Wide Body Pinewood Derby Car

Wide body pinewood derby cars are a popular choice for racers who want to maximize their car’s speed and stability. By widening the body of the car, racers can create a larger surface area for the wheels to grip the track, which can provide more speed and control. Additionally, the wider body can help to reduce drag, which can also improve speed.

How to Build a Wide Body Pinewood Derby Car

To build a wide body pinewood derby car, you will need the following materials:

• 1/2-inch pine block
• 4 wheels
• 4 axles
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Paint (optional)

Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin building your car.

Step 1: Shape the Body

The first step is to shape the body of the car. To do this, you will need to use sandpaper to remove the corners of the pine block. Once you have removed the corners, you can start to shape the body of the car. You can use a variety of different shapes, but a common choice is to create a wedge shape. To create a wedge shape, you will need to sand the front of the car to a point and the back of the car to a flat surface.

Step 2: Attach the Wheels

Once you have shaped the body of the car, you can attach the wheels. To do this, you will need to drill four holes in the bottom of the car. The holes should be spaced evenly apart and should be large enough to fit the axles. Once you have drilled the holes, you can insert the axles and attach the wheels.

Step 3: Paint the Car (Optional)

If you want to, you can paint your car. To do this, you will need to apply a primer coat to the car. Once the primer coat has dried, you can apply a top coat of paint. You can use any color you want, but a common choice is to paint the car red or black.

Tips for Building a Wide Body Pinewood Derby Car

• Use a lightweight wood block. The lighter the block, the faster your car will be.
• Sand the car smoothly. A smooth surface will reduce drag and improve speed.
• Use a sharp blade to cut the wood. A sharp blade will create a clean cut that will be less likely to break.
• Use plenty of wood glue. Wood glue will help to keep the car together and prevent it from breaking.
• Test your car before the race. This will help you to identify any problems with the car and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

Wide body pinewood derby cars are a great choice for racers who want to improve their speed and stability. By following the tips in this article, you can build a wide body pinewood derby car that will be competitive in any race.