Carrera Chevrolet Bel Air '57 Tweaks?

[acmost]

[HomeRacingWorld]

Yes, some folks remove them for that reason. Nice job, if you are enjoying it more then you are doing it right :)

[Modlerbob]

I did it to mine and opened up the rear wheel wells too for the fatter PG tires. Knocked 0.3 seconds off it's best lap times. That was a great find.

[acmost]

[Modlerbob]

[HomeRacingWorld]

Well I fit the wider PG tires on it by sanding the inside of the fender wells. I wanted to preserve the stock look.
Most of the photos of classic NASCAR showed the cars with the full fenders.





Not all, but most I see did and that's how I wanted to keep them.

Anyways, regardless of that, here was my approach.

First is to sand the outer edges of the chassis to allow it freedom of movement for float.



I also took out a lot in the rear.



I also removed the brackets, but added some shims in the rear. I don't like the "lowrider" look that much so I stacked some SCC axle shims to get the rake effect I liked.



You notice I also sand the tops of the chassis mounts flush to remove the lip. I do this on ALL Carrera models. It's sometimes a tight fit for the body post and can bind the body, preventing body float.



Did the same up front. Yes, I did a guide mod as well. Some like to, some don't.



Not pretty, but it works. If you take the time to look at your body, you will notice how thick it is. I used a fine grit sanding drum in my trusty DREMEL and took my time thinning it down on each side.



It allowed the wider tires the clearance it needed.





Anyway, more than one way to skin a bowtie eh? :) Hope it helps.

[Broman62]

[acmost]

[HomeRacingWorld]

Not sure I am that neat :) But glad these options help you.

Yes you may need to sand the interior a little, or even cut it to clear the motor depending on low you want to go.

Should also point out that the tire size I choose is always a touch taller in diameter than it needs to me. The reason for this is the sanding/truing session I like to do.

As with some other projects, it's easier to take away than add to. Like ordering axles. I usually always order the longest ones available because you never know what project you need them for. You can trim them down to fit, but the axle stretcher in my toolbox doesn't work that well :whistle:

Many times that relates to tires. We almost always have to true our tires, even those for aluminum. I like to sand/contour the tires for a custom fit. A larger diameter allows you to reduce it yourself to get the right look/performance.

Yes sir, it can be half the fun. I can say that since the mods this car runs right with the classic Nascar series. The wider tire patch really let's this baby haul the mail.

[Flytoo]

Thanks for sharing all of the details and pics. Very cool. If I decide to purchase one, I'm gonna give this a try. It looks great and as Modelerbob stated, it's quicker. That's a win win!

[TuscoTodd]

Great to see the mod tips guys!
:D

[acmost]

[HomeRacingWorld]

Way to go! Congrats on your quest :)

[Wobble]

ditto what Harry said acmost. I've also taken mine to the edge but where I race there's some pretty formidable competition and pretty much the only rule is 18k

[oldtymer]