rec.autos.simulators

    I recently had the springs break on my TM NASCAR Pro peddles.  I have
seen alot of posts about how to fix this problem. I knew I could get a set
of replacement springs from TM but I decided to try and come up with a more
permanant fix as I knew that the replacement springs would just break again.
    I used to work at a large mail order r/c model company in the tech
office and had aquired a fair amount of r/c equipment. I happen to have
quite a few 1/10th scale stadium trucks and decided to try and use the
shocks to replace the original spring. I finally figured out how to make the
shocks fit on the back of the peddle and attached one. I had planned on
using two shocks on each peddle but found that one works great. It is quite
simple to attach, just drill two holes and you are done with that part.
    The part where I got into a little trouble was I had to remove some of
the plastic behind the peddle on the cover for the shock to have room. I got
out my trusty Dremel tool and went to work. I was using the dremel in my
right and and holding the plastic base cover in my left. I started removing
material with a Cut-off wheel when suddenly the wheel kind of like caught on
the plastic and jerked across the back of my left thumb cutting the H$&L out
of my thumb clean through the tendons.
    Well I went to the doctor and he told me I would need to have surgury on
my hand to repair the tendons. They could not perform the surgury until the
following day so they wrapped up my hand and sent me on my way. Well I
promptly went home and finished removing the rest of the plastic(this time I
used a carbide sanding drumb. Not quite as dangerous) and put my peddles
back together. After all I had just gotten GPL a few days before and had to
get racing again.
    The shock works quit well. And I am sure that different stiffness of
springs would work to give each individual the feel they want or even
different weights of oil.
    If anyone would like a more detailed description of how I attached the
shock and what I used just send me a note and maybe I can (with my good
hand) draw a picture or something.
See you on the track.
Brian
Mcfive

Yikes!

I use a Dremel tool a lot, and always try to work with two hands. One
toward the back of the unit, and my other hand on the thin part,
lightly guiding the front, or keeping it from "kicking" off.
I also try to have the direction of rotation way from me where
possible.
I've experienced exactly what happens to you many times, particularly
when you cut from a flat surface into something with a ridge.

I cut the hardened steel bearing race off of a set of motorcycle forks
in a matter of minutes. Can't say you're lucky this happened, but
you're lucky it didn't go down to the bone.

--

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