Tips for Your Pinewood Derby car

·        Design

            Ok – let’s first look at the aerodynamic theory first.  The less wind resistance should make your car faster – but some say that with as small a block of wood that the derby car uses and the short distance that it races, this doesn’t matter much.  You make your own decision and design accordingly.

            You can make that car into anything you’d like.   Check out the links we’ve provided for ideas, there are also some designs for you to print.  You want to design your own, huh – well print off some graph paper and go to it!  There is also a graph paper available for you to print off with the wood block top view and side view – just to save you a step or two.

            Suggestions:  

§         Leave a lot of wood in the back to put in the weights.

§         Use the groove closest to the end of the block of wood as the rear axle (some kind of physics thingie)

§         Keep the car a full seven inches (again, one of those physics thingies)

            After you’ve cut out your design – sand your car to a smooth wood finish. Start with coarse sand paper and work up to fine grade. Here's the part where you add the weight.  A lot of drivers use the flat lead squares (pick up at hobby shop or scout store), these screw into the bottom of the car.  Some people cut a basin in the bottom of the car, midway back, to insert these.  Others drill a basin in the bottom and use BB's and then seal it up - whichever way you decide - decide now before painting.  (Don't forget to weigh your car - get it as close to 5oz. as you can without going over!  Make sure you include wheels and axles and any other doodads your going to put on it when you weigh).  If you don't have a scale - try the post office.

            Paint – time to let your artistic side show!  Some ideas to make your car look as you’ve seen it in your head are:

§         Use a wood sealer as your first coat.  This will help with a nice finish on your car.  After the sealer has tried you will see the wood (grain) has raised a bit.  Use a 400 grit sandpaper to lightly re-sand until smooth again.

§         Smoothest finishes are had with a spray paint, but brushing on paint won’t affect the speed.  A glasslike finish can be achieved with several coats of paint and fine sanding in between each coat.

Extras – should you get a gouge or have a hole you need to fill – wood putty or automobile Bondo works great, apply, let it dry, sand smooth to the wood surface and paint.

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