Mounting the wheels
To mount a wheel to your playa choochoo car, attach a 4x4 block to the frame and stick an axle through it.
We’re happy to assist you with detailed instructions or even sending parts. We understand that not everyone has drills and saws available. Just email help@playachoochoo.org or post to the group.
What You Need
- At least 7in of 4x4 lumber
- 4 7in long 5/16in attachment bolts each with 2 washers and a nut
- 2 9in long 5/8in axle bolts each with 2 washers and a nut
- 2 13in x 5in inflatable wheels with bearings ($10 at Harbor Freight — buy online)
Equipment
- Drill press or hand drill with vice
Step 1: Cut two 4x4 wheel attachments
Make a cut 3.5in from the end of a 4x4. Repeat once so that you have two wooden cubes. Note that a 4x4 is actually 3.5in x 3.5in.
Step 2: Drill the axle hole
Make a 5/8in hole through the middle of each 4x4 cube.
Step 3: Drill attachment bolt holes
Using a drill press or a hand drill with a vice, make two 5/16in holes about 1/4in from the edge of each cube. These 2 holes should straddle the axle hole.
Step 4: Mark the frame with the location of the attachment bolts
The cube is going to be bolted onto the frame, so line up the cube in the middle of the frame’s long edge. IMPORTANT: the 4x4 wheel mount cube must hang over the frame’s edge about 1/2in so the wheel won’t rub the frame.
Make pencil marks where both holes will be.
Step 5: Drill the attachment bolt holes through the frame
Step 6: Attach the 4x4 wheel mount cubes
Insert the 5/16in inch bolts from the top of the frame and slide the cube down onto both bolts. Put one washer on the frame top side and another washer next to the nut.
Step 7: Put the wheels on
Poke the big 5/8in bolt (the axle) with a washer through the outside of a wheel and the 4x4 cube. Put a washer and bolt on the other end. Don’t tighten too much; you want the wheel to spin freely.
Step 8: You’re done.
Ask someone to push you around your neighborhood like a wheel barrow.
Next steps…
Next time we’ll talk about the hitch. It’s a tongue that sticks out from a short side of the frame and needs to be 8in from ground to bottom of hitch.
Then the fun part: making your car into something spectacular!