Wheels may be lightly sanded and polished to remove imperfections. This light sanding and polishing is the only wheel modification allowed.
Should you sand Pinewood Derby car wheels?
In the past, pinewood derby wheels had a mold mark on the wheel tread that had to be removed by sanding. The new wheels no longer have a mold mark. Sanding can still help by removing variations in the wheel circumference making the wheel rounder but sanding is no longer as necessary as it was.
How do you smooth pinewood derby wheels?
Polishing
- Apply a small amount of polish to the pipe cleaner.
- Slide a wheel onto the pipe cleaner.
- Hold the wheel and start the drill on a slow to medium speed.
- Move the wheel back and forth on the tool for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Stop the drill and remove the wheel.
- Repeat steps for the other wheels.
How can I make my Pinewood Derby wheels faster?
Use All of the Graphite
High-carbon graphite is used to lubricate the wheels of a Pinewood Derby car for increased speed and performance.
Do I need to sand my wheels before painting?
Sand your wheels.
At the very least, you will need a wire brush to remove all rust. Ideally, you would sandblast your wheels to remove rust and any old paint or stuck-on debris. This will give you the best starting surface. Next, sand the entire wheel with 300 grit sandpaper and then 500 grit sandpaper.
Can wheel rim be sanded?
Take sandpaper and smoothen the scratches on your wheel rim. You can smooth the scratches and curb rash with 220- 80 grit sandpaper. You must clear all the gouges and scratches.
How do you sand and polish Pinewood Derby axles?
Place the drill in a vice or use a drill press. Put the axle nail one-half inch into the drill chuck so one-half inch of the axle is showing, including the nail head. Start at a medium-low speed and 400 grit sandpaper. Increase speed to comfortable level as you increase grit to 600 then 800.
How close should wheels be on Pinewood Derby car?
The wheel base (distance from front axle to the rear axle) may not be altered. The cut slots must be used for the axles and the wheel base distance must be 4-1/4 to 4 3/8 inches.
Do you glue Pinewood Derby axles?
Create Glue Holes: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don’t get glue on your wheels. 8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.
Can you modify Pinewood Derby wheels?
Only wheels and axles from the official Pinewood Derby kit may be used. Beveling, routing, tapering, perforating or any other significant altering of the shape and performance of the wheels is prohibited. The tread may not be modified to enhance its performance and must be a completely flat surface.
What is the fastest Pinewood Derby car design?
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.
Does a heavier pinewood derby car 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 is the perfect weight for a pinewood derby car?
MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ
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.
Is a lighter pinewood derby car faster?
As far as wheels are concerned, typically lighter wheels are faster. This is because there is a certain amount of energy needed to start the pinewood derby car to roll when the starting pin drops. The lighter the wheels, the less energy is required to start rolling, so cars can get a jump at the starting line.
What grit should I use to sand wheels?
Silicon carbide sandpaper is often the best option for sanding and finishing aluminum wheels. For average to poor condition rims, about a 200 grit will be where you can start. If fairly good, you could start with 300. As you work through, you will use a higher number to finish your project.
Do I need to prime wheels before painting?
You need a primer. You need spray paint designed specifically for automotive wheels. And you need a clear coat finish. It matters what the wheel is made of, too.
What is better powder coating or painting wheels?
Powder-coated wheels also provide better coverage than liquid paints. This means the more difficult to reach spots on the wheels will receive coverage where liquid paint can’t reach. The electrostatic nature of the particles aid in a complete application.
Can you buff out rim?
Place a quarter-sized drop of polish on a clean, microfiber detailing cloth and gently buff this product into the damaged area of your rims to fix scratches and swirls. Take your time, using light, circular motions to smooth away any noticeable imperfections.
Can you sand down curb rash?
Absolutely! For small scratches, use 400-grit sandpaper to sand the scratched area to even out the metal. Add a layer of spot putty to fill in the scratches, let it dry, then sand it again to remove the excess putty and blend it in with the metal.
What do you use to polish Pinewood Derby axles?
Use polishing compound from the auto supply store to polish the wheels and axles. One easy way to do this is to clamp the axles back in the drill and let the drill spin the axle while you polish it.
How do you make a glossy finish on a Pinewood Derby car?
Apply two coats of liquid sanding sealer. Let the sealer dry overnight before sanding it lightly with fine-grit paper. If the grain still shows, apply two more coats of sealer. Let it dry overnight and sand again.