Introduction: Make a Small Car

By Sawdust and Splinters
About: I have a lot of fun making and designing wood toys. Please visit my blog for all the fun toys I have made. I do sell the plans at my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllNaturalToyPlans. Thanks for loo…

Need a quick gift for a small child. Here project that is quick to do.

Gather materials and tools.

  • scroll saw
  • drill press
  • sand paper
  • 3/4 piece of wood 4" x 3" (102mm x 76mm)
  • 1/4 thick piece of wood 7" x 1" (180mm x 26mm)
  • 7/8" (22.2mm) wheels. purchased at a local hobby store or online
  • 3/16" (5.5mm) dowel

Step 1: Adhere Patterns to Wood

Cut out the pattern

Use spray adhesive and attach the body of the car to the 3/4" piece and the two fenders to the 1/4" piece.

I put painter tape on the wood so the pattern comes off easily.

Attachments

Step 2: Cut Out Parts

Drill a hole in the window of the car to thread the blade through.

Cut out parts with a scroll saw. Do not cut out the the wheel wells

Step 3: Glue Body and Fenders Together

Remove pattern from the body portion. Sand the part. Leave the patterns on the fenders.

Glue fenders onto the body of the car. The position is centered and the bottom of the fenders should line up with the bottom of the car.

Step 4: Drill Wheel Wells and

Drill a small pilot hole (1/16" or 1.5mm) through the entire car on the crosses on the wheel well pattern. This hole needs to be straight.

Use this pilot hole to mark the center to drill a 1" (25.4mm) diameter hole for the wheel wells. This hole only goes 1/4" (6 mm deep). Drill all four wheel wells using the pilot hole as a center

Then drill a hole 7/32" (5.6mm) hole through the body of the car for the axle.

Step 5: Sand and Finish

Sand all parts and edges. I don't add finish to these small cars but a coat of child safe finish is fine.

Step 6: Adjust the Wheels

The purchased wheels will have a hole that needs to be drilled larger. Drill a 3/16" (4.8mm) through the wheel.

Cut 3/16" (4.8mm) dowel to 1 1/4" (32mm) for the axle. Glue one end of the dowel in to each wheel.

Step 7: Attach the Wheels

Put the dowels through the axle holes. Add glue to the ends of the dowels

Attach the other two wheels. Make sure the wheels are not tight to the body and will freely spin.

Step 8: Finished

Enjoy