I have a problem and need expert help!

[wilkc]

Hi All,

I'm Casey, and my son and I have built the wedge design pinewood derby car. Thinking I could pack the back end of the wedge with lead wire, I drilled three holes in the back left of the wedge. I filled up two holes all the way with the lead wire, but I could only fill the third hole (one closest to the front of the car) with just a piece of wire. The other two holes with wire to the top allowed me to press in wood filler which I've sanded smooth.

Here's my problem. I could only put a dollop of glue in the third hold to hold the piece of leade in place, but I want to cover the third hole without using tape and without adding any more weight. Right now I'm at 4.9 ounces.

HELP!

[Derby Worx Pro Team]

4.9 ounces with the wheels and axles included? or without?

The lead should hold in place with just a minimal amount of glue.
Covering the hole without adding weight......
find a piece of styrofoam and cut it to shape and desired length, then add your wood filler or, i like bondo, and sand smooth.

[wilkc]

4.9 is with the wheels and axels.

So ... styro, bondo, spray paint all come in under .1 oz?

[Derby Worx Pro Team]

Doubtful. You might consider either making the car thinner or routing out the bottom to get to around 4.8 oz. or less. It depends on how thick you lay on your paint.

[JustaDad]

This might be a good time to look at a modified wedge design. I suggest removing the wood right behind the front axles back to where the weight starts. I would keep the side "rails" to 1/4" wide and remove the rest of the wood. (They call these cars rails and you should be able to find some on this site, so you can see what I am talking about.) This will lighten up the car to allow for the filling of the third hole and you may find you need more weight (in the right place).

Good Luck!!