Soap Box Derby Car Build - Part Sources

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I am leading a group of boys at my church to build a Soap Box Derby Car and have a set of plans from the organization that is sponsoring the race.  As I am reading through the plans (And trying to decide if I am capable of making the needed welds!)  I have come across a couple of items I have not been able to find using my good friend Google.  The first of theses items is 2" C-channel with straight legs.I have found stainless steel channel with straight legs, but not plain steel.The second item is rod-end bushings.The drawing notes indicate the rod-end bushings are available from American Bearing Company.  I found the company, but I guess my ignorance is preventing me from finding where I can order these!Any help would be appreciated.Thanks,Joep.s. - In the likely event that I decide that I do not have the skills needed to make the welds, I still want to accumulate all of the parts and then find a local fab shop to make the welds.
Reply:http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=ofbaklrod end bushings
Reply:The 2" C channel should be available at your local steel supplier/machine shop. The rod end bushings/heim joints will be available at any atv/snowmobile dealer.
Reply:Are you sure the c channel is steel and not aluminum?
Reply:Wow.  Thanks for the quick replies!  You know, I looked at McMaster-Carr, but simply did not know the right terminology. Originally Posted by leightrepairsAre you sure the c channel is steel and not aluminum?
Reply:http://www.discountsteel.com/items/A...ar_Channel.cfm
Reply:AlabamaJoeThe steel you are looking for is Bar-Channel.Bar-Channel differs from typical channel in-that the flanges don't have a pronounced taper, but appear of common thickness.  It's a stock item at full-service steel yards.For your rod ends:http://www.mscdirect.com/http://www.reidsupply.com/are instant sources, and if you are near a metro/industrial area, try a local wheelbearing house.OpusLast edited by OPUS FERRO; 09-08-2013 at 10:45 PM.
Reply:Thank you very much for all of the helpful replies.  I'll start a new thread for the build when we get started.Joe
Reply:Boy, things sure have gotten technical since my dad and I built my soapbox racer out of some simple wood scraps!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by jlamesBoy, things sure have gotten technical since my dad and I built my soapbox racer out of some simple wood scraps!!!!
Reply:Hey AlabamaJoe,When my son and I built an official Soap Box Derby car about 20 years ago, there was no welding involved. We had to make the bottom out of 2 thickness of 3/4" plywood, as I recall. The linkage was part of the standard kit that had the fiberglass shell, but it certainly was small, maybe 1/4" stuff, nothing that you would weld. Everything else was common hardware. I'm interested in your plans. Can you post a link or scan it to post here?Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtCan you post a link or scan it to post here?
Reply:Please post a link to the race site rules. I went to the Official Derby site an those rules are more what everyone else posted about. I thought you bought a " kit"  ( wheels ,axles ,) with approved parts an built a car with stuff bought locally. Good Luck   Its GREAT working with kids an seeing them Learn.
Reply:Originally Posted by RentawrenchPlease post a link to the race site rules.
Reply:Dagnabbitt......I spent a bunch of time queuing up three posts and then submitted the dang things out of order! Good grief!Post 2 of 3....Fitting the hood.The finished car!The front.The back.Ready to race!  In front of the state capitol.Last edited by AlabamaJoe; 10-29-2013 at 12:01 AM.
Reply:Post 1 of 3.....Thought I would update y'all on the Soap Box Derby car build.  We built the car, ran the race, and had a ton of fun in the process!The seat frame is from a donor go cart.  We cut the plywood, added the padding, and upholstered.  Note that we also made it adjustable.  We had a wide range of boys that needed to be able to drive it!Here we have added the steering wheel from the donor go cart, changed up the seat mounting, and added bed frame rails to support the body.My son takes it for a test drive.The front end frame.Working the aluminum sheets (used printing plates) for the hood.
Reply:Post 3 of 3.....A few action shots - The race was 2 1/2 blocks downhill.  They say they used to go 5 blocks until the police clocked the fastest cars at 30+ mph and they decided that was bit too fast....https://www.weldingweb.com/images/smilies/eek.gifThere was also an obstacle course race and these two boys from our church took first place!
Reply:Ha! That's great. Looks like a lot of fun and the boys will remember for a long time.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com