My 10 year old son and I just completed a car for his Pinewood Derby race next week. Here are a couple of pics. Anyone else have pics of Pinewood Derby cars they have worked on?

Joe, That is one radical ride. Your son should be very proud. I don't have pictures unfortunately, but I made mine in 1974. I was soooo excited about it. I made mine to look like Richard Pettys stock car. red and blue with STP stickers. #43. I waited all my life to race at the pinewood derby and the day of the race, I came down with chicken pox. I cried for days because I couldn't go to the race. Well, That is my whine, anyone have any cheese. LOL. Mike

I used to be in the Royal Rangers (a scouting boy's club at our church) as a boy and then as an adult leader, and we made many pinewood derby cars ... one of my favorites was when I shaped the car into a hotdog bun, and put a real hotdog w/ mustard in it ... to bring up the weight, I remember sticking a heavy nail into one end of the hotdog! ... it also had a "vanity plate" that I clipped off the Oscar Meyer hotdog packaging ... I called my entry "Fast Food" but in one race/heat, my car jumped the track and fell onto the ground, and when I picked it up, there was dirt caked on the mustard - everyone was then calling my car the "Dirty Dog!" (LOL) ...

Hey Mustanger, a Royal Ranger huh? Pretty neat. My son and I built a pinewood derby car for his Royal Ranger event a couple of years in a row. Never won anything but we sure went through a lot of powdered graphite. Lots of fun and great memories.

Yeah, Royal Rangers was alot of fun ... maybe when my little boys get a little older, maybe I can get them (and me) involved ... here's their website:

http://royalrangers.ag.org/

I have a couple of pictures to post as well. A few years ago, my son Zach had one that finished as Most Colorful. We didn't race that well, but it looked great.

This year, I am the Pinewood Derby coordinator. My son Patrick will be racing a Cobra we made.

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Paul

Here's a pic of my son Dominic, his car, and trophy, when we did the Pinewood Derby in 2004.

Great looking kid Joe! You should be very proud. You say his good looks came from your wife?:grin:

Great looking kid Joe! You should be very proud. You say his good looks came from your wife?:grin:

Absolutely!! He sure didn't get them from me.

Here's a pic of my son Dominic, his car, and trophy, when we did the Pinewood Derby in 2004.

That's really cool! My oldest & I did one back in his preshool days. We used graphite powder on the wheels & he won 1rst place :-) His was blue w/ red lightning stripe. I'll look for pics :-)

That's really cool! My oldest & I did one back in his preshool days. We used graphite powder on the wheels & he won 1rst place :-) His was blue w/ red lightning stripe. I'll look for pics :-)

In 2004, I did the typical thing that I do. When Dominic signed up for the race, we got on the Internet and found alot of info about how to make the cars faster. We ordered up a whole new kit instead of the kit provided us by the Indian Guides. We also ordered trick axles, trick wheels, axle polshing kit, graphite, the whole nine yards. We built a hell of a car. Then the night before the race, I happened to notice that the back of the flyer for the race had a bunch of rules. Needless to say, our car was illegal. So we pulled out the kit provided to us and built the car that night and the next morning before the race. That's the car in the pic. Dominic won 3rd place, out of about 20 cars in his age group. He was ecstatic.

This year there is a Dad's race after the event. The only rules are size and weight requirements. So I dug out the illegal car and submitted it last night. The race is Saturday. Wish us luck. I'll keep you posted.

Here are our two cars. The red one with flames is the one that Zach raced a few years ago. He took the "Most Colorful" trophy from the guest judges. The car raced pretty good, just not fast enough.

The red cobra is Patricks we will race this weekend. It is inspired by my brother Brian's 428 replica cobra. Once again, I don't think it will be fast, but we hope the guest judges like the design.

Paul

Here are our two cars. The red one with flames is the one that Zach raced a few years ago. He took the "Most Colorful" trophy from the guest judges. The car raced pretty good, just not fast enough.

The red cobra is Patricks we will race this weekend. It is inspired by my brother Brian's 428 replica cobra. Once again, I don't think it will be fast, but we hope the guest judges like the design.

Paul

They got my vote. Both of the cars are very cool!

