Removing Axle From Metal chassis Car

That's a little touchy...you can grind the tabs hold the axles until you can pry out the axle.

Or, you can just hold the chassis in vise and bend the frame to spread the tabs holding in the axle...this is probably the easiest way. But you do destroy the chassis.

Does this mean we are going to see some Beetles from Aircooled?

Chris is right. It is a tricky question with several answers, based on your need at that time. 

Are you saving that axle (FTE?) To use in another car? 

Scrapping the axle?(old bent or damaged?)

Are you wanting to reuse the metal chassis for now, or later use?

Is this the chassis you need now, and what plans do you have for axle replacement? Axle tubes? Relocating the axle forward or back? Narrowing the chassis for wider tires? Widening the chassis for narrower tires, or so the wheels make for a wider, more stable stance?

For a shelf sitting custom, or for raceing?

So many questions, so many answers, with so many techniques. 

I am the first to admit, I know not all the answers, and have more often than not, changed my mind half way through a build on how I want or need it to be in the end.

And, I've only built a dozen or so complete cars so far. No two techniques have been the same yet.

But... I will say this... Plan your attack to cause as little collateral damage as possible. I once spent 30 minutes, trying to remove 1 FTE axle from a byefocal, got a bit impatient and excited right at the end... I bent the gawldarn thing!!

http://www.redlinederby.com/topic/stubborn-axle/2324

What I have found that works, is the little screwdriver wrench tool for the dremel bits... Can sometimes, gently bend the tabs up enough, so the axle drops out, and they can be bent back down again. SOMETIMES it works. And SOMETIMES, you can end up, looking like Edward wrenchfinger with a tool jammed a half inch into the tip of your thumb. ( yeah... Ouch!)

Or find yourself a nice, narrow width screwdriver, with a strong enough steel... Grind it thinner, and designate that tool to only that one purpose: to bend the tabs, slowly and carefully up.

Grinding usually damages the axle. Or the wheel, or can send byproduct into the "hub" area. So be careful there. Use glasses. Sometimes stuff flies away. 

You can search the site too, there are a bunch of posts, describing past builds, and how to's. All of which are helpful. ( except that one guy, CrzyTrkrDude I think his name is... He really IS CRZY!!  )

You tube has a bunch of good videos as well.

You just hafta be patient, and figure out, what you HAVE, what you WANT, and what will get you there.

GOOD LUCK

and don't be afraid to ask questions.

And, if you find something that works for you, don't be afraid to share.

The previously mentioned " Jb Rivet" method. VERY GOOD thing to know!

http://www.redlinederby.com/topic/anchoring-axles-with-jb-quick/1911

Model40fan is fordmans' old user name, before a puter virus forced a name change.

He is near legendary. Humble too!  Lol

Below, is an example of what can happen without using the JB Rivet way...

http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah305/CrzyTrkrDude/IMG_20150219_162039_zpsg8owjsz1.jpg

Whoops!

Yes Chris, Aircooled is to send in one  Bug.  I'm taking the FTE wheels from another car and swap them out.  I have a Maserati MC12 FTE, but I would rather not take it apart.  Can the wheel base be extended or limited to the stock set-up?  One of my concerns it resetting the FTE axles and getting the alignment right.  Chris, how is the return postage handled?  Do I need put a sticker on the bottom of the car with my name?  I saw a post about using pencils glued together to help with the alignment so I've expanded on that idea a little.

Hey AC, I 'm glad you are joining the party! 

Yes you can alter the wheelbase...but nothing crazy, max length of the car 3.5 "

The return postage is usually done by including a few bucks cash with your cars. People that host don't gave to do that (because they are shelling out money ship the cars to the next host). Or, you can send a few bucks via PayPal...PM me for info.

Your car will be given a # at the first host and be kept track if by that #. If you want to put your name on it you can, but it isn't necessary. Print out the entry form at the top of the race thread and put your info on that.

I usually grind down the tabs and just JB in the replacement. I don't think too much about it, I guess. Everything gets JB'ed in place anyway. The hard part is finding a replacement axle that is the right size so I don't have to do the tubing replacement method.

I've used all those methods in the past. Just depends on how tight the tabs are bent and which parts I'm trying to reuse. I've also been using a pair of really pointy side cutters that are designed for cutting model railroad track. Cost about  $20, available at most hobby stores, work very well, BUT I STRONGLY ADVISE WEARING GLASSES. Cutting the tabs off sends them flying like shrapnel and it would destroy an eyeball.