Customizing RC Drift Car Bodies

Choosing the Right Body

The body is the most visible part of your RC drift car, so choosing the right one is important. Consider factors like the car’s scale, the desired look, and the availability of parts. Popular body choices include classic Japanese cars, modern sports cars, and even fictional vehicles.

Preparing the Body for Customization

Once you’ve selected the perfect body for your RC drift car, it’s time to prepare it for customization. This process involves several steps to ensure a smooth and successful transformation⁚

• Cleaning and Inspection⁚ Start by thoroughly cleaning the body to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. This will ensure a clean surface for painting and detailing. Inspect the body for any imperfections, such as cracks, scratches, or warping, and address them before proceeding.
• Body Mount Preparation⁚ Most RC drift car bodies come with pre-drilled holes for mounting. However, depending on the body and chassis combination, adjustments may be needed. This could involve drilling additional holes or using spacers to ensure proper alignment and fit.
• Window Masking⁚ If your body has windows, you’ll need to mask them off to protect them from paint overspray. Use painter’s tape or masking film to create clean lines around the windows; Ensure the tape is securely adhered to prevent any paint seepage.
• Body Post Preparation⁚ The body posts are the plastic posts that attach the body to the chassis. These posts may need to be trimmed or adjusted to fit the body correctly. Use a sharp hobby knife or a pair of cutters to trim the posts to the desired length.
• Interior Detailing⁚ Some body shells come with pre-molded interiors, while others require you to add your own details. If you’re adding interior details, use a variety of materials like plasticard, foam board, or even fabric to create realistic interiors. This could include seats, dashboards, steering wheels, and even small accessories.
• Light Buckets⁚ If you plan on adding lights to your car, you’ll need to cut out light buckets in the body. These are small openings that allow the light to shine through. Use a hobby knife or a rotary tool with a cutting bit to carefully create these openings.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your RC drift car body is properly prepared for customization. This will allow you to achieve a professional-looking and durable finish.

Painting and Detailing

Once your RC drift car body is prepped and ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity and transform it into a masterpiece. Painting and detailing are crucial steps to achieving a stunning and realistic look.

• Primer Application⁚ Before applying paint, it’s essential to prime the body. A primer provides a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. It also helps to hide any imperfections in the body, resulting in a more professional finish. Use a high-quality primer specifically designed for plastic. Apply it in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Color Choice⁚ The color you choose for your body is a matter of personal preference. However, consider the theme you want to achieve and the overall look of your RC drift car. You can go for classic colors like red, blue, or black, or experiment with more vibrant hues like orange, purple, or green. Remember to choose a paint that is suitable for plastic and provides a durable finish.
• Paint Application⁚ For best results, use an airbrush to apply paint. This allows for precise control and smooth, even coats. If you don’t have an airbrush, you can use a spray can, but be careful not to overspray or create runs. Apply the paint in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Detailing⁚ Once the paint has dried, it’s time to add details. This can include adding decals, creating custom livery, or using masking tape to create different color blocks. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut out decals or create custom shapes. For more complex designs, consider using a vinyl cutter.
• Clear Coat Protection⁚ After the paint and detailing are complete, apply a clear coat to protect the finish. A clear coat adds a layer of durability and shine, preventing scratches and UV damage. Use a high-quality clear coat designed for plastic and apply it in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Remember, patience is key when painting and detailing. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With practice, you can achieve stunning results.

Adding Accessories and Modifications

Once your RC drift car body is painted and detailed, it’s time to add accessories and modifications to enhance its appearance and performance. These additions can truly personalize your car and make it stand out from the crowd;

• Wings and Spoilers⁚ Wings and spoilers are essential for RC drift cars as they provide downforce, improving stability and grip during high-speed cornering. Choose wings and spoilers based on the desired look and performance characteristics. Larger wings and spoilers provide more downforce but can also increase drag.
• Diffusers⁚ Diffusers are aerodynamic components that help to smooth out the airflow under the car, reducing drag and improving stability. They are often found on high-performance cars and can add a sporty touch to your RC drift car.
• Side Skirts⁚ Side skirts add a sleek and aggressive look to your RC drift car. They can also help to reduce drag and improve stability by channeling airflow around the car.
• Overfenders⁚ Overfenders are widened wheel arches that accommodate wider tires and wheels, giving your RC drift car a more muscular and aggressive stance. They can also help to improve stability by providing additional protection for the tires.
• Headlights and Taillights⁚ Adding realistic headlights and taillights can significantly enhance the appearance of your RC drift car. LED lights are a popular choice as they are bright and energy-efficient. Consider adding a light bar or additional lights to the body for even more visual impact.
• Mirrors⁚ Mirrors can add a functional and aesthetic touch to your RC drift car. They can also help to improve visibility during driving. Choose mirrors that are durable and match the style of your car.
• Body Mounts⁚ The body mounts attach the body to the chassis. Consider upgrading to high-quality body mounts made from aluminum or carbon fiber for improved durability and strength.
• Window Inserts⁚ Window inserts add realism and detail to your RC drift car. They can be made from various materials, including plastic, polycarbonate, or even real glass.
• Custom Decals⁚ Decals can be used to add a personal touch to your RC drift car. You can design your own decals or purchase pre-made decals from online retailers.
• Interior Details⁚ Adding interior details, such as seats, dashboards, and steering wheels, can significantly enhance the realism of your RC drift car. These details can be purchased pre-made or custom-made.

Adding accessories and modifications to your RC drift car body is a great way to personalize it and make it truly your own. Experiment with different options and find what works best for your style and driving preferences. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing RC drift car bodies.

Final Touches and Assembly

After adding all the accessories and modifications, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your RC drift car body and assemble it onto the chassis. These final steps will bring your creation to life.

• Clear Coating⁚ A clear coat protects your paint job from scratches, UV damage, and other environmental factors. It also adds a glossy finish that enhances the appearance of your RC drift car body. Choose a high-quality clear coat that is designed for polycarbonate bodies.
• Decal Application⁚ Once the clear coat has dried, you can apply your decals. Use a decal solution or water to help position and smooth out the decals; Make sure the decals are properly aligned and free of air bubbles.
• Body Post Installation⁚ Body posts are used to attach the body to the chassis. Make sure the body posts are installed securely and that the body sits flush on the chassis.
• Body Mount Adjustments⁚ Adjust the body mounts to fine-tune the body’s position on the chassis. This will ensure that the body is properly aligned and that it has the desired ground clearance.
• Wheel and Tire Installation⁚ Choose wheels and tires that complement the style and performance of your RC drift car. Make sure the wheels and tires are properly installed and that they are compatible with the chassis.
• Electronics Installation⁚ Install your electronics, including the motor, ESC, servo, and receiver. Make sure the electronics are properly wired and secured.
• Final Adjustments⁚ Make any final adjustments to the body, such as aligning the headlights and taillights. Test the car to ensure that everything is working properly.

With the final touches and assembly complete, your customized RC drift car body is ready for action. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you take it out for a spin and show off your unique creation to the world.