You guys make me feel like a pitiful dad. My son's race is next weekend and we havent even started his car :embarass:

Did you guys use the kit given to you by the scouts, or did you make your own out of block wood. My wood working skills are a hammer, a saw and some nails. But, I can paint pretty good.

Help - I need some pointers. Other wise he gets a block wedge painted black.

(I dont have time to search the web for hours - so tips here will be helpful).

Should I go for show, or for race?

Casey

Casey, I'm definitely no expert, but I can offer a couple of tips. The "wedge cars" seem to be the fastest. If you don't want to go through the hassle of cutting the wedge out of the block you get, you can find one at a hobby shop that sells kits. If you go that route you may want to pick up an axle polishing kit. You wanna make sure whatever you're using for axles don't have any burs. If they do, use a file to knock them down. Pay attention to the wheel alignment, too. And get some graphite to "lubricate" the axles/wheels.

But most of all, have fun with your kid!!!

Casey, I'm definitely no expert, but I can offer a couple of tips. The "wedge cars" seem to be the fastest. If you don't want to go through the hassle of cutting the wedge out of the block you get, you can find one at a hobby shop that sells kits. If you go that route you may want to pick up an axle polishing kit. You wanna make sure whatever you're using for axles don't have any burs. If they do, use a file to knock them down. Pay attention to the wheel alignment, too. And get some graphite to "lubricate" the axles/wheels.

But most of all, have fun with your kid!!!

Casey,
Make sure you check, like Joe said earlier, if there are any special rules that you need to follow to be legal ... have fun with it, and encourage your son to do most of the work ... when I served as a judge at these derbys, we would give an extra edge to the car that was done by the boy vs one that was done by the dad ... however, still participate and have fun!!! ...

... for a racing tip, trueness and smoothness of wheels rolling, and max weight allowed, will be a bigger factor than aerodynamics ... that's why I've witnessed Model T trucks and "Hotdogs" beat wedge cars ...

... for a racing tip, trueness and smoothness of wheels rolling, and max weight allowed, will be a bigger factor than aerodynamics ... that's why I've witnessed Model T trucks and "Hotdogs" beat wedge cars ...

I think Ruben's correct in his assessment regarding aerodynamics. But I believe the wedge cars win the most because of the weight distribution, more weight in the back of the car.

Thanks, ....off I go to the basement tmmrw to start the work.

Joe, are you sure they dont allow superchargers on the pinewood derby cars? I hear it helps with HP - at least on a GT/CS. :smile:

Casey

Thanks, ....off I go to the basement tmmrw to start the work.

Joe, are you sure they dont allow superchargers on the pinewood derby cars? I hear it helps with HP - at least on a GT/CS. :smile:

Casey

I don't know what rules you're organization has. Maybe.....

My son wanted to somehow attach an engine from one of his model rockets.

My son wanted to somehow attach an engine from one of his model rockets.

The acorn doesn't fall far from the Joe tree, huh? LOL!!

When I was in Cub Scouts, about 1966, I won the Solano County Pinewood Derby. The cars were different somewhat from today's. My dad helped me (just a little--lol!)....and we used ball bearings in the bottom.

But--my best advice is to spin those wheels with graphite with your fingers --over and over and over....spin-spin-spin!!!

The inside of the plastic wheels, against the nails needs to be very slick! That is the best thing you can do.

And, oh, to add one more childhood honor, I won an Estes Rocket of the Month award, back in about 1972. I did a computer program on speed and weight, etc., for this rocket, named 'Parallax" (two C's, one D). We used old FORTRAN punch cards to run the program, too.

Yeah, I was a geek. GLad I grew out of it! NOT!! LOL!!

(I made Eagle Scout in 1974, and in '71 went to Japan to the 13th World Jamboree).

Paul.

Eagle is quite an acomplishment...way to go.

Thank You, CalifGirl,

I consider it an honor. I grew up in a small town, not unlike "Mayberry" in No. Calif., and camping & scouting was fun.

Paul.

We are back from our Pinewood Derby race. Patricks AC Cobra won "Best Paint Job" for the guest judges. We ran pretty fast (top speed of 204.5 mph), however that only placed us 5th place for the Wolves.

