Work continues.
The 1X 4 lego pieces are used as rear struts. I slice the nubbin off of one end with an Exacto knife, and this leaves a nice pilot hole. This is then reamed out to 3/16". A bushing is then press fit into the reamed opening
Front 1X1 axles blocks are utilized the same way. The nubbing is removed leaving a proper 3/32 axle hole through it. I then take a nylon bushing and cut it in half with an Exacto knife resulting in 2 flanged nylon bushings. Believe it or not these press fit into the open square end of the 1X1 lego block.
Once the blocks have been prepared it is time to measure of up the Gift card and cut it to size to fit the slot car body.
First cut out the front wheel openings
Glue in the front Lego bearing blocks.
Once the front axle is positioned, measure out the distance required to the rear axle. The card can be cut straight across as the rear struts will be positioned to provide the clearance for the crown gear and proper wheelbase required for the body. I also use the rear struts to cradle the motor tightly so they are spaced accordingly. Of course you have to pay attention to the rear axle width required as well, but on this particular car everything worked out well. The rear struts were then glued into position.
I then added the new flex guide arm. This was test fit with the body to ensure there was no interference. Once this was confirmed the guide arm module was glued to the chassis.
Pioneer guide was fitted, braids installed and wired up to the motor.
Wheels were added, and the body test fit to ensure there is no wheel interference.
Once this was done the chassis was then taken to the track for testing. The track testing indicated that more weight was required so a Brass strip was cut to size and added by centering it in the middle of the chassis. The front end also required some addtional weight as the guide arm structure has some vertical flex as well as horizontal, and it just ran better with a front weight added underneath and in line with the front axle. The brass weights are all added temporarily using a drop of CA. Once the laptimes confirm improvement, then the weights will be fastened permanently using micro hardware.
This is my first time using the flex guide arm. Currently the front axle blocks limit the lateral movement of the flex arm so I am not getting the full effect. The cornering is different, and it tends to be softer going into the corners and you don't get the normal pivoting like on a standard guide. I am going to cut back the front bearing blocks to give the arm more travel, and get the full effect of this flexible guide arm. I think I am going to like it