The baffles, front and back, do keep mud, snow, stones, dirt, etc. from accumulating in the front and back of the wheel pant. Another important function is to limit circulation of air around the wheel for better streamline air flow at the opening. You can get so carried away with the tight fit that you limit the cooling air for the brakes. One-half inch is a practical limit. Make sure there are no shelf areas inside the pant that could accumulate debris. The baffles also strengthen the sidewalls, so you can build the pants lighter. Be sure to leave room for the mounting bracket when you install the baffle. A drain vent at the bottom is needed if the compartment will be sealed (one of those altitude things to keep in mind). Sid Wood, Tri-gear KR-2 N6242 Mechanicsville, MD USA [email protected]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Should a liner be placed inside around the wheel to keep the pants from filling with debris or water? >Jim Vance +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I'd say no. The tighter the space around the wheel the easier it will be for it to pack with mud, snow, etc. Water? How tight is the opening around your tire? Many wheel pants such as Cessna, Piper, have a mud scraper built into the pant on the backside of the tire to cut down the amount of mud that gets in but that probably isn't necessary on the KR. Clearance? Generally speaking, the tighter the better. Just realize that in the case of a flat you may get some pant damage. Larry Flesner