The trophy is nice though and everyone seemed to like the cobra design.

Casey - If you are still working on yours, pm me and I can help alot. I think most derby's were this past weekend. I would be happy to help. This year I served as the Pinewood Derby coordinator for our Pack.

Paul

OK. We have worked all weekend and decided to go with a Richard Petty Super Bird car look using the block of wood with the kit. My son and I did all the cutting by hand (no power tools). It is starting to look like something respectable. Of course, we spray painted it blue. I had to hand paint the number 43 and the 426 ci on the hood. He has done the rest. As for weight, I added a drilled whole in the top to add pennys - as many allowed depending on the weight when we get there. The Super Bird in the latest Muscle Machines gave us some good details. We tried to make it look something like that - but with Petty's numbers. I will post some pictures later, and let everyone know how it goes. Please be kind when I post the pictures - we have never done one of these, only have basic hand tools, and a 7 year old did most of the cutting and painting (I bit my tongue, letting him do the work - my OCD nature). Thx, Casey

The important thing is that you're doing it with your son, he's learning some skills, and he get's a sense of accomplishment when it's all done.

Now have fun! That's mandatory, by the way.

I agree. I am an excellent example of doing most all the work while my son sits on the chair watching me. However, someday I will have wished that I built one with him doing most of the work.

We give out a special trophy every year called "Best Scout Made Car". To me, it is the best trophy we offer.

Paul

...I guess the obvious question would be...

Who's gonna be the first to make a GT/CS Pinewood Derby car?

A rear spoiler, side scoops, and stripes?

"A California Wood Pile Made it Happen"! LOL

Paul.

"A California Wood Pile Made it Happen"! LOL

Paul.

Is Redwood heavier or lighter than pine? :cheesy:

Steve

I think it would be cool to carve a GT/CS out. I use a dremel tool from the very beginning. I do almost all the sculpting with the tool, then sand. I find it is easier to control and easier to correct mistakes. On the dremel tool, I use the round heavy weight sanding block. That seems to work the best.

Paul

Here you go. We worked on it all week. Never done this before. Winston, my 7 year old says we did 50/50 of the work between dad and him. I would say he is about right. All was done with hand tools. The derby is this weekend - but now that we are done, I see it isnt so much about the derby as about the time with my son (he is still figuring out what 3/8" is). I am in NC tmmrw and taking the red eye back to Chicago - hope I make it. Wish us luck. (And please understand that though it is not pretty, it was our fist time).

Richard Petty Superbird!

Casey

I think it's awesome. You and your son should be proud!!!

I think it is awesome as well. Casey, you will love the derby. Spend time talking to the other dads about speed. Everyone is pretty willing to help. Hopefully, your scouts have a nice track with the computer hooked up. As well, I think you will be shocked about how much and how little time is spent on some of these cars. Watch the fast cars closely and you can pick up some secrets to fast cars.

Overall, it is by far the best event the scouts do all year long. I love to camp and do so frequently with my kids, but this is a special deal when you pay attention to it.

Good luck to you and your son.

Paul

The derby was a blast. We won "best theme". It was not the fastest, but it looked great.

The one thing that irked me was that our plan to stack pennys in a whole in the top (see below) was missed by the judges and they just quickly glued the lead bars on the bottom to bring it up to weight. It happened so fast, I didnt know whether to stop them or not (my first time). When they turned it back over and they saw the hole for the pennys they apologized, but the super glue had already taken hold of the lead on the bottom. My wife keeps telling me "let it go!!!". But you know us car guys! :undecided

One thing is that these Dad's take this stuff seriously!!! I saw toolboxes and it sounded like pit crews at a NASCAR race. We just pulled our car out of an old shoe box and made sure the wheels still turned. My son had real fun and that is all I care about.

Thanks for the support. Casey

Anyone know where design plans can be found to create a Mustang pinewood derby car? Prefer the 1965 classic look.

BTW - for those that mentioned Royal Rangers early in the post - I'm a Senior Commander in Western CT. Our derby is a three weeks away, then we're on to our Sectional Derby.

Thanks for any help.

Mike

Anyone know where design plans can be found to create a Mustang pinewood derby car? Prefer the 1965 classic look.

