do you glue your weights in your cars?

[Flamethrower]

If so what type of glue and how do you remove them without damaging the car?

We lost a race this weekend b/c I did not glue the weights in the car and the silver tape did not hold for the 4th race. Is it common for the tape to release on the bottom of the car? I would not think so, but the 4th race we were almost a full second slower than previous 3 runs and we have been winning every race up to that point by a 100th or more. We were the fastest car of the day run for run, but the 4 race average put us out of the running.

When I picked the car up after the race I saw the problem. The tape had come loose and the mass of the weights was pulling it down and dragging on the track. I know my problem was preventable and I blame no one else for the loss but myself, but it sure seems odd the tape would come loose by itself.

So lesson learned, prep the car so the the heavy handed track workers cannot impact the cars performance by either negligence or malice.

Thanks for the great resources everyone.

 

[5KidsRacing]

Yes, 5 minute epoxy, can't remove without breaking car.... I just remove them and start over on another car, but I probably have 15 cars worth of weights. Unfortunately every build of mine these days sacrifices an old car.

 

[mgh Racing]

Yep...I use Loctite Stick N Seal adhesive. Its like thick superglue. Put a thin layer down, then press your weight in. It holds very tight...but is rubbery so you can get a utility knife between the weights or use a needle nose to pull them out later. You'll need ~1/8" of wood above the weights, or else you'll tear the car apart when removing them. I use the aluminum tape over the weight pocket as well for aero and extra security.

 

[Resophonic Racing]

I have never had a problem with the tape for weights. Did you happen to clean the bottom of the car with any type of solvent before applying the tape?

 

[jator359]

Mgh - thanks for tip. My problem is that each car my son and I have built represents some unique memories not to mention that I CA glued the weights in. But tungsten cubes ain't cheap and I wanted to recover the weights without breaking the car.

Yep...I use Loctite Stick N Seal adhesive. Its like thick superglue. Put a thin layer down, then press your weight in. It holds very tight...but is rubbery so you can get a utility knife between the weights or use a needle nose to pull them out later. You'll need ~1/8" of wood above the weights, or else you'll tear the car apart when removing them. I use the aluminum tape over the weight pocket as well for aero and extra security.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I wouldn't discount sabotage. Just sayin'. The tape will unlikely come off by itself unless you had very little tape grabbing the car body and I mean very little.

 

[Eliminator Racing]

I use Scotch Double sided tape to hold weight then cover with aluminum tape I have never had a problem and you can remove the weights very easily when you are done.

 

[aircooled]

I use double back tape and never have had a problem.

 

[Quicktimederby]

The AC ducting tape only. I have even dropped my cars and no weight movement, broken wheels and bent axles yes, Weight movement no. I bought a big roll of it from home depot the stuff is super sticky. When I tape mine in I go at least 2 inches in frt of the pockets and wrap it around the rear up on the top of the car.

 

[Resophonic Racing]

The AC ducting tape only. I have even dropped my cars and no weight movement, broken wheels and bent axles yes, Weight movement no. I bought a big roll of it from home depot the stuff is super sticky. When I tape mine in I go at least 2 inches in frt of the pockets and wrap it around the rear up on the top of the car.

+1

 

[SoGone]

Tape only here also.. the only time I had trouble is if I peel it back and try to re-stick it.

 

[ljo]

I use a little white glue and cover with aluminum tape. Weights can still be remo
ved if desired.

 

[clp]

I use tape or Monocoat wing covering and that way I can get the weights out and still salvage the car body for later. I have never had any problems with it.

 

[GravityX]

I use a small amount Gorilla Wood glue, it actually adheres to the weights fairly well. Then like QT...

When I tape mine in I go at least 2 inches in frt of the pockets and wrap it around the rear up on the top of the car.

...works like a charm every time. Weight can be easily removed without destruction of the car afterwards.

 

[MBL Racing]

I use two sided tape from Lowe's. It comes in a roll the size of duck tape but is light blue on the outside and thinner than that 3M auto stuff. I like to trim the aluminum tape a little closer and have had one pop loose but fortunately not during a race. Since using the 2 sided tape havent had any issues with weights coming loose and that includes the car falling off the top of my Camry.

It cracked the wood near the weights but the weights never came loose.