Replacing the tailgate as a fuel economy measure?

Dear Car Talk | Nov 01, 1993
Dear Tom and Ray:
Rudy
RAY: I believe one can, Rudy. What your grandson did was replace a solid piece of metal, which stops air, with a piece of plastic netting, which allows air to blow through it. I haven't seen any wind tunnel research to back this up (and air CAN do funny things around cars and trucks), but it makes sense to me that it you cut the wind resistance, you improve fuel efficiency.
TOM: As for the looks, well, that could just be one of those generation things, Rudy. For instance, my younger brother keeps telling me that my hair-do looks ridiculous.
RAY: But then again, my generation was never into the Don King-look.
Rudy
RAY: I believe one can, Rudy. What your grandson did was replace a solid piece of metal, which stops air, with a piece of plastic netting, which allows air to blow through it. I haven't seen any wind tunnel research to back this up (and air CAN do funny things around cars and trucks), but it makes sense to me that it you cut the wind resistance, you improve fuel efficiency.
TOM: As for the looks, well, that could just be one of those generation things, Rudy. For instance, my younger brother keeps telling me that my hair-do looks ridiculous.
RAY: But then again, my generation was never into the Don King-look.
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