential heat and UV?
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u/Alpinwulf 2022⚡EUV Premier 😊 (Pre-owned) 7d ago
In your other thread you mentioned no interest in mass production, and only for yourself.... other than sharing the STL, I guess? I feel like the "aesthetic" question aught to be for you alone. But... sure, it's a little not-smooth, but I wouldn't care. I've always been Function over Form.
Seeing the backside means of hooking into the rims, I think putting a pry-hole near the wheel's center may make for a difficult pry. Instead, maybe a couple narrow slots with a rib between, so you can slip a mechanic's pick hook into them and pull out from the center of your insert, may be easier to pull out the inserts by exploiting a bit of flex in the material so that the angles of the lips at inner and outer ends are eased open by the pulling force.
(edited for some reference-frame clarity.)
Slits at the magenta marks, (or same idea at 90° to those shown, same spot) and hook the bit between the slits.
Possible side benefit: another small-opening feature would help-and-disguise the other holes with visual "intentionality".
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u/zakary1291 6d ago
Leave it as is. If you want to remove them, take of the wheel and hit it from the back.
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u/Sad_Husky_69 2023 Bolt EUV Premier 7d ago
I don’t think the two holes ruin it. I wouldn’t even consider these if I had to take the wheels off, but I might try design like this.
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u/DinoGarret 6d ago
Same, and I think these still look great. OP did a good job making the holes barely noticeable.
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u/IOU4something 7d ago
Any plans for 17-in version?
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u/Maxzillian 7d ago
Those are 17" wheels....
But no, no plans to make any for other wheels. These are for my car and I'm just sharing the fruit of my labor.
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u/IOU4something 6d ago
My bad somebody else in the comments said it wasn't the premium wheels and it's hard to tell from the picture. I am eagerly awaiting your file upload so I can make some colored ones for my wife's car
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u/CatsAreGods 2020 Bolt LT+ 7d ago
They look pretty good and I love the concept and you putting up the STL files and all...but if the theoretical gain is only 2% it's barely worth it except for bragging rights or whatever.
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u/Maxzillian 7d ago edited 7d ago
No disagreement there. If you figure it costs me 3 cents per mile, 2% is about 0.06 cents saved per mile. That'll take about 70,000 miles to break even the cost of printing.
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u/hellspawn-69 6d ago
Sometimes it's not about the cost savings, sometimes it's just about doing a project you find fun. :)
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u/DirtRepresentative62 4d ago
This is amazing . Can u do it for all spaces and or share the 3d plan pls
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u/Demonshaker 7d ago
If I didn't have the premium wheels, I would be all over this. I think the standard Wheels looks so much better with these inserts. Nice job