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Thread: PVC boats are great, PVC car chassis and bodies coming next?

  1. #1
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    PVC boats are great, PVC car chassis and bodies coming next?

    Automakers would like to just cast their car chassis and bodies instead of stamping and welding sheet metal.
    Aluminum is finding some use for the same reason.

    So Are PVC molded cars the future?
    Despite higher initial material costs compared to steel, they would be offset by less tooling and higher flexibility for model changes.

    Using contrarian principles, GM is refusing to use PVC in their cars, although only in interiors.
    GM and most US automakers are known for their bad decisions so it makes sense that if they refuse something then that's a good thing and they will try to catch up when it's too late ...again.
    http://lists.essential.org/dioxin-l/msg01081.html
    Of course PVC pollution can be overcome.

  2. #2
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    Loads going through a boat haul isn't quite the same as that of a car chassis...Plastic/composite cars exists, but not in the way you think. The forged composite stuff that Lamborghini is experimenting might find its way down in cost and could be a viable material to replace some bulk section in the vehicle....
    University of Toronto Formula SAE Alumni 2003-2007
    Formula Student Championship 2003, 2005, 2006
    www.fsae.utoronto.ca

  3. #3
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    pollution if fire is NOT contrarian really
    It can also self-fuel a fire at lower temperatures - so higher risk of conflagration.

    "of course PVC pollution can be overcome"
    Really?
    Care to suggest how ? At an affordable cost and with reduced resources compared to alternatives ?

    PVC works for boats because, a) it's only used on small boats, b) no real "point loads" in boats as with suspension points on cars c) boats don't run into things regularly d) boats float and PVC easy to make chambers ... could go on.
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine View Post
    boats don't run into things regularly
    My dad owns a boat and we've seen other boaters and you'd be surprised. The lack of brakes is what gets most people

  5. #5
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    ah, I should have added "at speed".
    and "regularly" still holds, I've crewed yachts and whilst you get rubs and bumps, when was the last time you saw a T-bone or head-on ?
    ( OK, aggressive racing leads some skippers to execute turns and spear a competitor, but in general not happening )
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine View Post
    when was the last time you saw a T-bone or head-on ?
    Lol never but jet-skiers have almost gotten pancaked a few times!

  7. #7
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    Several automakers have utilized PVC for major body panels, and nearly all now use it for bumper covers and trim. But that's all it's good for.

    Behold the Citroën Méhari: Citroën Mehari 1968-1988 - Ultimatecarpage.com forums Note that everything beneath the plastic is steel.
    Never own more cars than you can keep charged batteries in...

  8. #8
    Well Automotive Industry are fast growing specially with deals to innovations formulation. No one can tell with the movement of PVC molded cars in the future.

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