JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 8, 2008 17:00:29 GMT -6
I would like to know if anyone has tried to build a car using carbon fiber rod? I'm thinking of making an "I" shaped car with needle axles. I am going for the lightest yet strong material I can find. The carbon fiber rod will allow some flex, which I think may be a good thing, but I'm not sure.
I want to run this car in a Dads Class race so the only rules are weight must not exceed 5 onces and no motors or starting aids.
I made a very light thin rectangle and hollowed out another rectangle leaving just a 3/8" on the sides and about an inch in the back to put the weight. The car won, ;D but I'm looking for a more extreme design.
Thank you,
JustaDad/Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by Parrot Racing on Feb 8, 2008 18:49:46 GMT -6
I would give it a try, sounds like you could really be in control of your weight. How thick is the rod?
|
|
|
|
Post by DerbyDoc.com on Feb 8, 2008 18:52:37 GMT -6
I would like to know if anyone has tried to build a car using carbon fiber rod? I'm thinking of making an "I" shaped car with needle axles. I am going for the lightest yet strong material I can find. The carbon fiber rod will allow some flex, which I think may be a good thing, but I'm not sure. I want to run this car in a Dads Class race so the only rules are weight must not exceed 5 onces and no motors or starting aids. I made a very light thin rectangle and hollowed out another rectangle leaving just a 3/8" on the sides and about an inch in the back to put the weight. The car won, ;D but I'm looking for a more extreme design. Thank you, JustaDad/Mark Awesome idea. The biggest part of the build will be getting it all squared up. If its done right, then I think youll have no problem winning. Good luck |
|
|
|
Post by Parrot Racing on Feb 8, 2008 19:13:45 GMT -6
Tory, thanks for the stencils!!
|
|
JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 8, 2008 21:15:11 GMT -6
Thank you for the support. I'll measure the rod tomorrow and post it. I'm planning an using a jig to insure everything is square. I'm trying to determine the best way to attach the front and rear cross pieces. May need to look at fishing pole techniques that they use to attach the eyes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Parrot Racing on Feb 8, 2008 21:48:26 GMT -6
How about holes in the center to attach the pieces?
|
|
psycaz
Addicted to Speed
Posts: 86
|
Post by psycaz on Feb 9, 2008 9:05:20 GMT -6
|
|
JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 9, 2008 10:47:36 GMT -6
I was looking at an old fishing rod and thought it might work. The part I'm looking at using is 5/16" in diameter. I think I might be able to use the tip as well, if I can drill the holes for the axles, or I might just need to attach a small piece of wood to hold the axles.
The compond vise looks like a good idea. I'll look at some in person to see how they will work with my drill press.
I guess I really just need to start playing with it and see what can be done.
|
|
|
|
Post by cheelwheels on Feb 9, 2008 14:19:11 GMT -6
Do you have any pictures of your prototype?
|
|
JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 9, 2008 16:24:22 GMT -6
Well here is what I have so far. I took the old fishing rod and hacked it up. I was surprised to see even the very tip was hole  I chucked up a 1/32 bit in the pin vice and went slow. It worked great! Then I notched the main tube to help with getting the axle holders mounted straight. I made a jig on the table saw to hold the parts in place, while I shot on some super glue to tack it in place. Then I wrapped the ends with thread (like they do for attaching eyelets to the fishing pole) and then soaked them with the crazy glue. I don't know if this is going to be strong enough but it seems to work. I tried to weigh it but my scale only displays onces and only shows one decimal point. I put a BSA wheel on the scale and it read 0.1 then I tried the chassis. I did not register on my scale.  I need to order some wheels and determine how to support the weight. I think I can attach a small pan to put the weight in. This may work or it ma be a way to just kill some time. Either way it is all a learning experience. I have a picture but don't know how to upload it. |
|
JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 9, 2008 16:39:54 GMT -6
Read through a few threads and think I've got it now.  Or maybe not |
|
JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 9, 2008 16:50:44 GMT -6
I'm waiting for the glue to setup before I sand it down.
|
|
|
|
Post by DerbyDoc.com on Feb 9, 2008 17:50:27 GMT -6
Read through a few threads and think I've got it now. Or maybe not That is awesome. YOu even inspired me to order some carbon fiber rod. Dont tell anyone.....lol |
|
|
|
Post by ProQuest on Feb 9, 2008 20:00:29 GMT -6
Hey Justadad:
I'm in Spring near Willowbrook Mall. We're practically neighbors. Welcome.
ProQuest/Steve H.
|
|
JustaDad
Addicted to Speed
1Cor 9:24
Posts: 79
|
Post by JustaDad on Feb 9, 2008 21:45:59 GMT -6
ProQuest, Are there any local races for testing out the cars? I just ordered the wheels and once I get back (next two weeks on the road) I'd like to finish my car and see if it actually works. I'm trying to get the SHAC District rules for my son's race, but I want to see if they are runing an open or unlimited class.
I'm in Alden Bridge near 1488 & 2978 way in the back of The Woodlands.
|
|