BTW - for those that mentioned Royal Rangers early in the post - I'm a Senior Commander in Western CT. Our derby is a three weeks away, then we're on to our Sectional Derby.

Thanks for any help.

Mike

Hey Mike! It's great to see that you're helping to "Physically, Mentally, Socially, and Spiritually" mold America's boys (the 4 Gold Points for all of you non-Royal Rangers) ... I tried finding a Vintage-Mustang Pinewood Derby car kit for you, and I found this:

http://www.ilinkdesigns.com/PreCut05Mustang.html

http://www.a2zhobbies.com/PineCar/Car_Kits/PIN-P3950.html

... since the '05 "looks" like a vintage Mustang, maybe you can make this work for you ... have fun and God bless, or maybe I should say "God speed" (from a former Area Cmdr.) ...

Casey

I am surprised that they put on the extra weight. At our pack, we (as scout leaders) do not do that. Once the scout and father/mother bring in the car and present it to the table, the car is weighed. If it does not meet the weight requirement, we give the car back to the scout. It is up to them to figure out how to bring it up to racing weight.

We set up a table away from the registration desk for scouts to work on cars. We provide the table with some weights, hot glue gun, drill, etc. The scout can keep coming back until everyone agrees they are at racing weight. Then the car is measured and registered.

Since I ran the derby this year, I made a template that was taped to the table. The car is layed on the templete and measured for width and total lenght of the car.

I agree, several parents take the derby very seriously. I had to inform a parent that his scout could race a car but would not be allowed to place since they used an unapproved kit to build their car. He did not like it, but accepted it. Our position was that the car would not qualify at the next district race and therefore would not/could not represent the pack.

Glad you had fun.

Paul

Sorry to go off topic, but just a quick question. If a boy scout can become an Eagle Scout, what do the girl scouts have? My daughter is planning on joining.

Sorry to go off topic, but just a quick question. If a boy scout can become an Eagle Scout, what do the girl scouts have? My daughter is planning on joining.


Senior. In a couple of years they will be adding an Ambassador level.

Ok, thanks Joe.

Senior. In a couple of years they will be adding an Ambassador level.

Joe,

It has been a long time for me, and things may have changed ...but Senior is isn't an award. It is the name of the age group

Daisy is ages 5-6
Brownie is ages 6-8
Junior is 8-11
Senior is what Girl Scouts ages 11-17 used to be called


It is my understanding that since the early 1980's the Gold award is the highest award a Girl Scout can get, but I could be wrong because the Girl Scouts have undergone a change their organization and awards.

Just a side note:

A Boy Scout who earns Eagle is recognized for the work ethic it took to earn the award, and Eagle opens the door in the work world for young men. However the same is not true for the equivalent in Girl Scouts.

Joe,

It has been a long time for me, and things may have changed ...but Senior is isn't an award. It is the name of the age group

Daisy is ages 5-6
Brownie is ages 6-8
Junior is 8-11
Senior is what Girl Scouts ages 11-17 used to be called


It is my understanding that since the early 1980's the Gold award is the highest award a Girl Scout can get, but I could be wrong because the Girl Scouts have undergone a change their organization and awards.

Just a side note:

A Boy Scout who earns Eagle is recognized for the work ethic it took to earn the award, and Eagle opens the door in the work world for young men. However the same is not true for the equivalent in Girl Scouts.

Oh well, I`m just going to have get that changed.:grin:

Joe,

It has been a long time for me, and things may have changed ...but Senior is isn't an award. It is the name of the age group

Daisy is ages 5-6
Brownie is ages 6-8
Junior is 8-11
Senior is what Girl Scouts ages 11-17 used to be called


It is my understanding that since the early 1980's the Gold award is the highest award a Girl Scout can get, but I could be wrong because the Girl Scouts have undergone a change their organization and awards.

Just a side note:

A Boy Scout who earns Eagle is recognized for the work ethic it took to earn the award, and Eagle opens the door in the work world for young men. However the same is not true for the equivalent in Girl Scouts.

That tells you how much I know about Boy Scouts. I thought Eagle was a level. I wasn't aware that it was an award. You're right about the Girl Scout levels.