The basic components of a Pinewood Derby car haven’t changed since the 1950s. A block of pinewood, four wheels, and four nails make up the starter kit, and many cars are made from these items alone. Coins, melted lead, and other metal weights can be added to the car, as long as the car doesn’t exceed the weight limit.
What do you need to make a derby car?
Materials Required
- Graphite.
- Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit.
- Sandpaper.
- Tungsten weights.
- Wood filler.
What do you need for pinewood derby?
Materials Required
- Graphite.
- Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit.
- Paint.
- Painter’s tape.
- Sandpaper.
- Screw-on Tapered Zinc Weight.
What makes a derby car go faster?
5 Quick & Easy Tips For Improving Your Pinewood Derby Car’s Speed
- Put all of your weight in the back.
- Lube the car at the body/wheel friction point.
- Spend a fair amount of time on axle prep.
- Make sure your wheels are ready.
- Finally, once your wheels are mounted, check their alignment.
Does a pinewood derby car need 4 wheels?
Your pinewood derby car will run faster if one of the front wheels is raised. Some race rules specify that all four wheels must touch the track so read your rules before following the steps on this page. Some blocks are slightly warped and will naturally have a raised wheel.
What is the toughest derby car?
The Chrysler Imperial, ’64 through ’67, is the hardest car ever made for the general public. Most demolition derby competitions don’t allow it — it’s simply too powerful.
What is the best car for a derby?
Best Cars for Demo Derby
- Chrysler Imperial — The 1964 – ’68 Imperial is notoriously tough, to the point that most derbies banned it.
- Ford LTD/Crown Victoria — The Panther chassis is stupid cheap, and cop car tough.
- Chevy Impala — Box or bubble, you can’t go wrong beating on an Impala.
Should I bake my Pinewood Derby car?
Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the weight of the car shouldn’t exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn’t go over the weight limit is to bake the block! Naturally, wood holds water, and water adds weight. You’ll want to help your Scout by baking the block in an oven at 250 degrees for one hour.
Is a shorter Pinewood Derby car faster?
The longer the wheel base, the greater the turning distance (a short car turns much more quickly than a long car).
Should a Pinewood Derby car be light or heavy?
8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow. In general, it’s best to place weight to the rear of your car because a heavier rear increases speed.
What is the best weight for a derby car?
The more your pine car weighs, the faster it will go on a downhill ramp. Most rules specify a 5 oz. maximum weight. Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.
How heavy can a derby car be?
5 ounces
MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ
First, the basics: Your car should weigh as much as it’s allowed. In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.
Where should I put the weight on my derby car?
Best Location to Weight Your Pinewood Derby Car
When deciding on where to weight your car, you should try to reach a final balance point of the car 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To achieve this, place 2/5 of the added weight behind the rear axle, and the remaining 3/5 in front of the rear axle.
Can you use tape on a Pinewood Derby car?
The car may be hollowed out, drilled or modified and/or built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal. However, the material must be securely fastened to the car with screws, nails, or glue. No loose materials of any kind are permitted. Tape is NOT allowed to attach weights.
Can you reuse a Pinewood Derby car?
Basically, this year’s cars must be built from new materials (car body, wheels and axles) found in the official Pinewood Derby kit, however parts of cars, such as weights, from previous years may be reused.
Can you use glue on Pinewood Derby car?
For pinewood derby cars, white glue works fine for gluing wood to wood (such as adding wood accessories) and for repairing chips or cracks in the wood. It can also be used for holding the axles in place. White glue doesn’t work well on metal, so don’t use it to glue metal accessories or weight to the car.
What car is not allowed in a demolition derby?
American & Foreign cars and station wagons allowed. NO limos, hearses, vans, jeeps, or trucks. NO 1974 or older Chrysler Imperials allowed. No 1974, or older Imperial sub-frames, 4X4s or ambulances.
What car is banned from demolition derby?
1963 Chrysler Imperial “Barn Find” Is Why the Demolition Derby Ban Makes Sense. Back in the first half of the ’60s, the Imperial was already a stand-alone brand that Chrysler marketed as a luxury lineup of cars competing against Lincoln and Cadillac.
How fast does a Derby car go?
The Speed of Pinewood Derby Cars
The distribution plot below shows a range of speeds from 177 mph to 229 mph, with most cars exceeding 200 mph.
What kind of paint do you use on a derby car?
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO PAINT A PINEWOOD DERBY CAR
- Coarse, medium and fine-grit sandpaper.
- Liquid sanding sealer (sold at hobby shops)
- Enamel paint.
- Decals or self-stick numbers (sold at stationery stores or hobby shops)
- Clear gloss paint.
- Floor wax paste.
How do you reduce drag on a derby car?
Make It Aerodynamic – To reduce air drag, cut your block so it’s wedge-shaped rather than square. Taper the Bottom of Your Car at the Front – This will keep it from rubbing against the track at the bottom of the slope as the track becomes flat.