Narrowed front end

[Nics Dad]

OK, so reading thru the posts it seems like some cars are narrowed and some aren't. What are some things I need to look out for when deciding to narrow or leave it alone? I'm a bit confused, thanks guys.

Greg

 

[down4derby]

Narrowing the front has a few benefits I believe. It helps keep the dominant rear wheel off the rail, decreases front profile, brings both front wheels closer to centerline if you trim both sides, decreases weight on the front and it helps tame the occasional wiggle. Just leave some clearance between the front wheels and the rail.

 

[GravityX]

One of the biggest things to be aware of is to NOT make it too narrow, you don't want the front wheels squeezing the rail as it heads down the track.

 

[Nics Dad]

I'm a bit worried that Nic and I didn't narrow the front end and it's painted already. If I angle the DFW enough will this help keep the car straight with the rail. Is it important to keep the rear wheels so they track parallel with the rail?

Greg

 

[4wheeldrift]

We kind of ran into the same problem with Jr's scout car 2 weeks ago. We were rushing to get it done and after he'd painted it I was like ugh, forgot to take a little off on the dominate wheel side.

So I barely gave it a touch on the belt sander to trim it back and then he lightly touched up the paint. It wasn't a big deal on our car cause the front was delta like. Either way I think it'll be worth your while to take a little off so as to not risk letting the rear also ride the rail as well.

 

[down4derby]

It's not necessary to narrow the front, it just has its benefits. If you have good alignment the dominant rear wheel shouldn't rub the rail. Narrowing the front only provides a little insurance in this instance. You can manipulate the lifted wheel in a few ways to bring it closer to centerline.

 

[Guest]

I'm a bit worried that Nic and I didn't narrow the front end and it's painted already. If I angle the DFW enough will this help keep the car straight with the rail. Is it important to keep the rear wheels so they track parallel with the rail?

Greg

Greg, Don't change it. just run it and observe it's behavior. You did good. Leave it alone and next year smoke em all.

 

[Nics Dad]

Thanks guys. This late in the game we're gonna leave it as is. Our pack isn't super competitive anyways. Nic is proud of his paint job and I don't want to break the boys heart. We appreciate all the help.

Greg

 

[Skippy Kicky]

Shave off 1/16 with a blade from the DFW forward. Find a sharpie of a similar color, then rub in some graphite or Teflon nail polish around the axle hole. If the front end is thin it is barely noticeable. I've done this with quite a few friends kids cars to help keep the rear wheels away from the rail. Before doing this I've told the kids that we can make their car faster and they have always been in favor. It is ultimately their choice.