UPGRADING ELDIN/MARX

[gonegonzo]

I have some early 60's Eldin and Marx cars that I'd like to upgrade with modern running gear . Does anyone have any advice here ?

Thx
Gonzo

[BIG E]

Just off the top of my head here -- it's really up to you what direction you'd like to go.
Both the ELDON and MARX early cars have no chassis to speak of, much of the drive train was mounted to the body and lower pan itself.
Some of the ELDON cars had a very simple plastic chassis which could possibly be modified to accept some sort of modern motor, gears, ect.
The thing is, do you want to just use the vintage bodies and build up chassis and running gear for them, or do you want to try and upgrade the original parts that came with the cars? The latter I think might be more difficult, as I don't believe there are many parts and pieces out there for these particular cars, other than some wheels and tires.
You also need to be careful what type of power these older cars run on, some were as low as 6 volts, if memory serves, and you don't want to risk burning out any good running original motors you may already have. Do any testing AFTER you've checked the cars over, cleaned away any dirt and debris, and of course carefully re-oiled things with a good quality, light weight hobby oil. Start with the lowest voltage the cars will run on, and be sure you know the power requirements of each motor BEFORE you run into trouble.
I always liked the ELDON stuff, as it was the first larger scale set that I had as a kid. I've got a few collector pieces and another few cars to make runners out of, but really have not had the time to play around with them due to my HO and 1/24 scale racing activities. There are also one or two MARX cars in my collection, but they're probably NOS pieces that have not been run and never will see a day on the track.

I know there are people that enjoy running and collecting these types of cars, especially the ELDON brand.
I'm sure there are many others on this forum that can help you out with more ideas on modifications, parts availability, ect.
How about it, guys? Let's help this racer out! ***Good luck and enjoy... Ernie

[ourwayband]

[padirtfan]

I have some of the indy cars and I made a couple of them into 70's style caged Silver Crown cars. I made piano wire frames and current running gear for them. I did keep one totally original and I have a bunch of parts (gears, wheels/ tires, motors).

[Nor Cal Mike]

[Dodgefarmer]

This is what I have been working on today.





Mrrc Sebring chassis. It has the same slide type adjustable chassis as the original Eldon and with the addition of a rear plate you can use the stock 2 post mount.

Randy

[ourwayband]

Nice one Randy!

Rusty

[Dodgefarmer]

Thanks Rusty. A buddy of mine gave me the body several years ago before I got back into slots as I have the 1:1 version.

Randy

[gonegonzo]

I have a couple of ARTIN ERO Sedans . Are the chassis' the same as the ones used here ?

Gonzo

[Nor Cal Mike]

I don't know what an Ero Sedan is. Got a pic?

[gonegonzo]

No pics Mike . One is a Mercedes and another is a Porsche .

My vintage cars both use the belly pan chassis system .

Gonzo