Aero tubing?

[BajaFand]

I am researching a new project and am considering using "aero" tubing for a few pieces on the car. First off, I'm not sure if I have the name correct. I've heard it called aero tubing, leading edge tubing, teardrop tubing, and oval tubing but I don't know the actual name for it. Airtcraft Spruce carries a teardrop shaped tubing called Streamline Tube that has a round bullnose on one end and a point on the other end but I don't believe that is exactly what I'm looking for. I've seen this material used on the Letner's Alpha car and I believe it is more of an oval shape but there are no straight sides to it and each end has the same round bullnose, no points. I may be confused because it's been a while since I've seen that car but the tubing I'm thinking may actually be that teardrop style that Aircarft Spruce sells. I also know they make bicycle frames out of it.

So does anyone know if there is an oval shaped tubing in either DOM or 4130 that is an oval shape that I am looking for? Is there anywhere else besides Aircraft Spruce sells anything like I'm looking for? And is it possible to get thicker than .049" wall?

[DUMP!]

"Aero" is exactly that, Aero shaped so it cuts through the air. I'm not sure of the industry standard name but all of the names you have used sound reasonable. You will not find this type of tube in anything other then 4130 and even then it is going to be available only in limited sizes. If you saw something on the Alpha car that was a true oval it was something custom made and will most likely be not available from a steel house. Any place that sells 4130 should be able to get the "Aero" tubing.

The above statement does not cover anything from the bicycle industry. They are an entity all to them selves. Easton and the other bicycle tube manufactures may have something you like but be prepared to pay through the nose for it and most likely the length of tube you will get from them is only going to be around 24 inches. You may even be required to buy what they call a "Tube Set", which consists of enough tube to build one bike frame, to get the tube you desire. Not a very economical way to go.

I would suggest taking a better look at Letner's car to see what it is that you want or call Johnny at Alpha. If it is something custom made maybe he will sell you some.

Dump

[CRAIG_HALL]

there's the "AERO,treardrop,streamline" all the same shape and then there's is a some place that makes an oval from regular round. I dont remember where but it was a company that rolled round through a few dies to make some oval sizes.

I think CHASSIS SHOP sells the aero tube www.chassisshop.com and you can try Factory steel in Detroit they may have it.

[1450-ranger]

Spruce has Aero tubing as well.

[J.JOHNSON]

I have made the oval tubing starting with round Tubing.

[BajaFand]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It looks like what Spruce has is what I need after all. But maybe I will be going through that chassisshop.com website, they have it in more sizes and up to .065" which is what I was looking for.