Gate Mod

[TimInOhio]

Does anyone happen to have the pics that go along with this thread? I can see that there are supposed to be pics in the first post - but I don't see them.

Thanks.

Edit - Nevermind... I was accessing this site from somewhere behind a filter, and that was stopped me from displaying the pics.

 

[5js]

Great job! Would you mind sharing some details about the solenoid you are using? Or is it a secret? I picked up the one based on 5J's design and it was insufficient to pull the gate handle, even with a modified handle to shorten the depth of the notch.

The first solenoid I used works well with the elbow latch, but for the Besttrack setup I would use this door actuator which has a ton more power.

 

[birddog]

I just wanted to thank Owen's Racing for posting this thread. I upgraded our pack track this year with this mod and it made operation of the track with our new start gate very smooth. Thanks for posting such detailed instructions on this great modification!

Birddog

 

[TimInOhio]

Birddog, did you use the bearing on the handle or not?

 

[HMH Racing]

Tim, The addition of the bearing is a MUST for a smoother operating gate.

 

[TimInOhio]

Thanks HMH racing!

 

[birddog]

Birddog, did you use the bearing on the handle or not?

Yes, absolutely. That is what this improvement/mod is all about. The bearing is the thing that actually causes the lever to "roll" off its ledge so smoothly!

birddog

 

[561 racing]

Shortened the pin. The foam looks sufficient, so I'll have to work on the spring tension next time I set it up.

Thanks guys,

Jimmy

When you guys say shortened the pins, are you guys referring to cutting them down, if so how much and would the foam underneath need to be adjusted as well?
Thanks!

 

[bracketracer]

Brian, I unscrewed the bolt covers on mine and cut the bolts so they stick 1" out of the track deck with the gate closed. Then I shortened the bolt covers so when they screw all the way down the pins are 1 1/4" out of the track deck.

 

[RichZ]

What are the dimensions to the center point of the bolt hole? Anything else that I should know?

 

[bracketracer]

What are the dimensions to the center point of the bolt hole? Anything else that I should know?

You know, I didn't even measure it when I drilled mine. I just set the bearing on the lever and moved it until the bearing was just proud of the bottom of the notch and the back edge of the lever. I marked it with a transfer punch then drilled and tapped the hole. Then I scribed the bottom corner of the notch to match the radius of the bearing and rounded it off so the gate only rolls on the bearing and doesn't rub on the lever. The third photo in the first post shows it best IMO.

 

[True North Racing]

I received a text that said my bearing and shoulder screw arrived today! Tonight I will be working on the starting gate and using all the great ideas in this thread to make my gate smooth and consistent.

 

[True North Racing]

Finished the gate modes. I did the Owens bearing. I cut the bolts down where the gate slams back on them and added some padding to the gate. I cut the starting bolts down and actually got a little aggressive on one so it is shorter than the other but not too bad. I also added a longer bolt for the spring because I read somewhere that if you move the spring anchor point down it will pull the gate back but not as much force upward causing it to slam open. Seems to work. Now it is really smooth when it opens. I am going to put the track up tonight and see how it all works.

 

[BulldogRacing]

Finished the gate modes. I did the Owens bearing. I cut the bolts down where the gate slams back on them and added some padding to the gate. I cut the starting bolts down and actually got a little aggressive on one so it is shorter than the other but not too bad. I also added a longer bolt for the spring because I read somewhere that if you move the spring anchor point down it will pull the gate back but not as much force upward causing it to slam open. Seems to work. Now it is really smooth when it opens. I am going to put the track up tonight and see how it all works.

Very cool! It'll be fun, great work!

 

[GravityX]

My first thought after seeing the picture, man there's a lot of tension on that spring! May I suggest loosening up on that spring tension a bit. It should help reduce the gate slam and the inherent vibrations that would be resonated into the track.

 

[True North Racing]

My first thought after seeing the picture, man there's a lot of tension on that spring! May I suggest loosening up on that spring tension a bit. It should help reduce the gate slam and the inherent vibrations that would be resonated into the track.

What do you recommend as the best way to do that? I am thinking that moving the bolt forward some more? Or is there a better way? I have been working on the track using all the tips that I have learned on this site. I hope to have it finished this weekend to start getting my two nephews and a neighbors car ready for districts.
Thanks for all the help you guys give to us newbies. Very much appreciated.