pinewood derby cars

[Jon Jacobs]

Sorry guys I couldn't resist. I know this isn't technically a fabrication, more of a manufacture. My retired father in law asked me to help make some pinewood derby cars to run in the local fair. This is what I came up with. Ones a snap on racer ( its a wrench with tool box drawers ) and a chevy valve cover. Hes a retired mechanic. They weren't very fast but we had fun.

 

[NKlamerus]

I really like those! My entire family went through cub scouts. I'd say we have a collection of about 30...everything from a copper bullet, a hotdog, spongebob, a vw bug, a sandwich, and my original dragster.

These are the few I don't have in storage. The bug, the drag, and the other 2 where specifically designed to be the fastest.

Of course I'm the oldest, so by the time my younger brother entered the races his car was peefection!! Only took us like 6 years lol

 

[NKlamerus]

*perfection

 

[NKlamerus]

I'm not sure if yours came in kits or what not, but if you want it fast I strongly recommend polishing and sanding the axles/nails. And drilling out the wheels just a litttttttle tiny bit, then cover everything in dry graphite until it falls when toy spin the wheel.

Also smoothen the outside of the wheels, they are usually plastic that's been molded so there are plastic edges that stick out.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

Oh its a blast, my son and I did the same thing. His placed well too. The place was nuts. I had my son in the shop very early. Good memories for sure.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

I have a little bench top lathe, he polished the axles all up. I let a bunch of the troop come in and use the shop. It was great to see them all excited.