by mattb » Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:04 pm
I scratch build a lot of cars and $50 is more like the budget I would figure on and that is high if I am just running a car on a small home track. First off, I find pretty good deals on chassis that can be re-used or modified or used for parts. I admit I build 1/24 so it is probably easier for me to find parts.
Cheapest chassis out there is a Womp and it works for 1/32. You have a rear axle bracket and motor bracket there, a front axle and guide flag bracket. You can cut the sides to the width you want. You can cut it in half and make it any wheelbase you want. Solder a piece of brass to the bottom to make it the right length, add some weight and it will handle pretty good for something so cheap. If you bought a complete car, you also have axles and guide flag, probably gears. Maybe you can even use the tires. For the $15-$25 you can find these for on Ebay that is a great start for parts to build something. I usually stock up on built/junk models at the local model show twice a year. I can come away with 4-5 models I might want to use as slot car bodies for $30-$40 total. I built so many 32 Ford Roadsters for the guys that I finished out one body and made a slush mold so I could make bodies for almost nothing. Maybe $20 in the mold and cost for plastic, maybe $1 each. As I silicone coat my rear tires, if they are any good at all, I can sand them and coat them for 25 cents or so, not sure how that breaks down. The silicone is about $5 a tube. I always use Chinese motors and they are around new for $8-$10. That builds a cheap, good running car.
Option 2 for 1/24 only. I have found some great deals on Ebay, recently I got some complete FCR chassis complete cars for $15 each. The same week I got 6-8 H&R's for $20 each. These were complete running chassis. Both are brass and easily cut up and re-made into whatever you want. This is guide, axles, wires, everything. Hard to get any cheaper than that.
Option 3 is buy a rear mount and brass, buy axles, wheels, tires, bushings, guide, gears, motor, wires and body. This is probably the most expensive route.
For cheap, watch Ebay and pick up an old womp.
Other frames that are good starting points are the brass Sprintsplus and this new Atomic adjustable 1/32.
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