I'm trying to build fenders and am having a pretty difficult time with getting what I want. I'm close to buying some from Derbydad (think I've spent about $150 in the last two weeks and just bougt the oil secret dvd today), but I would like to be able to build it on my own. With that being said, , does anyone have any tips they feel comfortorable sharing on how to make your own front and rear fenders? Any pics or videos of the process?
Fender question
- Thread starter AUPatrick
- Start date
I made mine using 1-1/2" x 1/4" balsa strips. I glued them together double thick (1/2" each) I then traced a wheel outline onto one end of each. And then I sanded. Once at the approx. shape, I glued them to the body, and did the final shaping there.
Granted, I've yet to compete at this level, but my car set the track record on our PWD/AGP track, beating even the cars that won the Cub Scouts District Championships (my son's and another scout from his pack)
Granted, I've yet to compete at this level, but my car set the track record on our PWD/AGP track, beating even the cars that won the Cub Scouts District Championships (my son's and another scout from his pack)
The easiest way is to buy them. I do make my own. Once you make a few sets they are not that bad to make. I start with using a hole saw to cut a hole in some 1/2 X 4 wood, once the hole is drilled I use a band saw to cut the hole from the big piece, it looks like a rectangle about 1.5 X 4. then I cut that piece in half, in the center of the hole. Now I have the start of two fenders. At this point you can trim down with a band saw but I usually just use a belt sander to trim down and shape. I don't have the size of the hole saw I use with me I can check on it tonight when I get home. Hope this some what helps. The first you build will suck your will to live!!!
I first make all my marks on the piece of wood that I am going to use then drill out center like QT stated. Use a 1 1/4" forstner bit for the correct fit, then cut and sand to shape. Good Luck!!
I drill a 1 1/8 hole in 1/2" cherry pine.
Then shape 2 fenders, ea 1/2 " thick.
Then, using a Rigid sander with smallest
diameter drum, I create the wheel clearance groove
on the bottom.
Then I cut the half in fender in half -- thus tbe groove is
exactly the same in ea fender.
Then shape 2 fenders, ea 1/2 " thick.
Then, using a Rigid sander with smallest
diameter drum, I create the wheel clearance groove
on the bottom.
Then I cut the half in fender in half -- thus tbe groove is
exactly the same in ea fender.
[font="times new roman, times, serif"]Congratulations BlacknYellow!! Now all you need to do is bring or send your car in to the league and join in on the fun!!![/font]
Speaking of Fenders...I now know why they are SO Xpensive
to purchase!!! I just spent the last hour building a fender for my new car, and all I can say is my hats off to anyone that builds their own fenders...Holy Cow men!!! I still have to build the other fender...Tomorrow!!!
Speaking of Fenders...I now know why they are SO Xpensive
Hey Chief, I make my fenders at the same time so I can shape the top and bottom sides by holding them together on the sander. I also glue the uncut (full width/not angled) fender on the car and then use another uncut block to put the car on. I then run the car on the uncut block in a jig on the band saw that cuts the angle from the side of the car at the front of the fender to the rear of the fender at the wheel. This way I get equal fenders.
The only tip I can give..No matter how you make them.....One of the most common mistakes people make is that the inside bottom drags the rail.. Always bevel that area back far enough to clear.
I asked John that same question a few weeks ago because I hate making front fenders.He gave me a quick and simple answer "Do all the top cars have front fenders?"
G
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Guest
SoGone said:
Go to Owens Racing post on Pinewood derby pictures (3 new SS'r). There is a very good picture to show how fenders should be beveled to clear the rail. Now if the car is set up correctly, and the fenders are even with the inside edge of the rear wheels they ( the fenders) or the wheels should never touch the rail. It is good insurance though to relieve them. Better safe than sorry.
Basswood is a good choice for making fenders and car bodies. The wood has good characteristics for cutting, carving, and sanding. Looks nice painted or clear coated.
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