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How to add weights to a Funnycar Pinewood Derby car. It's as easy as ABC! 

Example of pinewood car
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How to add weight to a Funnycar Pinewood Derby Car

Funnycar pinewood derby car side view

The heavier your pinewood derby car, the faster it will go. Most race rules limit the weight to 5 oz so you want your car as close to the limit as possible. The Funnycar block will need about 2.5 oz of additional weight to bring it up to the 5 oz limit.

You should install the weights in your car before you paint it.

Pinewood Derby Scale

Before adding the weights to your car, put the car block, wheels, axles and any other accessories that you will be adding to your car on a scale. Then add the weights until the total is 5 oz. (paint will add very little to the weight of your car).

When your car is complete, weigh it again. If it is over 5 oz, drill a few holes in the bottom of the block about an inch behind the front axle to remove some wood. 

Below are several suggestions for adding weights to your pinewood derby car.

Lead Wire Weights

Lead is inexpensive, dense and is easy to work with but lead is toxic. Always use gloves when working with lead and make sure that none of the lead is exposed after you install it in the block.

When weighing the car and weights, use three weights that are approximately the same length. You can cut the weights with a hack saw, coping saw or wire cutters.

You will need:

  1. One set of Lead Wire Weights
  2. Drill and 5/16" drill bit
  3. Wood putty
  4. Sandpaper
  5. Hack saw, coping saw or wire cutters
Funnycar pinewood derby car with lead weights
  1. Clamp the car block on a flat surface. 
  2. Using a 5/16" drill bit, drill three equally spaced holes straight into the back of the block. The depth of the holes should be slightly deeper than the length of the weights.
  3. Remove the clamp from the block.
  4. Insert the weights in the holes. The end of each weight should be at least 1/8" into the end of the block. This will leave room for the wood putty. Drill the holes deeper if needed.
  5. Weigh the block, wheels, axles and weights again. Adjust the amount of weight if needed for 5 oz.
  6. Seal the weight holes with the wood putty. Allow to dry in a warm place for 12 hours.
  7. Sand the wood putty until smooth and flush with the car block.

You can now paint your car and add the wheels and axles. 

If the completed car is less than 5 oz. drill one or more shallow holes in the bottom of the car in front of the rear axle and insert some of the leftover lead weight in the holes. Don't drill so deep that you drill into the other weights. Seal with wood putty.

Lead Wire Weights

Lead Wire Weights

3 oz. total weight
3 oz. wire weights
Body Putty for Pinewood Derby Cars

Wood Body Putty

ea.

5/16" Drill Bit

Drill Bits
Digital Scale

Digital Scale

Scale
To place your order:
1. Enter the quantity you would like to order next to each of the above items.
2. Click the "Add to Cart" button below.

Tungsten Weights

Tungsten is very dense but it is more expensive than the other weights. The density gives you a speed advantage because more of the weight can be placed farther back on the car.

You can use a combination of cylinders and a flat weight for optimum results.

You will need:

  1. Four Tungsten Cylinders
  2. One Tungsten Plate
  3. One Fine Tune Cylinder
  4. Drill and 3/8" drill bit
  5. Wood putty
  6. Sandpaper
  7. Screw driver
  1. Clamp the block to a flat surface.
  2. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill two holes straight into the back of the block. The depth of the holes should be deep enough to hold the cylinders. 
  3. Remove the clamp from the block.
  4. Insert the weights in the holes. The end of the weights should be at least 1/8" into the end of the block. This will leave room for the wood putty. Drill the holes deeper if needed.
  5. Weigh the block, wheels, axles and weights again (don't forget the flat weight). Adjust the amount of weight if needed with the Fine Tune Cylinder. The Fine Tune Cylinder can be cut with a scissors or knife.
  6. Fill the weight holes with the wood putty. Allow to dry in a warm place for 12 hours.
  7. Sand the wood putty until smooth and flush with the car block.
  8. Paint your car and add the wheels and axles.
When the paint has dried and the wheels are on the car, attach the Tungsten Plate to the slanted part of the back of the car with the supplied screw.
Tungsten Cylinder

Tungsten Cylinder

1/2 oz - OUT OF STOCK
Tungsten Plate

Tungsten Plate

OUT OF STOCK
Fine Tune Cylinder

Fine Tune Cylinder

Fine Tune Cylinder
Digital Scale

Digital Scale

Scale
3/8" Drill Bit

3/8" Spade Drill Bit

Drill Bits
Body Putty for Pinewood Derby Cars

Wood Body Putty

ea.
To place your order:
1. Enter the quantity you would like to order next to each of the above items.
2. Click the "Add to Cart" button below.