Saturday January 22, 2005

MAKING ALUMINUM WHEEL INSERTS

by "Hot Shoe"

We all know that a set of turned aluminum wheels is one of the best handling upgrades for a slot car on any type of track. Our project car for this article is a Carrera Torino. I'm installing a set of BWA's new NASCAR wheels.



A great looker but the stock wheels leave a lot to be desired as far as handling goes. But slapping on a set of aftermarket wheels alone will really hurt this cars eye appeal. Al over at BWA makes some awesome wheels and inserts. If you have the extra money  the inserts to match your car are available I would suggest using them. But it is easy to make your own from the stock wheel. All you need is a Dremel or any good moto-tool, razor knife, file, a short piece of axle, and most importantly safety glasses.

Insert the short piece of axle in the Dremel and press the wheel on. A drop of CA glue may be needed for a wheel with a loose hub. Using the Dremel as a lathe and the razor knife as a cutting bit, begin to trim the wheel down to size. The razor knife will make quick work of this. Run the Dremel at it's lowest speed setting. Start by trimming off the skirt off the back of the wheel. This will make for less material to take off when you begin cutting down the diameter of the wheel. Hold the knife vertical just behind the center rib and cut it through.

I find the best technique for cutting down the diameter is to use just the very tip of the knife blade. If done properly you should be shaving off hair like strands of plastic. I would advise against using sandpaper. The heat build up can easily melt the entire wheel and ruin the whole project.

Work slowly. Stop and check the fit often. You want the insert to be snug but not to tight. If you remove to much plastic don't panic, a drop of CA glue will hold the insert in the wheel.

Trim the front and back sides of the insert so it will fit down inside the face of the wheel. Some styles of wheels will need the insert to be recessed more than other styles. Spin up the insert and touch it to the file for just a second to get a smooth finish. After you are satisfied with the fit,  hold the knife on edge and flush cut the insert off the remaining hub.

Reinstall the wheel/insert/axle assembly. Finished up. Looks AND handles smooth. To really take it up a notch I need to get some gold paint and touch up the edges of the aluminum wheel.

- "Shoe"