How to Protect & Transport Your Pinewood Derby Car
Protecting your Pinewood derby car from damage on and off the track is the best way to keep it running as quickly as possible during races. A few minutes spent protecting your car from accidental harm may be the difference between winning and losing a Pinewood derby race. Make sure that you consult the bylaws of your particular Pinewood derby and do not use any banned materials; doing so, even unknowingly, may result in your disqualification from the tournament.
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Instructions
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Check the car thoroughly for any signs of damage such as chipping paint, dented or cracked wood and unstable areas. Squeeze carpenter's glue into the spaces of any cracks that have formed. Allow your derby car to dry for at least four hours before working on it again.
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Apply a sealant on top of the paint in order to protect the wood from damage. A thin layer of clear acrylic paint sealer, available at any home improvement store, is the best bet for keeping your paint job pristine and protecting your derby car from scuffs and dents. Use a medium-sized camel hair brush to apply a coat over the body of your derby car. Let it dry for at least six hours before handling the car.
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Construct a secure transportation container for the derby car using a shoe box. Place a layer of foam padding or tissue paper on the bottom of the shoe box to absorb shocks. Position the derby car in the center of the box and fill in the sides with crumpled newspaper. Use enough so that the derby car is held in place when the box is jostled. Add another layer of tissue paper on top of the newspaper and close the lid. This should protect your derby car while it is in transit.
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Keep the transport container in a safe place throughout the trip to the tournament. Once you arrive, check the car one more time for any incidental damage that it may have incurred.
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References
- Photo Credit boy scouts image by Inhumane Productions from Fotolia.com
