1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
12-16-2009, 10:03 PM
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1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
I recently picked up a 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster!! Long story short, the car had been through a fire, and has sat outside behind a hobby store for a number of years. When I saw it, I just had to have it. The body was melted off of it, or melted around it, and it needed a LOT of TLC but I am making some headway!!
It is one of about 40 cars produced by Performance Drag Products. VERY realistic!!
First set of pictures are how I got the car.
It is one of about 40 cars produced by Performance Drag Products. VERY realistic!!
First set of pictures are how I got the car.
12-16-2009, 10:06 PM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
As you can see, it was pretty rusty from sitting outside. I spend several days taking it apart, and cleaning it up. All of the chrome came out pretty good!! I did sand and repaint the front part of the chassis. That also came out pretty good.
Rear wing half done
Rear wing half done
12-16-2009, 10:14 PM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
Here is the footbox cap with steering servo installed
Here it is installed- It hooks up to a steering shaft right down the center of the car like a real dragster.
Here is a trial fit on the belly pan for the electronics.
Full Car at that point
Front end about done- toe not set
Here it is installed- It hooks up to a steering shaft right down the center of the car like a real dragster.
Here is a trial fit on the belly pan for the electronics.
Full Car at that point
Front end about done- toe not set
12-16-2009, 10:18 PM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
I picked up a project box at Radio Shack, to keep the battery, reviever, and parachute servo in. I drilled it and installed plugs so I can charge the battery inside without taking the box apart. I also put in the on/off switch.
The parachutes are 24" X form for model rockets. Perfect drag chutes. Here I tested them out behind my 1/8 late model.
The parachutes are 24" X form for model rockets. Perfect drag chutes. Here I tested them out behind my 1/8 late model.
12-16-2009, 10:23 PM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
The servo on the left will be brake, the servo to the left is the chute release.
I found some chome like material at the fabric store, and made a couple packs.
I found some chome like material at the fabric store, and made a couple packs.
12-16-2009, 10:26 PM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
I made some chute mounts, and chute launchers, and put them on the car.
I did a trial run on the chutes to see how far they would launch out.
Here they are all packed up.
Here they are post launch. Even with the car sitting still, they cleared the wheelie bars. I'd imagne with the car at speed they will be thrown out even better.
I did a trial run on the chutes to see how far they would launch out.
Here they are all packed up.
Here they are post launch. Even with the car sitting still, they cleared the wheelie bars. I'd imagne with the car at speed they will be thrown out even better.
12-16-2009, 10:35 PM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
Thats all for now, I have a new body on the way, and I'm still trying to decide on an engine and rear tires.
12-17-2009, 05:07 AM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
Hi I was looking again at the photos (I know, can't help it)
Did you make small plastic T profile bushes for the steering shaft ? you could hide them behind the S/S collars....it's looking killer compared to the almost criminal "before" photos
Did you make small plastic T profile bushes for the steering shaft ? you could hide them behind the S/S collars....it's looking killer compared to the almost criminal "before" photos
12-22-2009, 01:03 AM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
After looking it all over, I just did not see how the front end was going to fit how I wanted it to. The body would need to have an unrealistic front overhang, so I decided to shorten it from the front. I made a template for the front a-arms and steering linkage, and traced it on the body., I also made my cuts for the nose.
First time the body has rested on the chassis!!
First time the body has rested on the chassis!!
12-22-2009, 01:05 AM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
Here is a rough mock up of how I am going to approach the front end. At this point, it has been shortened 7.5" and still has some more to go, but it's headed in the right direction.
12-22-2009, 08:54 AM
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RE: 1/4 Scale Top Fuel Dragster Rise from the ashes
Heh Paul, if possible could u take the measurements from the wheely bars and give them to me. Im trying to make up some for my 1/4 scaler and urs looks very simple to make.