by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: August 16, 2009   Last Updated: September 02, 2009

The soapbox cars of youth come to mind when thinking about nostalgic times as a kid, racing down safe pathways in an attempt to become the superstar of the moment. The wind blowing through your hair, the soapbox car is a great way to use inventive ideas and excitement, and if parents can help with the process, this really will make building the car easier. These can be made from many different materials, though in theory, what you are creating is a box or seat area with a long plank forming the chassis which is attached to a crossbar, used for steering.

The hunt for parts.

Look through your shed or garage for parts to make the car. Neighbors may have bits and pieces that will come in useful. You will need pieces of strong wood, nails and screws, good quality rope and a nut and bolt fixing large enough for the front axle. The wheels at the front of the soapbox car need to be bigger than those at the back, for stability. When seeking wheels, look at the manner in which they are attached, since you will have to improvise to make them a secure fit to the car.

Remember it's rough and tumble when using soapbox cars, and if you can scrounge some cushions, and a safety helmet similar to those used for skateboarding, these will help, once the car is built.

Assembly of the car.

The box for sitting in needs one side reduced in height. This is relatively easy to do by cutting out a plank. This should be low enough so that the legs are housed over the end of the box. Try the box for size by adding an appropriate cushion. Your legs should hang over the edges so that your feet can reach the bottom bar which will be attached later. Make a mark where your feet are because this helps you to gage the length for the main chassis bar.

Turn the box upside down. Attach the main chassis bar to the box, making sure this is centrally placed and secured adequately with screws or nails. Check the length of screws, as these should never protrude through the box into the seating area.

Turn the whole project right side up. The cross bar goes across the chassis bar at right angles. Drill a hole in each end for attaching the string which helps to steer. Place this in place on the chassis bar, and ensure that it is fixed with a nut and bolt. You will need to add washers so that the bar moves side to side easily.

Attach the large wheels to the box area so they are central to the seating box. Check each to ensure that your chosen fixing allows them to turn easily. Then attach the smaller

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