Can you folks help with a scale conversion calculator?

[bob terry]

Hey folks I'm a bit confused with a scale calculation. According to google, a stock 72 chevy vega rear axle has a width of 53.6 inches. According to the scale calculator I used, at 1/25th scale that equates to 2.144 inches. My confusion comes from measuring the rear axle of the amt 68 elcamino. The camino axle is 2.079 inches. So, I don't need to narrow the camino axle to fit? How can this be right? What say you guys? Thanks all and please stay safe.

[espo]

You may find that in our modeling world the kit makers often play it a little lose with their measurements.   

[bob terry]

Thank you espo. Thats what I thought as well. After thinking about it, I'm going to Set the tires and wheels I'm using in place and measure the width and cut the axle to fit. Make sense?

[Straightliner59]

Typically, if it looks like it belongs, go for it! Like David said, they play a little fast and loose with their dimensions, at times. I would get everything set up--fit the axle and suspension to the chassis, after you've determined how you're going to mount the wheels and tires. Use a flexible (tacky) white glue to mock stiff up--or better, pin everything together, then it can be taken apart and reassembled, if/when needed. Here's the front suspension I'm building for my supermodified. The pins and wire insulation that are holding it all together are readily visible. When it's ready for paint, I can take it apart to prep and paint it, then reassemble it using the same pins. Once final assembly is made, I will install "nuts" on the pins, glue them, then cut the pins off.

[Ace-Garageguy]

  On 5/26/2021 at 8:11 AM, bob terry said:

...After thinking about it, I'm going to Set the tires and wheels I'm using in place and measure the width and cut the axle to fit. Make sense?

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Exactly.

[Ace-Garageguy]

  On 5/26/2021 at 8:31 AM, Straightliner59 said:

Typically, if it looks like it belongs, go for it! Like David said, they play a little fast and loose with their dimensions, at times. I would get everything set up--fit the axle and suspension to the chassis, after you've determined how you're going to mount the wheels and tires. Use a flexible (tacky) white glue to mock stiff up--or better, pin everything together, then it can be taken apart and reassembled, if/when needed...

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Yup. Exactly. NICE hairpins, too.

[bob terry]

Thanks guys. Agreed with Ace, Daniel has some nice work there.

[Straightliner59]

  On 5/26/2021 at 6:24 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

Yup. Exactly. NICE hairpins, too.

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Thanks, Bill. Appreciate it. Now, to make another pair, for the rear...

 

  On 5/26/2021 at 11:45 PM, bob terry said:

Thanks guys. Agreed with Ace, Daniel has some nice work there.

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Thank you, Bob. You are definitely on the right track!

[stitchdup]

The bare axle might not be the full width as the brakes will make it slightly wider, so the size might be correct with them fitted

[bob terry]

Thanks Les. I thought that as well. The AMT 68 El-Camino rear axle and wheel backs look fine to me. I'm going to put the wheel backs into the tires I'm using, then I'll place them inside the body/subframe and measure inside wheel back to wheelback. Narrow the axle tubes to fit. I think I'll pin and glue the tubes to the center section to keep from sagging.