Tips on
Building a Fast Car
1 Insert the nails into the block
before any work is started on the block.
It is easier to position them and if the wood splits at this point you
can get a new kit and not lose too much time.
Remove the nails, after this initial insertion, and then reinsert them
when the car body is finished. You can
glue the nails in place. Take care not
to get glue on the axle near the wheel.
Leave the tips of the nails showing so that the judge can tell that the
nails from the kit were used.
2 If the block of wood is
destroyed or if the axle grooves in the block of wood are not parallel or parts
of the kits are mission or damaged, call
3 Add weights to bring the total
finished car weight to 5.0 ounces without going over. Cars that are under-weight will not run as
fast. During car construction, remember
to weigh the nails and wheels on the scale with the car body. You can weigh the car at the post office or
at the
4 Remove all burrs on the nails. Make sure that the under-side of the nail
head is smooth. Polish the nail with
emery cloth starting at 320 grit and progressing through
400 and 600 grit.