The Search For Traction

chelboed · #1 02-26-2003, 01:53 AM

If you're like me, you throw all these cells, and torqu'in motors into your Bit, but on a smooth floor, she don't stick.

Let's see what you guy's have done about it...

chelboed · #2 02-26-2003, 09:57 AM

On a nice smooth floor, the standard Bit or Zap tires just spin out with the more powerful multi-cell set-up. My bB's only go about 4 feet before they spin out. The tires get a little dusty after a bit. When I set the car down to run the 1/4 mile, initial take off is okay, because I wipe off the tires. After a short distance, it spins out.

hogjowlz · #3 02-26-2003, 10:11 AM

ya i noticed yesterday that one of my bits leaves rubber marks on my desk. my pullback should be coming any day now and i think ill be trying those wheels(transplant onto drift axle). theres some hotwheels special series that have rims that look pretty promising as well.

PWalk · #4 02-26-2003, 10:40 AM

Try lightly applying maple syrup to to your tires. Let it dry completely before running.

You could also try using rubbing alcohol on them to dry them out, therefore giving some nominal traction.

baggy · #5 02-26-2003, 12:05 PM

have you tried the coloured tyres ?
i have them on most of my cars
i also have car with pullback wheels on
i think red tyres are slightly more sticky than pullback tyres but not as wide & flip over less
but if you floor is dusty/dirty it makes no differance on tyres they all get dirty & spin out

hogjowlz · #6 02-26-2003, 12:51 PM

i tried some rubber cleaner once. its a clear liquid that comes in a glass jar.

we used thin clone wheels to test but we used just a little bit on a q-tip and it gave more traction for a day or two until it started to split. i imagine alcahol would do the same. i think i remember seeing someone say that they use hairspray once which would make sense.

Web Guy · #7 02-26-2003, 12:52 PM

Where are you getting the wider wheels and tires from? I would love to set that up on the rear of my bit.

hogjowlz · #8 02-26-2003, 12:59 PM

either get a pullback or go to toysrus walmart or target and look at hotwheels and stuff.

Web Guy · #9 02-26-2003, 01:16 PM

I have not seen to many rubber tires and such on the Hot Wheels Cars..

Also on the pullbacks and such are you guys using the wheels and tires or just the tires on the bit wheels? Any more info would be GREAT!!

THANKS

Spanky · #10 02-26-2003, 01:48 PM

someone posted the tire mod to take one of those pens that has a gell grip and just cut out chunks of the rip for tires. the gel is super sticky on a clean surface. i use them on a large glass table, and they work awesome.

my thoughts now are putting counter weghts on the front of the car. with so much weight in the back the front tires dont make enough contact to touch the ground. im thinking putting solder in the front of the body.. any other ideas?

chelboed · #11 02-26-2003, 02:25 PM

Actually Gel grips would leak out all over the place when you cut them. You need to use soft solid rubber grips. With the counter weight idea, any weight I add, takes time off my 1/4. I don't have much trouble with the fronts hooking up to steer.

To reply to a comment above, on dustier floors, I still wipe off the tires to get an initial take-off. The faster and further I go, the more dust collects on the tires, but it takes less traction to stay hooked the further you get down the 1/4.

If you are road racing, you don't REALLY need quite as much power anyway, or you'll just completely lose control.

I'm talking bout drag racing.

Spanky · #12 02-26-2003, 02:36 PM

humm i have yet to see one of these things leak. the jelly grip pens have a consistancy a bit harder than those wacky wall walkers.. if i had a camera right now i would take a pic for ya.. its kinda an opaque clear color.

hogjowlz · #13 02-26-2003, 03:59 PM

im thinking putting solder in the front of the body.. any other ideas?

if you do this get plumbing solder. it is lead free. you should be able to find it at hdw stores for a few bucks.

chelboed · #14 02-26-2003, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spanky
humm i have yet to see one of these things leak. the jelly grip pens have a consistancy a bit harder than those wacky wall walkers.. if i had a camera right now i would take a pic for ya.. its kinda an opaque clear color.

Ohhhhh...

The gel grip pens I use have a liquid (plasmium filled) grip that would leak out if I cut it.

Zephyranthes · #15 02-26-2003, 10:03 PM

There are some OEM cars with really good tires. I took the back ones of one, and I haven't spun out with any of my cars. Even my dual cell, 3.8, and 8.25:1 gearing with 7 tooth pinion. It works great.