Customizing Hard RC Car Bodies

Choosing the Right Body

The body is the most visible part of your RC car, and it’s what sets your car apart from others. When choosing a body, consider the type of racing you’ll be doing, your driving style, and your budget. Some popular body styles include short course trucks, buggies, and monster trucks.

Preparing the Body

Once you’ve chosen your body, it’s time to prepare it for painting. This process involves cleaning, sanding, and priming the body. Here’s a step-by-step guide⁚

Cleaning

• Remove any protective film or stickers⁚ These can interfere with the paint adhesion.
• Wash the body with soap and water⁚ Use a mild dish soap and warm water to remove any dirt, grease, or fingerprints.
• Dry the body thoroughly⁚ Use a clean towel to dry the body completely. Avoid leaving any water droplets, as they can cause paint imperfections.

Sanding

• Use fine-grit sandpaper⁚ Start with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. Be careful not to sand through the plastic.
• Sand in one direction⁚ Sand in a consistent direction to avoid creating swirl marks.
• Smooth out the surface⁚ Continue sanding until the body feels smooth to the touch. You may need to use progressively finer grits (600, 800) for a super-smooth finish.

Priming

• Choose a suitable primer⁚ A primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a smooth base for painting. You can find plastic-specific primers at most hobby stores.
• Apply a thin, even coat⁚ Use a spray can or airbrush to apply a thin coat of primer. Avoid applying too much primer, as it can create runs and drips.
• Allow the primer to dry⁚ Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.

Once the primer is dry, your body is ready for painting!

Painting and Detailing

Painting your RC car body is where you can truly unleash your creativity and make your car stand out. Whether you’re going for a bold, eye-catching design or a subtle, realistic look, the possibilities are endless. Here’s a breakdown of the painting and detailing process⁚

Choosing Paints

• Plastic-safe paints⁚ Use paints specifically formulated for plastic, as they’ll adhere better and won’t chip or peel easily. You can find these at most hobby stores.
• Spray paints⁚ Spray paints offer a quick and easy way to apply a smooth, even coat. However, they may require multiple thin coats for optimal coverage.
• Acrylic paints⁚ Acrylic paints are water-based and offer good adhesion, but they may require more coats than spray paints. They are also great for detailed work.
• Airbrush paints⁚ Airbrush paints are ideal for achieving smooth transitions and fine details, but they require an airbrush setup.

Applying the Base Coat

• Shake the paint well⁚ Before spraying, shake the paint can vigorously for several minutes to ensure the pigments are evenly distributed.
• Apply thin, even coats⁚ Apply multiple thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will prevent runs and drips.
• Work in a well-ventilated area⁚ Ensure proper ventilation when spraying, as paint fumes can be harmful.

Adding Details

• Masking⁚ Use painter’s tape or masking film to create clean lines and sharp edges. This allows you to apply different colors to specific areas of the body.
• Decals⁚ Add decals for sponsors, logos, or numbers. Decals can enhance the realism of your car or add a unique touch.
• Freehand painting⁚ If you’re feeling artistic, you can use a fine brush to paint details like stripes, flames, or patterns.

After the paint has dried thoroughly, you can seal it with a clear coat to protect it from scratches and weathering.

Adding Accessories

Once your RC car body is painted and detailed, you can add accessories to further personalize it and enhance its performance. These accessories not only improve the look of your car but also provide functional benefits.

Wings and Spoilers

• Downforce⁚ Wings and spoilers create downforce, which helps keep the car grounded at high speeds, improving stability and cornering.
• Aerodynamics⁚ They also contribute to improved aerodynamics, reducing drag and increasing efficiency.
• Styling⁚ Wings and spoilers come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to customize the look of your car.

Body Posts and Clips

• Secure Attachment⁚ Body posts and clips ensure that the body is securely attached to the chassis, preventing it from coming loose during runs.
• Adjustable Height⁚ Some body posts are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height and handling of your car.
• Durability⁚ Choose durable and high-quality posts and clips to ensure long-lasting performance.

Light Buckets and LEDs

• Visibility⁚ Light buckets allow you to install LEDs, making your car more visible during nighttime runs.
• Style⁚ LEDs come in various colors, allowing you to add a cool and unique look to your car.
• Functional⁚ Some LEDs can also serve as functional lights, such as headlights and taillights, enhancing safety and visibility.

Decals and Stickers

• Branding⁚ Decals and stickers can be used to add sponsor logos, racing numbers, or personal branding to your car.
• Style⁚ They come in various designs and sizes, allowing you to customize the look of your car to your liking.
• Protection⁚ Some decals are designed to protect your car’s paint from scratches and wear.

Remember to choose accessories that are compatible with your RC car model and your driving style.

Maintaining Your Customized Body

A customized RC car body requires proper maintenance to ensure its longevity and keep it looking its best. Regular cleaning, repairs, and storage are essential for preserving your investment and enjoying its performance for years to come.

Cleaning and Washing

• Regular Cleaning⁚ After each run, it’s crucial to clean your body to remove dirt, debris, and grime that can accumulate and damage the paint.
• Gentle Cleaning⁚ Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to gently clean the body. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the paint.
• Drying⁚ Dry the body thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and rust formation.

Repairing Scratches and Dings

• Minor Scratches⁚ Small scratches can be easily repaired using a polishing compound or rubbing compound. Apply the compound with a soft cloth and gently rub the scratch in a circular motion.
• Dings and Cracks⁚ Larger dings and cracks may require more extensive repairs. You can use a body filler to smooth out the damaged area before painting.
• Professional Repair⁚ For more complex repairs, it’s best to seek professional help from an RC car body shop.

Storage and Protection

• Dry Storage⁚ Store your body in a dry and dust-free environment to prevent moisture damage and dirt accumulation.
• Protection⁚ Use a protective case or bag to shield your body from scratches and dings during storage or transport.
• Temperature Control⁚ Avoid storing your body in extreme temperatures, as heat can damage the paint and plastic.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your customized RC car body remains in top condition and continues to look great for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained body enhances the performance and visual appeal of your car, providing a rewarding and enjoyable experience.