Modifying Hot Wheels for Open Track Racing

Рет қаралды 14,096

3 жыл бұрын

This is a pretty long video, I just made it to help a friend so I didn't do any planning. There are many different ways you can mod a diecast car for racing, but this is how I build most of my cars.
Tools/parts required:
∙ Power drill
∙ 5/64" (2mm) drill bit for screw hole
∙ 9/64" (3.5mm) drill bit to remove the rivet
∙ 1/16" (1.6mm) drill bit (optional, I like using it to drill a more precise pilot hole for the 5/64)
∙ Screwdriver
∙ Scissors
∙ Snips
∙ End nipper pliers (optional, I use them to cut the weights more evenly, the snips or scissors work, but not as well)
∙ Tape (I prefer using duct tape)
∙ 2-56 or M2 screws in either 1/8" or 3/16". I prefer 3/16" for a little more bite, I also use 1/4" if I've drilled off too much post or if the 3/16" screw strips the hole. I prefer phillips head over allen because they're much easier to drive and harder to strip.

Пікірлер: 97

@bigalscustomdiecast2504 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Your thoughts on weight placement were insightful. Also, your drill looks freaking huge from this angle!

@lamanamanume 3 жыл бұрын

I think its an impact

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. It's a standard power drill, just really close to the camera lol

@cutrockr-diecastracing2773 3 жыл бұрын

Always interesting to view the varying methods of modding. Well done, hopefully it encourages more to have a go! Cheers

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. That's what I'm hoping for!

@paulonopa 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, thank you for sharing.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

No problem!

@MrDarq13 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John! Great stuff as always!

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and you’re welcome!

@shilohthomas4524 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

No problem!

@cashmoneyboys4628 3 жыл бұрын

Great job TDR!! I like that tape idea!

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The tape saves me a lot of time and grief.

@chudd6125 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video - and love the track layout

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@freethinker3161 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tutorial because I'm looking forward to doing this finally. I love your Channel.

@EJ-74 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job Thanks for the tips bro I've never tried to mod but I've been thinking about making a track out of foam board and this may come in handy

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

You should definitely give it a shot! It's fun. Happy building and modding!

@brandynosborn3374 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man this was awesome! I've watched a few videos as I just got back into the hobby. Track building and racing. Your in-depth explanations are much appreciated! they may be little toy cars, but racing is serious business! much respect! :)

@user-xs9rd1hv4g 9 ай бұрын

Awsome vid..👍😁

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

I ended up taping the weights to the base, there was enough base on the sides for the tape to hold.

@PoBoyRacing80 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for all the tips n tricks on everything to include the weights! Thanks for all the hard work on all your video's. When I drill...i lube my drill bits with bee's wax. Just my choice, but it seems to help during the process.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! And you are most welcome. I should probably do the same with my drill bits. It also keeps it sharper too right?

@PoBoyRacing80 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing It makes the bit sharpness last longer....to me that is. Plus it seems to drill smoother without heating anything up. Try it...you might like using the Bee's wax or some other kind of lubricant

@smallshoptalk589 3 жыл бұрын

Whooo Hooo, Slanman Customs shipped my order today. ETA is Sat. 20 March. My birthday is this month. That is almost $600.00 in parts. I'll be 59 yrs old. Thanks TDR. Poor guy is so busy it took almost 2 months. Thanks all, love the reply's and the TDR track. I also like the 3Dbotmaker track, KOTM, but that new track for rally... well, not that great.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Track building is one of my favorite things about the hobby. I wish I had the space to build a few tracks. You're gonna have a huge track! Slan's been swamped with orders, 2 months is really good for how big your order was! He told me it was a ton of curves, those usually take forever. Thanks for the kind words, happy building!

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

I actually like the new DRC track. It should be a lot more exciting once he records actual races. I would've preferred he keep the first half of the original track and just add the new track at the end, that would've been awesome.

