Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

General topics of interest to racers and race coordinators alike.
Post Reply
WillH
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:39 pm
Location: Chicago, IL

Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

Post by WillH »

Hoping someone out there can help us salvage our racer.

We trimmed the wood too close to the front axle slot, which was not cut evenly. On the first test the car veered too much to one side. We had to mess around with the axles to try to get them so they sat evenly, but a piece of the wood next to one side of the axle slot broke off, and now the axle won't sit right. The axle on the other side seems OK, but it was kind of loose, which is why we glued it in.

We don't really want to start with a fresh build. Hoping someone can recommend a low tech fix.

Link to a photo: http://tinypic.com/r/2mh68if/9

Thanks in advance for your help.

Image
Speedster
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1972
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:48 pm
Location: Toledo, Ohio

Re: Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

Post by Speedster »

Do you have the broken piece? Are you required to have all four wheels on the ground? Are you required to use the stock slots?
The car appears to be fairly thick up front and then I see added weight toward the front. Is that weight lead, tungsten, other? Where does the car balance with all 4 wheels on it?
WillH
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:39 pm
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

Post by WillH »

Not sure how strict our pack's rules are but I just made a three-wheel racer out of it by drilling the bad side of the axle slot a little deeper and then reinserting the axle. Seems to have done the trick. Runs straight too.

I don't have the broken piece. The added weight in the middle is tungsten, I think. The front one is just a penny.
User avatar
whodathunkit
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 2475
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
Location: Forgan, OK

Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

Post by whodathunkit »

WillH wrote: I just made a three-wheel racer out of it by drilling the bad side of the axle slot a little deeper and then reinserting the axle. Seems to have done the trick. Runs straight too.

I don't have the broken piece.
If you rules say slots must be used or all wheels must touch the track.
You can try filling the broken slot and missing
piece with some JB weld the kwik wood brand.
When it drys drill the axle hole into the filled slot.
Then use a hacksaw blade to re-open the slot.
For plugging back your drilled hole above the slot glue in a tooth pick and sand smooth.

Sound like your fix worked out however.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?
Speedster
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1972
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:48 pm
Location: Toledo, Ohio

Re: Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

Post by Speedster »

I urge you to read your rules. If you are required to have "4 on the ground" it will present a problem. Might we see a picture of the entire car?
Would you please humor me. Tell me what point your car will balance.
Thank you.
Speedster
WillH
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:39 pm
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Need help with salvaging car with broken wood by axle slot

Post by WillH »

Speedster wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2018 8:17 am Might we see a picture of the entire car?
PM sent.
Post Reply