Working with the fantabulous Greg Witt, I built a gravity powered derby car from scratch using found materials in about eight hours.  This was our entry in the first annual Polish Hill Scrap Box Derby – a downhill race between vehicles constructed entirely from scrap materials.  This was also my first day in my new shop space in Pittsburgh at Babyland, so Greg was also helping me get my bearings in the shop while we worked.

The wheels are wheelbarrow wheels, bolted to threaded rod.  The rod is welded to angle iron that is then bolted to the wooden frame of the car.  The brake is a simple friction brake welded from used gas pipe, while the steering uses a capstan winch and a set of pulleys to rotate the single pivot front axle.  Overall, I’d say it came out pretty stylish.  It’s a pretty smooth ride, but it tips easily in tight corners.

The Car

The Competition

 

The Build