Direct From An Old Fab-Shop In Daytona!

How to convert your 1/64 Die-cast
into a RUNNING SLOT CAR in one afternoon!!

by Larry Lype

 

Here is the tools/supplies you need for this project,
1. Your favorite die-cast race car.
2. A Marchon chassis, available from SlotCarWorld.com
3. Double sided foam tape, available at Wal-Mart
4. Small "Jeweler's" screwdrivers, Phillips & straight blades
5. A Dremel with a small sanding drum
6. Either lg. nail clippers or sharp side cutters.
7. A "Exacto" knife with a sharp blade.
8. Possibly, a drill & bit, if the body is "riveted" on
9. The Modelers/Racers friend, Super Glue!!

It really is easy, You CAN DO IT!

Here is a shot of the chassis. The "box" on top
will be removed in a later step.

First, Lets get the body ready for the chassis.
Some die-cast, like the one above, has screws attaching
the body to the chassis. Remove the screws. If the
body is "riveted" on, you will need a drill to "pop"
the rivets. Make sure when you do this step to be careful
not to scratch the outer body.

Here is a shot of the "gutted" die-cast. Save the screws
as they might come in handy for another project down the road.

Here is a shot of the now empty shell. Now would be a good
time to super glue the hood down.

Be careful not to get any on the outer finish!

On to the chassis prep! See the 2 screws, remove them
keeping them far away from the motor.

After removing the screws, GENTLY pull the
"box" off the chassis, and put in the drawer that you keep
all the stuff "left over" from other projects. :)

Time to "dry fit" the body. Some body's will fit just perfect, some will need
slight sanding of the wheel openings with the above mentioned Dremel.


Here is something else that comes with this chassis that wont be needed.
Take your straight blade jewelers screw driver and gently pry it
off of the wheel. Put this in the same drawer as you put the "box" in.

Now it's "chassis prep" time!!

Take the nail clippers/side cutters and cut the tabs shown off the chassis
and grind the sides of the chassis smooth.

Turn the body over, like the photo. In the spaces between the chassis
and the body is where the 2 sided foam tape goes.

Here is how you need to cut the 2 sided foam tape.
First, cut a strip about 1/2 inch long. Then fold them in half,
by its width, like in the photo above.

We're getting' Closer! Now, take the backing off the folded tape
and apply to the inner body keeping it just above the rocker panels.

Almost there! Now, place the chassis into the body, one side at a time
then slide the other side in. You can adjust the "ride height" by
using your trusty "Exact-o" knife between the tape and body. After
getting the body where you wan it, make sure the wheels turn free
and don't rub, Let it set for a few minutes, then check it again
and make adjustments again, if needed.

It's SHOWTIME! You now have successfully "transformed" your
one time "shelf queen" into a running slotcar! Soon, you can have a
whole field of these racers! And think of the possibilities!!!!
See, it was easy, wasn't it! Have Fun!!

Larry