More questions from The New Guy

Jan 23, 2014
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This is my first car I have started to build for Street Stock. I am trying to apply everything I'm learning from this site. I want to use derlin washers on my next build. Are they allowed for s.s? How critical are the washers. I'm assuming they are insurance for the occasional tap on the body. Whats the best process installing them. Should I be Shrinking my DFW side of my car if I'm going to use a large bend in the front Axle? how much weight should be installed behind the rear axle? Is a 5 inch wheel base pretty standard for S.S cars with front fenders? Thanks for any help.
 
Delrin washers are allowed in SS. I superglued one to each axle hole, no washer on the NDFW axle hole. Do not shrink your DFW, there are SS wheel dimension/weight rules you need to follow. Most cars will have 2 rows of tungsten weights behind the axle. 6 cubes in each row. Wheelbase will vary from racer to racer. My SS car has a 5-1/2" wheelbase with just rear fenders. The car is quick but I was beat by a car with a really short wheelbase. Any car can be fast, just depends how you tune them. I hope this helps. There is lots of good info here!
 
delrin washers are great and legal for SS....its most important for the DFW which obviously migrates toward the body....the rears you could argue are optional since if the rear holes are drilled properly canted then the wheel will migrate away toward the axel head and shouldn't rub on the body but im sure a bunch of racers put em on anyway just in case....

I used superglue when I first started but noticed that when its drying the area around the washer (body) and even the surface of the washer would develop a film (similar to whole concept of using superglue in a covered box to help develop fingerprints....the fumes will leave a film from what ive seen)...they can be rubbed off but often while cleaning it off the washer would pop off LOL....could just be me and im to darn clumsy....

I switched to just using a model epoxy glue....takes a bit more time to dry but I don't see any of that film anywhere....maybe it was just the type of "superglue" I was using but this works for me...as far as how to stick them on...I put the washer on a toothpick....put a bit of glue around the axle hole being careful not to get any inside the hole, and then install the toothpick in the hole and slide the washer down until its flat against the body....while holding the washer down with two fingers ill spin the toothpick around in the hole just in case a bit of glue got into the hole (just so the toothpick doesn't get stuck)....after about a few minutes ill pull the toothpick out and repeat for remaining holes and let dry overnight. I bet other racers have different ways to do it that work well for them also.

I used to just try and eye ball it and try and line up the center hole in the washer with the axel hole....but I found out I wasn't very good at doing that lol....more times than not when installing the final axel wheel set id push in and pop goes the washer since it was not lined up with the axel holes apparently haha....
 
Man I ask a question and, Bamm, here is the answer, not just a veg low information answer but a great complete answer. I work in the building trades and other contractors are so stingy with trade secrets, I'm amaze at the level of kindness on this forum. Thank you I'll place an order to DD4H for some washers.
 
I use an awesome CA glue system. It's a ca glue and an accelerator. The system is very strong. I use the glue every day in building cabinets. It holds the joints of the molding together like no other glue I've ever seen. It drys in 10 seconds. And yes it works great! When my kid has split in head open I've literately glued it shut with this product! I glue fenders on with it as well. I'll try it on the washers. Here is the link, I like the thick version it's not too runny, and a tiny drop goes a long way!

https://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=105&idcategory=48
 
Here comes another one of my dumb newbie questions. What is CA glue, and why do I see it refrenced so much on these forums. What does it do that others glues dont?

Thanks!
 
I would take a little of the body off at the DFW. I like to get the rears centered if possible. CA glue is like super glue. I like the Gorilla glue, that's like super glue, it has about a 10 or so second work time so you can get things aligned the way you'd like. The instant stuff has no work time and it's easy to make mistakes with.
 
CA = Cyanoacrylate Adhesive or in other words a superglue. Accelerators are available to speed up the set time down to seconds or near instantly. If you need to speed things up some this would be the way to go, otherwise regular glues will work fine except of the fact they take a long time to dry.
 
Hey WK, Pretty sure that Delrin will only form that film if it is handled after cleaning. The CA fumes should stick only to the oils that are left from your skin.

Also, If you scuff up the gluing side it helps.