Builders Guide to a Soapbox Car
How to Build a Soap Box Derby® Car
Are you ready to build a Soap Box Car, but don't know where to start? Check out this Soap Box Derby® YouTube video. We don't expect you to actually build a standard stock car like this, but it gives you the basics and ideas to start building your “Need for Speed” or “Art Car”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plaeXYyfteM
This Go Kart made of PVC pipe is a great way to create a base
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9cazC7DBFk
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Go-Kart-Electric-Car-Using-PVC-Pipe-/
Suggested List of Materials:
1. 1" (25mm) PVC pipe and coupling
PVC pipe: 30 feet, PVC Tees: 27 pieces, Elbow: 16 pieces, 4-Way: 6 pieces, 45-degree Elbow: 8 pieces, PVC cap: 5 pieces
2. Plywood Size: 120 cm X 64 cm
3. Bicycle wheel Quantity: 4 pieces, size: 14" (inches)
4. Ball Bearing Quantity: 10 pieces, Type: 6201-2RS
5. Door hinge (360 degree) Size: 10 cm
Adult’s guide to an awesome Soapbox Car, courtesy of Spare Time Shop Redbull Soapbox Race.
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz_iEqfDH2Q
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcf5IYLAJBE&t=61s
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX74g3U5HGw&t=13s
Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBAoxTzFcxo
Other Key Building Safety Tips:
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Place brake in center of the vehicle. This will help the car come to a full stop without spinning out.
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Don’t add extra weight to vehicles.
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Larger and hard wheels will help vehicle move downhill faster.
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Watch this video for a detailed explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i9VfUnloYA&t=62s
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The base of the car should be closer to the ground.
Lowe’s Shopping List for a Soapbox Derby Car
1 1 lb box of 1 1/4” wood screws
1 1 lb box of 2” wood screws
1 1 lb box of 3” wood screws
1 16 oz bottle of high quality, waterproof wood glue
2 5/16” x 3” threaded knobs
1 5/16” x 12” or 24” threaded rod
3 5/16” three-prong tee nut
1 1’ x 4’ x 8’
1 screen door spring
2 2” approx. length screw eyes
2 4” x 5/16” carriage bolts
2 5/16” lock nuts
2 1/2” lock nuts
2 1/4” lock nuts
2 5 ½” x 3/8” eye bolts OR
2 5” x 5/16” eye bolts
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length of 1/8” steel cable 12 to 15 feet long depending on the type of steering 10’ length of 3/8” or
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larger diameter rope depending sets of 1/8” ferrules and stops for 1/8” cable if cable steering is used a small tube of marine adhesive
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6” x 6” x 1” piece of rubber or car tire to use a brake pad
1 2’ x 8’ x 8’
1 2’ x 4’ x 8’
12 1/2” fender washers
2 1/2” x 36” metal rods
1 4’x 4’ sheet of 3/8” plywood (sanded on one side)
1 4’ x 4’ sheet of 1/2” plywood (sanded on one side)
3 1/2” x 5/8” x 1 ½” steel spacers
2 3/8” x 1/2” x 1 ½” steel spacers
4 14” wheels (Lawnmower wheels) THE SMALLER WHEELS DO NOT WORK ON THE COURSE HILL
4 1/8” hitch pins
1 12” x 1” x 2” piece of oak
1 1 3/8” x 48” birch dowel
1 24” x 24” – 3/4” plywood (sanded on one side)
2 zinc-plated wall mount pulleys
4 nickel plated single swivel pulleys