Custom Traxxas Slash Drag Car Bodies

Choosing the Right Body

The body is the most visible part of your drag car, and it plays a crucial role in aerodynamics and aesthetics․ When choosing a body for your Traxxas Slash drag car, consider factors like⁚

• Aerodynamics⁚ A sleek, low-profile body with a smooth undercarriage will help reduce drag․
• Durability⁚ Choose a body made from high-impact material to withstand high-speed runs and crashes․
• Style⁚ Select a body that matches your personal preferences and enhances the drag car’s overall look․

Preparing the Body

Once you’ve selected your dream body, it’s time to get it ready for action․ This involves a series of steps that ensure a perfect fit, optimal performance, and a stunning finish․

Trimming and Shaping

Most custom bodies require some degree of trimming and shaping to achieve the desired fit and aerodynamic profile․ You’ll need a set of sharp hobby knives, a sanding block, and possibly a heat gun for this process․

• Wheel Wells⁚ Trim the wheel wells to accommodate your tires and ensure they don’t rub against the body․
• Body Posts⁚ Adjust the body post locations to achieve the desired ride height and balance․
• Rear Wing⁚ If your body has a rear wing, trim it to the appropriate length and shape for optimal downforce․
• Undercarriage⁚ Smooth out any rough edges or imperfections on the undercarriage to reduce drag․

Weight Reduction

Reducing the weight of your body can significantly improve your drag car’s performance․ Here are a few techniques⁚

• Lightweight Material⁚ Consider using lightweight materials like polycarbonate or fiberglass for your body․
• Drilling Holes⁚ Carefully drill small holes in strategic areas of the body to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity․
• Thinning⁚ Sand down the body’s thickness in areas where it’s not critical for strength․

Reinforcement

To prevent cracks and damage during high-speed runs, it’s wise to reinforce your body․ This can be done with⁚

• Carbon Fiber Tape⁚ Apply carbon fiber tape along stress points like the wheel wells, body posts, and rear wing mounts․
• Epoxy Resin⁚ Use epoxy resin to reinforce areas that are prone to cracking or breaking․

Finishing Touches

Before painting, give your body a final polish to remove any sanding marks or imperfections․ This will create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to․

Painting and Detailing

Now that your body is prepped and ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity and transform it into a masterpiece․ Painting and detailing are where you truly personalize your drag car and make it stand out from the crowd․

Primer and Paint

Before applying paint, it’s crucial to use a primer to create a smooth, uniform surface and help the paint adhere properly․ Choose a primer specifically designed for polycarbonate or Lexan bodies․

• Color Choice⁚ Select a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for polycarbonate or Lexan bodies․ You have a wide range of colors and finishes to choose from, including solid colors, metallics, and even glow-in-the-dark options․
• Application Techniques⁚ There are several ways to apply paint⁚
  • Airbrushing⁚ This technique provides a smooth, even finish and allows for intricate details and fades․
  • Spray Cans⁚ Spray cans offer convenience and are ideal for solid colors․ Make sure to use a light coat and multiple passes for an even finish․
  • Brushes⁚ Brushes can be used for smaller details and touch-ups, but they require more skill and patience․

Decals and Graphics

Decals and graphics can add a personal touch and create a unique look for your body․ Choose from pre-designed decals or design your own custom graphics․

• Application⁚ Apply decals carefully using a squeegee or decal application tool to avoid air bubbles․ Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying decals․
• Clear Coating⁚ After applying decals, seal them with a clear coat to protect them from scratches and UV damage․

Detailing

The finishing touches can elevate your body from good to great․ Consider these detailing techniques⁚

• Window Masks⁚ Use window masks to create realistic window effects․ Apply the masks before painting and then carefully remove them after the paint has dried․
• Headlights and Taillights⁚ Add realistic headlights and taillights using clear plastic or paint․
• Custom Graphics⁚ Use stencils or freehand drawing techniques to create custom graphics, logos, or sponsor decals․

Protection

Once your body is painted and detailed, protect it with a clear coat to prevent scratches, fading, and UV damage․ Choose a high-quality clear coat specifically designed for polycarbonate or Lexan bodies․

Installing the Body

With your custom body meticulously painted and detailed, it’s time to bring it to life by installing it on your Traxxas Slash drag car․ This process requires careful attention to ensure a secure fit and optimal performance․

Prepare the Body

• Post Holes⁚ Carefully drill the post holes in the body to accommodate the mounting posts․ Make sure the holes are the correct size and aligned precisely with the mounting posts on the chassis․
• Wing Mounts⁚ If your body includes a wing, ensure that the wing mounts are securely attached to the body and aligned properly․
• Body Clips⁚ Gather the body clips and make sure they are in good condition․

