At a 10,000 foot level, and not knowing any of your previous experience, I will elaborate a bit. First and foremost, know the rules. Whether its WIRL, Awana, or BSA, know what you're allowed to do.
Axles:
1. Insure they are straight.... DerbyWorx manufactures an axle straightener. Any number of folks will sell them.
2. Grind down any burrs with a file. Take care not to grind into the axle shaft.
3. I use 7 grades of sandpaper on the axles.
I start with 180 grit
Move to 320 grit
Move to 600 grit
Move to 800 grit
Move to 1000 grit
Move to 1500 grit
Move to 2000 grit
4. I finish off each axle with Mothers Billet polish. I put a dab of polish on each axle, then some on polishing attachment on my dremel. I run the polishing attachment on the dremel at high speed over the axles. You will see the polish on the axle turn black, and the buffer on the dremel turn black. Move it back and forth on the axle until you see it shine, and the buffer on the dremel clears up a bit.
5. I wipe off any excess polish
6. I soak the axle in de-natured alcohol, wipe it dry, then place in a ziplock bag until it's ready to be used.
For slim s you see on the Modified cars racing on WIRL, you shouldn't have to do anything but lube and put on the axles.
For stock BSA or other wheels, try this below.
1. Always cut away any wheel mold items with a hobby knife (exacto)
2. Using a wheel mandrel from DerbyWorx, place the wheel on the mandrel and place it in a drill.
3. Using 600 grit sandpaper (wet), lightly sand the outside treads of the wheels.
(some use a lathe to turn their wheels)
4. Using a pro-hub tool from DerbyWorx, cone the hubs.
5. Using Max V's hub polish, polish the inside of the hub, by putting the polish on a pipe cleaner
6. Using the pro-hub tool, burnish the inside of the wheel.
Apply your favorite lube to the axles, place your wheels on the axles, give them a spin, put them on the car. I usually use the polishing attachment on the dremel to spin the wheels on the axle for a while.
If you want to race in WIRL, I'd recommend experimenting with different 'thin' wheels. DerbyWorx offers his "RS" wheels, and Max V has a new version of a slim wheel called his wheels. Both of these should come with axles.. Use the polishing method above on the axles and you're ready to race.
Alignment, alignment, alignment..
I would recommend going out to Stan Popes site to learn more about alignment..
members.aol.com/StanDCmr/lbw_apl.htmlMax V. has an excellent book for building cars as well...
www.maximum-velocity.com/Max V can also sell all of the tools you'll ever need, and then some.
There are many others that sell stuff as well. I mention Max V. because he's the first one I ever bought stuff from, and I'm very comfortable working with Randy.
Again, everyone on this board has a different way of doing things. These tips are things I've picked up along the way.. By all means, you will find your own methods.
Take the time to practice, you'll get better via trial and error, and by asking questions on these boards.
Make sure you share what you learn with others along the way too.
When can we expect to see one of your cars?
Hope this helps...
