Carrera '32 Ford HotRod

[oz10k]

One of my front LEDs no longer illuminates, so I started to disassemble the car to replace it. Disassemble is NOT easy. During disassemble the self-centering guide flag spring popped-out and I can't figure out how to correctly re-install it. If you've got a picture or two, please post them.

I know some of you don't care for the spring and remove it, but I've had no problems and would like to get it working again.

Thanks, Ron

[Ragtopman]

I think there was a recent post on this? If not I will post some pics later. Pretty easy once you figure it out although if I remember correctly squeezing the spring can be a bit frustrating...

[oz10k]

Thanks, I found the post. Simple directions "Squeeze to compress. The right end will go on the left side of the stop and the left side on the right of the stop. " But no pictures of the spring correctly installed and the solution didn't work for me. Here's what mine looks like. I don't see how getting the right end of the spring on the left side of the stop and vice versa will do anything.

[Frank9129]

I had the same question in 3/2007. If I remember right, I used some grease to hold the spring in place while I put it back together.
No one came to my help them. I hope they can come to your assistance.
Good luck

[4424ever]

That’s exactly what you need to do
In the pic of the spring above both ends of the spring need to be installed on the opposite side of the pin as they are shown
This should load the spring so it always returns to centre
Not sure how to explain it any better

[oz10k]

Maybe I have it. Since the spring popped-out while I was disassembling the car, I assumed the spring was on top of the removable disk. Installing it there didn't work for me, so I tried it under the disk. That seems to work, but I've not yet been able to put everything back together without the spring popping-out again. I may try a tiny bit of CA where the spring rests on the post.
Thanks for your help and encouragement!
Ron

[Ragtopman]

I don’t have the hot rod but on my cobra looks like it’s the same but opposite ends just put the right side of the spring on the left side and then pull over the right side of the spring to the left. Pics should help?? I can also make a video if that’s easier. Good luck!

[oz10k]

Thanks Ragtopman! I'm getting closer, but it still keeps popping-off once I start to re-assemble everything. Watching the spring in action I can see that my idea of CA to hold the ends in place won't work, as one end or the other rotates as the flag rotates. I bet the factory had a handy tool to aid in assemble!

[oz10k]

After the spring and disk flew off for the 10th time, I heard the voice of the slot car gods and I'm now among those who are happy without a self-centering guide flag. The spring is taped to the bottom of the box, maybe the next owner will have better luck. 😀

[slowshoes]

Any difference in how it handles without the spring? I have plenty of hotrods, but have never disassembled them. That spring looks like a real pita - I'll probably end up doing the same thing that you did if I ever have to take one apart. (I'm going to try and avoid that!)
Bill

[Broman62]

After the spring and disk flew off for the 10th time, I heard the voice of the slot car gods and I'm now among those who are happy without a self-centering guide flag. The spring is taped to the bottom of the box, maybe the next owner will have better luck. 😀

...sorry OZ but that's funny!!