Building my 57 Chevy for the Pro Series

Okay, enough fiddling with the wheels.I have four wheels that I like, and I think I've ironed out the process so that I can make more in the future (and, to be honest, I really want to see how they work!). So, now, it's on to the chassis.

For those of you that have seen my other builds, you know that I will usually mill grooves in the chassis to put the axle tubes in. But, with these old, rather rigid, Hong Kong plastic cars, I don't think it is necessary. And, with the side pipes and wide bumpers, a '57 is a little tricky to get set up well in the mill. So, I keep it pretty simple...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_191942_zpsq2h0dt0e.jpg

I use a pin vice with a 1/16" bit and open it up so I can get an axle tube in there.

Next, to make the axle tube

Before I set the length other the axle tubed, I file off the little tabs that sit behind the wheels on these older cars.. 

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_194007_zpsmd1efzax.jpg

Then, I mark the length and I mark where I'll grind away the tubes to expose the axles to the JB Quick. ..

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_202823_zpsumqiqmvc.jpg

A test fit to make sure the length is correct...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_203328_zps4lmp9ktk.jpg

It's getting serious...it's up on the lift! All four wheels are in position...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_205221_zpsod1v5ykn.jpg

After applying the JB Quick, and letting it sit for a few minutes, I check the end spacing on the wheels. Once that it okay,  I flip it over and let it sit on my jig until it is cured...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_210026_zpsfnnxlfd0.jpg

A shot of the chassis, with the axles in place...I use a generous amount of JB Quick...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_211515_zpssd568rcn.jpg

And a quick test fit of the body to see if I have to clearance the wheel wells...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160112_211559_zps06bunwvv.jpg

And that's all for tonight...I'll get some weight in it next and maybe play around with that "we'll played with" body

Verrry Interesting.

Ah ha...I get what you were doing with the wheel drilling now. You're using the tiny bits of tubing almost like a bearing so it spins better, yes? Seeing it all together with the axle made it more clear. Interesting. I wouldn't expect metal-against-metal to be smoother than metal-against-plastic. But I guess if the plastic hole is more "imperfect" than the metal one, that would make a big difference. Fascinating...be great to see how it does.

As I have mentioned in the past, shaping weight to fit in these little cars requires a delicate hand and the use of finesse...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160113_194059_zpsgph2awl6.jpg

...meaning, you get to beat lead flat with a big hammer! And, once you are done, it should look something like this...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160113_194417_zpsiq4gryoy.jpg

Another reason I like these older cars is that there is usually a fair amount of room for weight. With one half inch lead ball and one weight from an old HO train, I'm right in the ballpark...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160113_194448_zpsm1qht6hq.jpg

I was able to retain most of the interior and fit the weight I need in there...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160113_200755_zpsqm5nrtys.jpg

Several test fittings later and the weight and the interior are JB Quick glued in place...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160113_201400_zpst5dl3dgp.jpg

I'll be adding a little detail to the body...maybe give it a different color fender or door, and some stickers, and then I'll glue the body on! But, for now, I'm happy to have the weight installed and the body fitting as it should...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160113_201418_zpsr1npzrmk.jpg

That sure looks great!!!  

Hey Guys,

Well, I made a few test passes down the track, and I'm really happy with the results (considering this has been a total experiment). The car is quick...but, it's not quick enough!! Since this race is supposed to be our best effort, you won't be seeing this one in the race (it's about a half car off the Heavy Chevy that I ran in TE's race...which is a fairly quick car).

So, it just so happens that I have another '57 on my desk, and I still have a bunch of fte's to play with! 4 of them are already drilled, and the experimenting will continue. :)

are you using a drill bit or a reamer ?

Not as much character as the first one, but still a pretty cool '57...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160114_103203_zpskhmzanhj.jpg

I haven't forgotten about this one! Here are a new set of trued wheels...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160121_093812_zpsf5udwgju.jpg

I'm going to try to take some more material off and just leave a small lip on the inside for them to ride on. 

I'm still trying to make speed! :)

Building a car during the Toy Fair rush is tough, but I made a little progress today...

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w407/critterwerks/20160125_153314-1_zpsacigxzgk.jpg

Took a little more material to leave a lip on the inside. Like the old Redlines