Pinewood Derby Car Inspection Box Instructions

Assembly Instructions:

All holes are pre-drilled.  The holes on one side of each piece have a counter sink for the screw head. The counter sink side of each piece should face out away from the base.   One end of each side piece has a bevel. The bevels should fit together as shown in the above diagram. 

	The height gauge is set for 5" clearance. You can set a different height by drilling a 1/8" hole in the side columns.  Use a 1/4" bit to make the counter sink. Screw all pieces together using the above diagram for a guide. Attach the starting pin.
	When the box is assembled, put a car that is 7" long in the box. If it doesn't quite fit, remove the end piece and put washers (not included) between it and the base to extend it out.   You can also use this technique to allow cars that are slightly over 7".
	You can make marks on the tops of the side panels to check wheel spacing.  The front of the car can be either end of the block so you should make two sets of marks. Each set should be a different color or shape.

How to Use:

Car Dimension Checking - Place the car to be inspected in the inspection box. If the car fits fully inside then the car meets the standard dimension limits (max 2-3/4” width, max 7” length, and min 1-3/4” wheel spacing).

Underbody Clearance Checking - Try spinning the wheels with your finger. If the wheels spin then the car does not meet the minimum 3/8” underbody clearance. Note: You can pick up the inspection box and look from the open end of the box to see what part of the car is dragging.

Start Pin Checking – Check the front of the car to make sure that no part of it extends past the leading edge of the pin. 

Wheelbase Checking - If you made marks on the side panels for position of the axles, you can can compare the car wheelbase with those marks.

Raised Wheel Check - If your rules require that all four wheels touch the track, push down on both front corners of the car in turn with your finger. If the corner of the car moves down then the wheel isn't touching.

If needed, you can double check that a car is within the height and width limit. Remove the starting pin and "drive" the car through the gate. If it can go through the gate then it meets specifications.