Mounting the Body

• Align the Body⁚ Place the body on the chassis and ensure it is centered and aligned properly․ Use a level to check the body’s alignment for a balanced appearance․
• Secure the Body⁚ Carefully insert the mounting posts into the body holes and then secure the body to the chassis using the body clips․ Make sure the clips are securely fastened to prevent the body from coming loose during high-speed runs․
• Wing Installation⁚ If your body has a wing, attach the wing to the body mounts using the provided hardware․ Make sure the wing is securely attached and aligned correctly for optimal aerodynamic performance․

Final Adjustments

• Body Clearance⁚ Double-check that the body has adequate clearance from all components, including the tires, suspension, and electronics․ Ensure there is no rubbing or interference that could hinder performance․
• Body Alignment⁚ Verify that the body is properly aligned with the chassis․ Any misalignment could affect the car’s handling and performance․
• Secure All Components⁚ Make sure all body clips, wing mounts, and other components are securely fastened to prevent them from coming loose during runs․

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful installation of your custom body, showcasing your creative work and enhancing the performance of your Traxxas Slash drag car․

Performance Considerations

While aesthetics are important, the primary focus of a drag car is achieving blistering speed․ Your custom body plays a crucial role in maximizing performance, and careful consideration of its design and installation is essential․

Aerodynamics

• Drag Reduction⁚ A sleek, low-profile body with a smooth undercarriage minimizes air resistance, allowing the car to reach higher speeds․
• Downforce⁚ While not as critical in drag racing as in other forms of motorsport, a small amount of downforce can help maintain stability at high speeds․ Consider adding a small wing or spoiler to the rear of the body for this purpose․
• Airflow⁚ Ensure smooth airflow over the body, minimizing turbulence and maximizing aerodynamic efficiency․ Pay attention to the shape of the body, especially the front and rear sections․

Weight

• Lightweight Materials⁚ Choose a body made from lightweight materials such as polycarbonate or Lexan․ Avoid using heavy materials that will increase the car’s overall weight and hinder acceleration․
• Weight Distribution⁚ The body’s weight distribution can impact the car’s handling․ Aim for a balanced weight distribution, keeping the center of gravity low for optimal stability․
• Minimal Added Weight⁚ Avoid adding unnecessary weight to the body through excessive detailing or heavy paint․ Every ounce counts in drag racing․

Clearance

• Tire Clearance⁚ Ensure the body has sufficient clearance from the tires to prevent rubbing or interference, which can hinder performance and cause damage․
• Suspension Clearance⁚ The body should have adequate clearance from the suspension components to allow for full articulation and prevent any interference that could hinder performance․
• Electronics Clearance⁚ Make sure the body doesn’t obstruct the electronics, such as the motor, ESC, or battery, preventing overheating and potential damage․

By considering these performance factors and making informed decisions during the design and installation process, you can create a custom body that enhances your Traxxas Slash drag car’s speed and overall performance on the track․

Maintaining Your Custom Body

A well-maintained body is crucial for both performance and aesthetics․ Regular cleaning and care can extend the lifespan of your custom body and keep it looking its best․ Here are some key maintenance tips⁚

Cleaning

• Regular Cleaning⁚ After each race or practice session, clean the body with a mild soap and water solution․ Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the body material;
• Remove Debris⁚ Thoroughly remove any dirt, dust, or debris that has accumulated on the body․ Use a soft cloth or brush to avoid scratching the surface․
• Dry Thoroughly⁚ After cleaning, dry the body completely to prevent water spots or moisture damage․

Repairs

• Inspect for Damage⁚ Regularly inspect the body for any cracks, scratches, or other damage that may have occurred during racing․
• Repair Minor Damage⁚ Small cracks or scratches can be repaired using a polycarbonate body repair kit․ Follow the instructions carefully for optimal results․
• Replace Damaged Parts⁚ If the damage is extensive or beyond repair, consider replacing the affected parts․

Storage

• Proper Storage⁚ Store the body in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture․
• Avoid Bending or Crushing⁚ Avoid bending or crushing the body during storage, as this can lead to warping or damage․
• Protect from Dust⁚ Store the body in a sealed container or cover it with a dust-proof bag to prevent dust accumulation․

Paint Maintenance

• Protect Paint⁚ Apply a protective coating, such as a clear sealant, to the painted body to prevent fading, scratches, and damage․
• Clean Paint Regularly⁚ Wash the painted body gently with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and grime․ Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners․
• Touch-Up Paint⁚ Keep a small bottle of touch-up paint on hand to address minor scratches or chips in the paint․

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your custom Traxxas Slash drag car body looking great and performing at its best․ Remember, a well-maintained body is an investment in your racing success․