How To Make Fenders For Pinewood Derby Car ?

Do you have a passion for building and racing pinewood derby cars? Have you ever wanted to make your own custom fenders? If so, this article is for you! Here, I will walk you through the basics of creating fenders for your pinewood derby car. I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make your own customized fenders and tips on how to make them look perfect. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create fenders that will give your pinewood derby car the perfect look. So, if you’re ready to get started, let’s begin by gathering the materials you’ll need.

Pinewood derby Balsa Fenders

Pinewood Derby Basics

Pinewood derby cars are a fun, easy way for children and adults alike to join in on the racing fun. Fenders, or side wings, are an integral part of a successful pinewood derby car design. Making them yourself is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.

First, you will need to gather the necessary materials. A piece of 1/8 inch thick balsa wood or basswood, a craft knife, sandpaper, and model cement will all be needed to create the fenders. To measure the length and width of the fenders, use the outside measurements of the pinewood derby car body. For a more aerodynamic look, cut an arc along the top edge of the fender.

Next, attach the fenders to the car body. To do this, mark the position of the fenders on the car’s body, then use the craft knife to cut two small notches for the fender’s tabs. Once attached, you can sand the fenders down for a smooth, curved look.

Finally, add extra details to the fenders to give them a more custom look. Consider adding extra detail to the fenders with paint, stickers, or by engraving a design on the fenders. This is a great way to express your creativity and make your pinewood derby car stand out from the competition.

With a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity, you can make custom fenders for your pinewood derby car in no time.

Types of Fenders

Fenders are an important part of a pinewood derby car, as they help direct air away from the wheels and increase speed. There are two types of fenders to choose from when customizing a pinewood derby car – pre-made fenders and hand-crafted fenders.

Pre-made fenders are the most convenient and quickest option. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for a customized look and fit with minimal effort. However, pre-made fenders are more expensive than hand-crafted ones, and may not provide the same level of detail or fit as good.

Hand-crafted fenders require more skill and effort, but can provide a one-of-a-kind look. To make them, start by cutting a template out of cardboard or foam board, then transfer it onto a thin sheet of wood. Use a jigsaw to cut the shape out, then sand and paint the fender to the desired finish. This method takes more time but provides a higher quality finish.

No matter which type of fender is chosen, it should be installed securely onto the car. This can be done with screws, glue, or a combination of both. For additional stability, an additional layer of glue or sealant can be applied. A few inches of clearance should be kept between the car body and the fender to allow for better airflow.

With either pre-made or hand-crafted fenders, you can customize your pinewood derby car to look unique and boost its performance. Research

Preparing the Wood

Building your own pinewood derby car is a fun and rewarding experience. The first step is to prepare your wood. Fenders, also known as side-skirts, are an important part of the design. To make them, you’ll need to cut two pieces of your pine block, measuring 1 3/4″ x 2 3/4″. You’ll then need to sand the edges so they are smooth. According to the official Boy Scouts of America website, the width of your car should not exceed 2 3/4”, so be sure to measure the size of your fenders carefully. You’ll want to use a ruler, a set square, and some fine sandpaper to get the best results. Once you’ve finished sanding, you’ll be ready to paint and decorate your fenders!

Cutting the Fenders

Creating fenders for a pinewood derby car is a great way to customize your car for a competitive edge. The first step is to decide what design and shape you want and then you need to cut it out. To make it easy to cut, use a thin sheet of lightweight aluminum or styrene plastic on a cutting mat. With a compass, draw a circle or other design on the material and then cut it out using a hobby knife. To make sure the cuts are precise, use a straight edge and a ruler.

For a smoother edge, use a file to clean up any rough areas before sanding the edges to make sure they are even. Use a sanding block to smooth down the edges, and then use a fine-grit sandpaper to create a clean finish. To ensure accuracy, test the fenders on the car before gluing them into place.

Once the fenders are ready, you can choose your preferred adhesive to bond them to the car. Hot glue works well, as it dries quickly, and it’s easy to adjust if the placement isn’t quite perfect. It’s important to make sure that the glue doesn’t seal the axles, so apply it to the sides only. To finish the look, paint the fenders the desired color and add any decorations that you would like.

Fenders can be a great way to customize your pinewood derby car and make it stand out from the competition. With the right tools, like a hobby knife,

Drilling Holes

Drilling holes is an essential step in creating the perfect pinewood derby car. To begin, measure and mark the area on your fender where you want to drill the holes. It is important to make sure the holes are even and parallel to the edge of the fender, since an uneven surface could cause drag during the race.

Next, use a drill press or hand drill to make the holes. Make sure to use the correct bit size for the bolts you are using. If you don’t have a drill press, try using a variable speed cordless drill. This tool is great for precision drilling. It is also more powerful than a hand drill and can save you time and effort.

Once the holes are drilled, it’s time to sand the surface. Use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the holes and make sure there are no sharp edges or burrs. Doing this is important to ensure a smooth racing surface. With the holes sanded, you can now attach your wheels and axles.

Finally, apply a few coats of paint or a sealant to your fenders. This will protect it from the elements and give your car a glossy finish. Make sure to let the fenders dry completely between each coat of paint. This will ensure a smooth, uniform finish.

Now that you’ve learned how to make fenders for your pinewood derby car, you can get creative and customize your car to your heart’s content. Be sure to check out resources online for tips

Attaching the Fender

Attaching the fender to your pinewood derby car is a crucial step in the car construction process, as it can help to reduce the amount of friction between your car and the track. The first step is to measure the width of the front of the car, and cut the fender to fit. You can use a variety of materials including cardboard, plastic, or even thin wood. Once the fender is cut to size, it’s important to make sure it is securely attached to the car. This can be done with glue, screws, or double-sided adhesive tape. When using adhesive, it is suggested to use a stronger material like gorilla glue or epoxy to ensure that the fender stays in place throughout the race. Once the fender is securely attached, you may add a coat of paint to give it a finished look. According to the Boy Scouts of America, taking the time to properly attach the fender can improve a car’s performance by up to 20 percent. With the right technique, the fender can help your car make it to the finish line in record time.

Adding Decorations

Adding decorations to your pinewood derby car can take it from a good car to a great one! With a little bit of creativity, you can make your car look awesome. To make fenders for your car, you’ll need scissors, straight edge, craft knife, wood glue, sandpaper, and some paint of your choice. Start by tracing the design for the fenders onto the block of wood and then use a craft knife to cut them out. Sand the edges until they are smooth and then glue them to the sides of the car. Once the glue has dried, you can use the paint and some other decorations to make the fenders pop. A great resource to help you get started is the Pinewood Derby Cars book – it has plenty of helpful ideas and tips!

Conclusion

making fenders for a pinewood derby car is a great way to customize your car and make it stand out. It is a simple and affordable project that can be completed in a day. With the right supplies and a few basic steps, you can make a set of fenders that will be the envy of the competition. With a few simple steps, you can make your own fenders and give your car a unique look. So get your supplies and get to work – your pinewood derby car is waiting for you!