Swaping wheels on FTE axles???
Hi, I read on the 'got FTE's?' topic under collecting that one could change out the actual FTE wheels of the axle for heavier ones while still using the nickel plated axle. Could anyone breakdown the best process for removing and installing wheels on/off the axle. Also is it possible to lengthen a FTE axle? Sorry if these questions are basic but I'm just getting into customizing.
Thanks for your help!!
Discussion
I DON'T DO THAT, SO YOU CAN FILE MY ADVICE WHERE EVER...
. BUT, BECAUSE THE TUBE'S WALL RAISES THE AXLE IN THE BASE, THE WHEEL'S "HUBS" NOW RUB THE BASE IN A DIFFERENT [HIGHER] SPOT, BUFF THE NEW AREA,
. ALSO WHEN YOU TRANSPLANT AXLES, CUT THE TUBE JUST SLIGHTLY WIDER THAN THE STOCK WIDTH, THE EDGES OF THE TUBE THAT YOU CUT IS NOW WHERE THE WHEELS "RUB"... ROUND, BUFF AND GRAFFITE THAT SURFACE, THAT IS ONE OF WHEEL FRICTION'S HIDING PLACES... SEE YOU IN THE STAGING LANES
I think the best way that I've found is cutting the axle that comes in the car in half.
Then get some 1/16 metal tubing from the hobby store and cut it to match the width you need for your body. You'll also have to grind a little groove in your chassis for the tube to sit in, now that your axle is "thicker".
Then you can take the axle halves and slide it into the tubing, creating an axle at any length you need. The wheels will still be running on the nickel plated part so it should be good. A little JB Kwik works great to keep everything in place.
I can't find the thread off hand but I think there's some photos somewhere around here. Actually, I should write up a blog post outlining the process because I think it works really well. I'll try to do that next week when I have some vacation time.