Ladder body plywood

[Castoro Racing]

We have built a few ladder bodies and covered the top of the weight pockets with 1/64 birch. Now that I think about it I was wondering if anyone covers the bottom with the plywood instead of the top. We race these cars in scout races so they are a bit thicker then 1/4 just in case of a drop (probably closer to 3/10ths) . I am thinking this will move the weight down a bit and also alleviate my worry of a weight coming lose from the double stick tape.

Is there any affect on gluing the ply to the bottom?

 

[Racing358t]

I've built both ways. No noticeable difference was observed in performance due to the position of the birch plywood. These were 1/4" thick cars also. Between the high quality double sided tape and the super sticky foil tape I've never had a problem with the weight moving. But I'm still open minded... if one way is faster than the other then I want to do it that way also.

Scott

 

[Jimmy & his 2 Kids]

Agree with Scott... good thin 2 sided tape and then the super sticky foil tape and never lost a weight or even have weight shifted yet.
The 2 sided clear tape that is meant for winter window covering is perfect and then the HVAC foil tape and you have no worries. Both at your favorite hardware store.
Foil tape enclosing the weight pockets and just clear packing tape or whatever finishing it off if its a full ladder body.
Jimmy

 

[Castoro Racing]

Agree with Scott... good thin 2 sided tape and then the super sticky foil tape and never lost a weight or even have weight shifted yet.
The 2 sided clear tape that is meant for winter window covering is perfect and then the HVAC foil tape and you have no worries. Both at your favorite hardware store.
Foil tape enclosing the weight pockets and just clear packing tape or whatever finishing it off if its a full ladder body.
Jimmy

I use heavy duty double stick and foil tape. We haven't had any issues yet. Our previous stop section was home made and really rough on the cars, so maybe that is stoking my fears.

I also wonder if there may be a slight advantage with the weight sitting lower in the weight pocket as my cars are a tad over 1/4" thick.

If I have weight to spare I cover the whole bottom with foil, if I need to save a bit of weight I use foil over the pocket and packing tape over the rest. The tops are covered with shipping label and sticky laminate inspired by 5Kids method. Also out of paranoia if I use packing tape on the bottom I run a line of CA to hold the front of the tape.

 

[TRE]

You guys are way over thinking this stuff..get a good drill good set of wheels and good prep you will have a fast car

 

[SuperSlow]

Always loved reading Tres comments. Typically short, typically simple, typically high impact. Love it, Tre you are a class act buddy. Lol

 

[King Racing]

Always loved reading Tres comments. Typically short, typically simple, typically high impact. Love it, Tre you are a class act buddy. Lol

He gets to the point but always good info.

 

[Cubscout Dad]

Do you just cover the weight pockets with the 1/64th or the whole top of the car?

 

[Castoro Racing]

Do you just cover the weight pockets with the 1/64th or the whole top of the car?

On my cars I have done both. We usually cover only the weight pockets, but if I want added ridgity for our cars since we only race in scouts I will cover the whole car.

I originally started with leaving a thin layer of the original pine in place but wound up making a hole all the way through a car by mistake. At that point I had nothing to lose and just started drilling all the way through. I found it to be much quicker and cleaner to do.

 

[SuperSlow]

He gets to the point but always good info.

Always, but dont get on his bad side. Lol

 

["The Fonze"]

Always, but dont get on his bad side. Lol

That pud ain’t fast lol