11 replies to this topic

[Michael Jr.]

Currently there is not an active Retro racing program at Upstate.  Looking into that and wonder if the JK Retro Chassis Kit is complete so that a new racer can take that and build his first retro racer without additional chassis parts.

 

Follow on, if JK Retro Chassis Kit is not a complete kit, is there a source for RTR or complete kits available?

[Jay Guard]

I am not aware of any "complete" Retro kits, and in fact very few kits at all.  What would probably make the most sense for a track owner is to purchase one of the few kits that are available and then add all of the needed parts (wheels, gears, motor, etc.) to it and sell that as a complete kit.  That would make it a lot easier for a newbie rather than him having to figure out what additional parts would be needed to make a running car.  

[slotcarone]

There are lots of new and used Retro chassis available from very reputable builders at reasonable prices. A track owner could purchase a few and build them into RTR cars for sale. An easy way for newbies to get started in Retro.

[Jay Guard]

I agree with Mike Katz on this one. Generally a newbie does not posses the equipment or skills to actually do the soldering and assembly himself.

[Jeremy Marquette]

I agree with the earlier posts.  Your best bet on racing retro is to get yourself an RTR first.  I've been racing slot cars on and off for 30+ years and I started with an RTR first.  This gave me the opportunity to see how to set up the ride height, front tires, and how to cut the body.  All of those small details make a huge difference in how well your retro car works.

[MSwiss]

The JK kit doesn't have all the piano wire and tubing, but it does have all the hard stuff.

But like Jeremy mentioned, it really helps to get a complete car in one's hands, to get an idea how everything works.

There's great deals on used cars all the time, here on Slotblog, from Jeremy Dennis, Greg Mayer and Cap Henry.

[glueside]

Your best bet is to get a hold of one of the builders on this page and ask them for an assembled ready to run car.  This will be pretty much ready to go minus body, motor, gears, guide, lead wire, and tires.  You have some of the best builder in slot cars on this and Facebook pages to help you out.

[mppicione]

JK sold a built version of the X25R chassis, don't know how well they handled but I have never had a X25R that didn't handle well.

 

Sorry I don't know the part number or if it is still available.

[glueside]

JK sold a built version of the X25R chassis, don't know how well they handled but I have never had a X25R that didn't handle well.

 

Sorry I don't know the part number or if it is still available.

Those were 2 rails of .063 and handled well, but got a lot better when there were different combinations of rails.

[Les Boyd]

The JK kit was very simple to build, and those complete chassis where very good because they had very good grip and allowed the racer to use harder tires that lasted longer.
I built my first JK kit with graph paper on a flat board, and went on to win the fist two Retro races that I ever raced in, and used it for about two years.

[crazyphysicsteacher]

Not sure where this went but this is a good start kit. Do not modify anything unless it is to fit the rails. Make sure the parts are flat as you build and see how it runs. Not enough off corner bite means it needs to be stiffer in the rear.
One change, take the jk motor bracket and smash it into a pile of brass. Get a decent 3/4" bracket to replace it as the jk bracket is so thin it will bend when you breathe on it.

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[kuni123456]

I agree with Jeremy that you should purchase a RTR retro car that is setup for your track. I personally RTR CanAm and F1 cars from Duran Trujilllo and race them at Piranha Speedway on the king track. The cars need lead weights if you want to race them on a flat track.