How to Build a Wooden Car Body

Materials

• 1/2-inch plywood
• 1/4-inch plywood
• 1×2 pine
• 1×4 pine
• 2×4 pine
• Wood glue
• Nails
• Screws

Tools

• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Clamps
• Sander

Instructions

1. Cut the plywood pieces for the body of the car. The pieces should be cut to the following dimensions:
• Two 24-inch by 48-inch pieces for the sides
• One 24-inch by 96-inch piece for the bottom
• One 24-inch by 24-inch piece for the front
• One 24-inch by 24-inch piece for the back
2. Assemble the body of the car by gluing and nailing the plywood pieces together. Start by attaching the sides to the bottom, then attach the front and back pieces.
3. Cut the pine pieces for the frame of the car. The pieces should be cut to the following dimensions:
• Two 2x4s that are 48 inches long
• Two 1x4s that are 96 inches long
• Four 1x2s that are 24 inches long
4. Assemble the frame of the car by screwing the pine pieces together. Start by attaching the 2x4s to the bottom of the body, then attach the 1x4s to the sides.
5. Attach the body of the car to the frame by screwing it in place.
6. Sand the body of the car to smooth out any rough edges.
7. Paint the body of the car with the color of your choice.

Tips

• If you are using a jigsaw to cut the plywood pieces, be sure to use a sharp blade and to cut slowly.
• When gluing the plywood pieces together, be sure to apply the glue evenly and to clamp the pieces together until the glue is dry.
• When nailing the plywood pieces together, be sure to use nails that are the appropriate size for the thickness of the plywood.
• When screwing the pine pieces together, be sure to use screws that are the appropriate size for the thickness of the pine.
• When sanding the body of the car, be sure to use a fine-grit sandpaper.
• When painting the body of the car, be sure to use a paint that is specifically designed for wood.