Hotrod Racer Balloon Car

thingiverse

Remix of ‘Hot Rod Balloon Rocket Car’ by VF on Printables: https://www.printables.com/model/229851-hot-rod-balloon-rocket-car VF’s original hotrod design is really cool, I’ve just simplified the air exhaust channel and added an easy-blow mouthpiece to the rear so the balloon never has to disconnect from the car to be re-inflated. I’ve also retooled the wheels and the axle system to ensure the wheels always spin freely, the finished toy is as robust as possible and safer for younger kids*, as I remixed this with my neighbour’s 3yo boy in mind (the original used nails to attach the wheels - not safe for preschoolers). I’ve included printable axles for those who want to print all parts, but I actually chose to use 10mm aluminium tubing for the axles on the 3 cars I’ve built so far, because it’s super light, smooth surface = less friction, way stronger than printed axles, and fairly ubiquitous/inexpensive at the hardware store (even the abysmally tiny Bunning’s near me has it!). **Measurements for cutting 10mm aluminium tubing axles:** Front = 70mm Rear = 95mm Assembly is super easy, just put a spot of glue inside the car exhaust hole and push the mouthpiece in for a snug fit. The wheels sockets also just need a spot of glue inside to fix to the axles firmly. I recommend JB-Weld Plastic Bonder, I use it for all my PLA bonding. It’s really easy to work with, cures pretty quickly, sands well and create a super strong bond for plastic to plastic, metal to plastic and undoubtedly a whole lot of other things to plastic! Affordable too and easy to get from Amazon or most automotive retailers like Supercheap or Repco in Australia. Our neighbour’s kids (3 and 8) had an awesome time racing the cars on every smooth surface they could find over the holidays. Simple fun with physics is the shizzle. I would recommend aluminium tubing axles if possible - it’s light and strong but quick and easy to cut with a hacksaw and the cars roll super well with minimal friction. I’m not sure they’d roll as well with the significantly rougher texture of printed axles, but if you want to experiment, give it a go! **Hardware requirements:** JB-Weld Plastic Bonder 10mm aluminium tubing (optional) *While I’ve tried to make the car itself safer for younger kids, balloons are still a choking/suffocation hazard so please make sure kids under 8yrs are supervised if using the car with a balloon.