@smallshoptalk589 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing Yeah, that would have given them a lot more speed to get around those last curves

@smallshoptalk589 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing Well, Better to have it and not need it. Also, since I didn't really know what I was doing, well...I have enough for 2 tracks. Thinking of building a 10x12 shed and have a track on each 10 foot side or something. But my 16x20 workshop has a big footprint and is in the best place in the back yard. Anyway, I'm hanging the track in the workshop so I can raise it up into the rafters when not in use. Starts at 7. ft 9 in. and is basically going to be a fat U shape, 12x16x12 for as long as I can make it. Thanks again.

@PR9Plays Жыл бұрын

I was wondering how axles stayed on when everyone's cutting the tabs; great to hear an explanation finally!

@TheMakersBox 3 жыл бұрын

You make opening look easy. I'm in the no-tap camp as well.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

I destroyed a bunch of cars to get to this point lol. I joined the no-tap crew because I was too cheap to buy a tap (that will break pretty often, I've read).

@reeeeeeeroblox2222 3 жыл бұрын

Nice.

@AlexBabcock-hw9iz 3 жыл бұрын

Be interesting to see stock vs differing weights maybe do 5 runs with each change keep the best worst times and the average. Then perhaps doing the axle polishing seeing how much that can shave off times.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

I can do the stock vs weight test but I don't want to spend the time to polish lol. My theory is that polish doesn't do much to help speed potential, lube is the biggest factor for that, but polish will help with speed longevity once the lube starts to wear off. This is purely a guess since I haven't polished and tested myself so I could be wrong. I'm sure polishing helps, especially in a drag race, but on a road course there are so many other factors that the gain isn't as noticeable as on drag.

@AlexBabcock-hw9iz 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing That's why this site cast racing is so much fun there's so many ways you can do it. Tracks cars races as simple or complex as you care to take it.

@reeeeeeeroblox2222 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to modify some of my diecast 1:64's with my dad.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Happy modding!

@reeeeeeeroblox2222 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing 😊

@164racing3 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid, showed my boy he’s been modifying jdm cars for fun, maybe I can convert him to this instead or both

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Convert them all!

@_-.Everlast.-_ 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I get it now. ☺️👍

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

No problem. Good luck on your mods!

@user-xs9rd1hv4g 9 ай бұрын

My comment is that once theres too much weight...once the car goes down the track,once the gravity plus the weight added will make those axle bend making those wheels touch the fenders and quater panels making the car waaaay slower ..some times its better to freeze the axle putting glue and centralizing it and making sure that its not lopsided for a straight run....heavier doesnt mean more velocity...😄👍😁

@numbskulldiecastracing Жыл бұрын

I miss you.

@hilanddoug 3 жыл бұрын

It may help to add a drop of lubricating oil to the tip of your drill bit. I've broken cheap bits before I started to add the oil, but the higher quality bits I use now are better protected against breaking.

@MrREDPILLhimself 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting to see the little differences between how people do this.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

There are so many ways to do it!

@PoBoyRacing80 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@boogmiller6514 3 жыл бұрын

Yep, the right way or mine...or something like that!

@mrpigx 3 жыл бұрын

I use a hammer to open the little cars

@PoBoyRacing80 3 жыл бұрын

@@mrpigx HA! N they still turn out Fast!

@catvoncrimson666 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

No problem. Happy modding!

@catvoncrimson666 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing the only problem is. I have so many of them to choose from lol.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

@@catvoncrimson666 😂 choose them all!

@MrDarq13 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to see a axle swap video 😈🏁

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

There was an axle swap in this video.

@MrDarq13 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing guess that wasn't asked correctly. :) was wondering about when they put new axles on with tubes. I seen some use pins, just wasn’t sure how they stay in the tubes. 😈

@AlexBabcock-hw9iz 3 жыл бұрын

Take an old jean pant leg cut it down to around 8 to 10 inches long sew one ends closed fill up 3/4 with sand sew the open end closed. This makes a nice handy place to hold your car stable while drilling or working on them without scratching or marring the casting.

