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.
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.
Are Crown Vics good for Derby cars?
The LTD Crown Victorias weren’t even close to the bulletproof powerhouses their successors were, but still had all the aspects that make for a great demo-derby machine.
How long does it take to build a derby car?
How long does it take to build a pinewood derby car? Plan on at least one day to cut and sand the car, another day to paint it and a third day to add decals and the wheels and axles.
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.
What car is not allowed in a demolition derby?
NO limos, hearses, vans, jeeps, or trucks. NO 1974 or older Chrysler Imperials allowed. No 1974, or older Imperial sub-frames, 4X4s or ambulances. All glass must be removed from car.
Do heavier pinewood derby cars go faster?
Much has been written about the physics of pinewood derby cars, and this is one rare case in racing where heavy = fast. Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track.
What weight should I use for my derby car?
Tungsten is the best weight for your pine derby car because it allows you to pack more weight in a smaller area giving you more flexibility in your car design and more accurate weight placement for speed. Package contains eight 3/8″ diameter cylinders with chamfored edges for easy insertion.
Are longer pinewood derby cars faster?
A standard wheelbase positions the car’s axles to the specifications set forth by the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Kit. But an extended wheelbase puts the axles closer to the end of the block, providing more stability and performance. If allowed by your competition’s rules, use an extended wheelbase for a faster car.
How long do car Derbys last?
Normal heats can last anywhere from 10–30 minutes, while an entire event can take place over the span of a few days. The last running car that makes contact with another driver wins the event.
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.
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.
Do Soap Box Derby cars have brakes?
Brakes are also commonly used, and most soap-box cart racing contests require these. Often a simple friction brake operated by a lever which bears on one of the tyres is all that is required under the rules. Gravity racer carts are unpowered, and are either pushed by willing helpers, or are run down a suitable slope.
What are derby cars called?
Pinewood derby is a registered trademark of the BSA, so most use different names. Each derby has slightly different rules for making and racing their cars.
| Pinewood derby | |
|---|---|
| Petty Superbird | |
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America |
| Country | United States |
| Dates | Annual |
How do you make a good derby car?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool Looking Pinewood Derby Car
- Bake your block.
- Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces.
- Use all of the graphite.
- Sand and polish your wheels and axles.
- Check alignment.
- Spend time sanding.
- Use a high-quality paint.
- Add decals.
What is sandbagging in demolition derby?
In demolition derby, a driver may hit other cars weakly or avoid contact with other cars to lessen the damage to their cars to ensure better odds of surviving to win the derby as the last car running.
What is the biggest demolition derby in the world?
World’s Largest Demolition Derby | Cape Cod Fairgrounds.
Can you steer a soap box derby car?
Whatever method of steering you use, it is not wise to limit it to the range of your car. The derby will be run on a straight course so that there will be little need for sharp turns. Please do not design your car to turn on a dime, it is not safe and may cause your car to flip.
How much gas can you have in a demo derby?
ANY TANK IN QUESTION WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE OFFICIALS ONLY. Stay in the above guidelines. Cars with fuel injection and that have fuel pump in the tank may leave original fuel tank in car but must have added straps. Tank is limited to 5 gallons of gas.
Do you need ear plugs for demolition derby?
Truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and similar events at county fairs create more noise than you may think, and kids should be wearing ear protection when attending those events.
What’s the best shape for a pinewood derby car?
wedge
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.