Build tips for Monogram Indy cars
Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 7:59 amI have some folks ask about the conversion of the Monogram 80's indy models into slots. It is fairly easy, and does not require any special work. So I am posting some tricks I have found to make them work good and look good too..
First up is the main motor bulkhead modification. You need to angle cut the chassis for body clearance.
The front axle holder needs to be trimmed off to the front hole, then the uprights rounded to look good and clear the plastic A arms from the kit.
I put two screws in the chassis,leaving three holes forward of the motor bulkhead. That sets the wheelbase on these. I then solder it in place, and remove the bolts. Put a shim of some kind under the chassis at the joint, and re heat the solder to let the chassis drop. this will give you a nice ride height, and does not effect handling at all. the guide mount can be bent down to make up for the angle.
The assembled body will need cut away in the axle area to allow body removal after the car is built. you can skip this step if you don't mind removing the axle for maintenance.
The underside of your completed body should be cutaway to look like this.
The rear section of the body will need cutaway also, just to clear the tires you are using. trim close, and it wont look to bad and is hardly noticeable.
A test fit will show if you need to file the top of the front frame rails to allow more drop in front. this one needed about a 1/32 off. I used a dremel sanding drum.
Anyway, I hope this will help some of you building one of these. I encourage all to build one, as they are truly one of the fastest most fun cars I have ever built.
Bob
First up is the main motor bulkhead modification. You need to angle cut the chassis for body clearance.
The front axle holder needs to be trimmed off to the front hole, then the uprights rounded to look good and clear the plastic A arms from the kit.
I put two screws in the chassis,leaving three holes forward of the motor bulkhead. That sets the wheelbase on these. I then solder it in place, and remove the bolts. Put a shim of some kind under the chassis at the joint, and re heat the solder to let the chassis drop. this will give you a nice ride height, and does not effect handling at all. the guide mount can be bent down to make up for the angle.
The assembled body will need cut away in the axle area to allow body removal after the car is built. you can skip this step if you don't mind removing the axle for maintenance.
The underside of your completed body should be cutaway to look like this.
The rear section of the body will need cutaway also, just to clear the tires you are using. trim close, and it wont look to bad and is hardly noticeable.
A test fit will show if you need to file the top of the front frame rails to allow more drop in front. this one needed about a 1/32 off. I used a dremel sanding drum.
Anyway, I hope this will help some of you building one of these. I encourage all to build one, as they are truly one of the fastest most fun cars I have ever built.
Bob