mi26 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:52 am
I’m a first year cub scout dad – so first year helping my son. I’m looking to help him and coach him through but want to make sure his car is at least competitive. I’ve watched videos/read articles on this – smoothing axles, use weights, etc.
What you do, and how you do it, is going to depend a lot on what tools you have available, and the car design. You mention "wedge", which is a relatively fast and simple design, and an admirable choice for a first car.
What we did for one of our very first (fast) cars: a simple wedge with the right amount lead (Pb) bullet (slip) fishing weights glued horizontally on the top rear to reach nearly 5.0 ounces.
To be "competitive", lubrication may be the biggest speed enhancement you can make. I have seen cars perfectly weighted come in dead last because the owner forgot to lubricate.
mi26 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:52 am1. Main thing is the proper steps . What is the typical order? Do I cut first (into a wedge of some sort). Sand. Weigh everything. Apply weights. Paint. Axles/wheels?
This
free ebook, though a marketing tool for certain products, does have a lot of good ideas on how to proceed.
mi26 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:52 am2. Do I just hammer the axles/nails into the designated slot? Or should I predrill it? What’s the trick to this…
Are you required to use the stock slots? If you predrill a slot, you risk having very loose axles. I'd suggest using an
axle guide which I have also found available locally
at Hobby Lobby. The "trick" is to not push your axles in too far, binding the wheels.
mi26 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:52 am
Or do I chisel out a small section (see a pic of someones car I saw online of something similar).
The picture links aren't showing up ("imgur down" error), but you need to chisel out for a plate if it is on the bottom to maintain sufficient clearance.