Hello guys, I've noticed that some of you run with fenders and some don't, even if you are allowed. I guess my question is what is the deciding factor for using or not using fenders? I've been bitten by this bug and will be in the "league" soon with the help from you guys! THANKS
To fender or not to fender...
- Thread starter Mike A.
- Start date
Everybody who races in the "Street Stock" class runs some type of fenders made from a number of different materials. Fenders are not allowed in BASX as per the rules. If you are just starting out in league racing, BASX Am is your best bet.
Here are the rules: http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/threads/rocky-mountain-derby-race-rules.5033/
Here are the rules: http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/threads/rocky-mountain-derby-race-rules.5033/
Great chance to test the waters! http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/threads/pinewoodderbyracing-com-begins-june-15th.5757/
If a class allows fenders, I would run them. Done right, they will offer an advantage in traffic. You might not see a difference in track testing unless you have a multi-lane track and can test in traffic.
I would say not much more than a few grams a side at best. Balsa is super light.
All our Awana cars I used that method.
Here’s a pic... the car that isnourple on the top right is Bulldogs method. The car on the left with flames is my Box Stock I hope to send to APR next month and that is actual cut separate pieces like vendors sell. Center car is the BASX warrior I currently race.
Balsa is great to work with since it sands and shapes so easily. Too easily actually. Use finer high grit. It cuts super fast on the belt sander.
All our Awana cars I used that method.
Here’s a pic... the car that isnourple on the top right is Bulldogs method. The car on the left with flames is my Box Stock I hope to send to APR next month and that is actual cut separate pieces like vendors sell. Center car is the BASX warrior I currently race.
Balsa is great to work with since it sands and shapes so easily. Too easily actually. Use finer high grit. It cuts super fast on the belt sander.
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So awesome. I've never tried fenders, but hope to as my skill (hopefully) improves.
Awesome cars Jimmy, great work. Wow, always impress by what some can create.
Awesome cars Jimmy, great work. Wow, always impress by what some can create.
I weighed two fenders in an attempt to compare to a full height fender. The two fenders weighed about 4g if I remember correctly
Hey Jimmy, I recognize the BASX and I also recognize the box stock. When did you build the other? Is that one of your awana cars?
What about if I just wanted to buy fenders? Any recommendations of who sells the best fenders? My kids' cub scout rules are pretty clear that you can't buy wheels, axle's or blocks from third parties. It doesn't say anything about fenders though. I would assume it's okay to add pre-made fenders made from any material since kids attach just about everything else you can think of to their cars.
Our current plan is to make a 1/4" ladder style w/ three wheels and 14 tungsten cubes on the back. Is this the optimal shape? Any advice on doing fenders w/ a 3 wheel car?
Our current plan is to make a 1/4" ladder style w/ three wheels and 14 tungsten cubes on the back. Is this the optimal shape? Any advice on doing fenders w/ a 3 wheel car?
I think most people make their own fenders from balsa but if you're going to shop for them I'd start at Derbydad4hire.com
Hey Mike. That was my Awana car from last year. That guy is one of my favorites. I just really like how he turned out.
Hey Prozach2, if you are doing a lightweight 1/4” ladder body, chances are you’ll be needing more than just 14 cubes if you are using the .25’s. I can’t recall the last time I saw any rules that outlawed fenders. I bet you are fine. Cutting your own is actually super easy but can be time consuming. Buying precut gets the job done much quicker and they are generally pretty cheap.
Hey thanks. You are too kind. Honestly I have always been the artsy type since childhood so I really enjoy shaping balsa as long as I am not in a mad rush which is usually the case. But seriously... balsa cuts and sands so easy that anyone with good sanding tools can easily and safely shape balsa. By tools I mean making little sanding blocks out of other pieces of balsa with sand paper glued to them. An exacto blade and little sanding block is all I used to get them shaped after rough cuts. Precut fenders are really nice though.
The hardest part doing your own for me was the radius. Not really hard just not as easy. An old wheel with sand paper and chucked in the drill press works nice. I also have a round 1” file that is perfect and cuts fast too. Then use same wheel with 150 to finish it off. 150 is pretty coarse but I like that inside the radius. The coarse scratches soak up CA better when it’s time to coat them. This helps with strength for those skinny edges.
Is that the raw fender or after is is coated with CA? ....I have been thinking about trying some fenders at some point, but have been hesitant. I am concerned about the weight it will add to the DFW?????
Considering that all pro’s use fenders in the fatwheel classes that they are allowed I would say it’s possible weight gain is not worth the concern when compared to the benefits.
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Yep, I get that ...it seems rather obvious that the increase in weight is more than offset by better aero. However, I am sure that the body can be made a bit lighter as the fender should add strength.
Being a type"A" personality, I was just wondering what the weight of the fenders were both before and after adding CA glue. That is of course if that is what people are doing for strength?.
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