@paulonopa 3 жыл бұрын

Could you post a link for the weights you use. Thanks.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

I get a set of 100 for $44. It's pricier than wheel weights but much cheaper than tungsten. This is a link to a smaller set. www.amazon.com/dp/B08D3HHFXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_HBP76DMPF2YRG9X6NWGW

@paulonopa 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing Thank you very much. Drapery weights, lol.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

@@paulonopa I used wheel weights and derby weights at first and had a terrible time. I think Fractal Panda suggested curtain weights and I've never looked back since.

@Guingoyo 3 жыл бұрын

Buen tutorial

@DiecastMediaNetwork 5 ай бұрын

That's very impressive. Thanks for sharing your techniques!

@EJ-74 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to see some more awesome racing Could you pls do a update This is definitely with in my top 3 tracks Hope all is well 🙏👍✌️

@jaspercane6608 Жыл бұрын

Is it best to start with a FTE? And best tips for a bone stock division downhill straight track short and long?

@Lily.The.Dog. 3 жыл бұрын

Hey John, great video. What weights are you using that are so easy to mold? I’m currently using vehicle wheel weights and they’re not so easy to cut or mold into shape.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lily! They're curtain weights that you can buy on Amazon. I got a pack of 100 that usually lasts me a few months. They come in 1x7/8 squares.

@Lily.The.Dog. 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing hey thanks! Appreciate you sharing some stuff, your cars are always up near the top!

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

@@Lily.The.Dog.here's a link to a smaller set (28) if you want to try them out before committing to spending $44 for 100. www.amazon.com/dp/B08D3HHFXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_HBP76DMPF2YRG9X6NWGW

@Lily.The.Dog. 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing thanks, appreciate it!

@garrisin1503 2 жыл бұрын

How did you do that timer so you can do track times?

@ravenshadowz2343 3 жыл бұрын

What about axles, wheels and tires, that are not from another hot wheels, where do you buy those from? Please and thank you! Also thank you very much for this tutorial.

@2mskillz 7 ай бұрын

Where did you buy those weights? thanks!

@fanstfs7661 2 жыл бұрын

What those weights are made of

@alexnsimmons9146 3 жыл бұрын

Bro how do you add lights and inderglow

@smallshoptalk589 3 жыл бұрын

SO, the 2-56 head does not want to pull through the hole? I use 4-40's. Anybody else?

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

If you drill a bit off and end up removing some base then it may pull through. I use a washer if that ever happens. I prefer using smaller screws so that there's more post to drive into.

@MrREDPILLhimself 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing I agree. The small washers for the 2-56 are really cheap.

@PoBoyRacing80 3 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing I also use the 2-56 screws n if needed a #2 washer I obtain off of eBay.

@smallshoptalk589 3 жыл бұрын

OK, I have the 2-56 screws but no washers. Didn't think about that, was worried the head may be too low and catch the track on the high spots. but I agree with buy 2 cars in case you mess up 1. which I do a lot, dang it. but if I get 1 screw in, it's good, and use epoxy on the messed up one. Thanks guys.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

@@smallshoptalk589 the screws will bend the washer so it doesn't sit so low. I also use flat head screws instead of pan head for a lower profile.

@MrREDPILLhimself 3 жыл бұрын

Yes USE GOOD DRILL BITS! The couple of dollars that you save are not even close to worth it.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Yep! You save a few bucks on the drill bits but then spend a lot more time trying to drill! And likely will destroy a few cars using the crappy drill bits so your savings goes away instantly.

@johnsmith3232 2 жыл бұрын

@@TranSportDiecastRacing can confirm, i had a small dewalt bit snap off in PINE WOOD. pine wood. one of the softest woods... i swear i could have gotten better results with a toothpick XD a good set will last you a lifetime!

@reeeeeeeroblox2222 3 жыл бұрын

When is your next upload? Are you doing well?

@mikearnold6438 3 жыл бұрын

Dumb question from a newbie... Where do you buy axles?

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Not a dumb question, most people buy new cars and take the wheels off. Some people make their own axles using some kind of thin metal rod, and some use tubes with nickel plated sewing pins to make custom axles.

@TranSportDiecastRacing 3 жыл бұрын

Happy modding!