Customizing Your Traxxas Funny Car: A Guide to Clear Bodies

Choosing the Right Clear Body

The clear body is your canvas. You want one that fits your chassis well and allows for ample room for your creative vision. Consider the scale‚ style‚ and material.

Prepping the Body

Before you unleash your artistic vision‚ proper preparation is crucial. It ensures a smooth‚ flawless finish and prevents any unwanted surprises during painting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepping your clear body⁚

1. Remove any protective film or stickers⁚ Most clear bodies come with a protective film that needs to be removed before prepping. This film protects the body during shipping and handling but can interfere with paint adhesion.
2. Clean the body thoroughly⁚ Use soap and water to remove any dust‚ dirt‚ or fingerprints that may have accumulated on the body. Make sure to rinse it well and dry it completely. A clean surface is essential for optimal paint adhesion.
3. Sand the body lightly⁚ Use fine-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit) to lightly sand the entire surface of the body. This creates a slightly rougher surface that helps the paint adhere better. Be gentle and avoid sanding too much‚ as you don’t want to weaken the plastic.
4. Remove any excess sanding dust⁚ After sanding‚ use a damp cloth or compressed air to remove any sanding dust from the body. Even the smallest dust particles can interfere with the paint finish.
5. Mask off any areas you don’t want to paint⁚ If you want to leave certain areas of the body clear‚ mask them off using masking tape or painter’s tape. Ensure the tape is applied firmly and smoothly to prevent paint bleed.
6. Prime the body (optional)⁚ Priming the body is not strictly necessary‚ but it can help improve paint adhesion and create a smoother finish. Use a plastic-compatible primer that is designed for RC bodies. Apply the primer in thin coats‚ allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

By following these steps carefully‚ you’ll set the stage for a stunning‚ long-lasting paint job that will make your Traxxas Funny Car stand out from the crowd.

Painting the Body

Now comes the fun part – transforming your clear body into a work of art. With a little planning and the right tools‚ you can create a paint job that reflects your unique style and makes your Traxxas Funny Car stand out on the track.

1. Choose your paints⁚ The world of RC paints is vast and varied. Consider factors like durability‚ finish‚ and color options. Acrylic paints are a popular choice for RC bodies due to their ease of use‚ quick drying time‚ and wide range of colors. Spray paints offer a smooth‚ even finish‚ but they require proper ventilation and a well-ventilated workspace.
2. Prepare your workspace⁚ A clean‚ well-ventilated area is essential for successful painting. Set up your work area with a drop cloth or newspaper to protect your surroundings from paint splatters.
3. Apply paint in thin coats⁚ Thin coats are the key to a smooth‚ even finish. Apply the paint in light‚ even strokes‚ allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Over-applying paint can lead to runs and drips‚ ruining your paint job.
4. Use a paint booth (optional)⁚ A paint booth provides a controlled environment for painting‚ minimizing dust and maximizing airflow. While not essential for basic painting‚ a paint booth can significantly improve the quality of your paint job‚ especially when working with intricate details or multiple color layers.
5. Let the paint cure completely⁚ Once you’ve applied your final coat of paint‚ allow the body to cure completely. This usually takes 24-48 hours‚ depending on the paint type and environmental conditions. This ensures that the paint is fully hardened and ready for the next steps.
6. Protect your paint job⁚ Once the paint is cured‚ consider applying a clear coat to protect your paint job from scratches and wear and tear. A clear coat adds a layer of durability and enhances the glossiness of your paint job.

With careful preparation and a steady hand‚ you can create a stunning paint job that will make your Traxxas Funny Car the envy of the track.

Adding Details

Now that your body has a base color‚ it’s time to add those details that truly make your Funny Car unique. These details can range from simple accents to complex custom graphics‚ transforming your body from plain to extraordinary.

1. Decals and Stickers⁚ Decals and stickers are a quick and easy way to add logos‚ sponsors‚ numbers‚ and other details to your body; Choose from pre-designed decals or create your own custom designs. Apply decals carefully‚ using a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles.
2. Masking Tape⁚ Masking tape is a versatile tool for creating clean lines and sharp edges. Use it to create stripes‚ patterns‚ or block off areas before applying paint. Make sure the tape is securely adhered to the body to prevent paint bleeding under the edges.
3. Airbrushing⁚ Airbrushing offers a level of precision and detail that can’t be achieved with traditional brushes. Airbrushes allow you to create intricate designs‚ gradients‚ and custom graphics with ease. It’s worth investing in an airbrush if you want to take your detailing to the next level.
4. Custom Graphics⁚ Unleash your creativity and create your own custom graphics using software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. You can then print these designs onto decal paper or use them as templates for hand-painted details.
5. Window Tinting⁚ Tint the windows of your Funny Car using pre-cut window tint or by cutting your own. This adds a touch of realism and enhances the overall appearance of your car. Use a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles during application.
6. Lighting⁚ Add LED lights to your Funny Car for a dramatic touch. You can use pre-made LED light kits or create your own custom lighting setup. LED lights are available in various colors and can be used to highlight details‚ add visual effects‚ or even create a functional light system.

The possibilities for adding details are endless. Experiment with different techniques‚ tools‚ and materials to create a Funny Car that truly reflects your individuality and passion for the sport.

Finishing Touches

With the body painted‚ detailed‚ and ready to go‚ it’s time to add those final touches that elevate your custom Funny Car from good to great. These finishing touches can range from subtle enhancements to eye-catching additions‚ giving your creation a professional and polished look.

1. Clear Coating⁚ A clear coat protects your paint job and adds a layer of shine. Choose a durable‚ high-quality clear coat for maximum protection. Apply multiple thin coats‚ allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.
2. Decal Protection⁚ Protect your decals and graphics from wear and tear by applying a layer of clear coat over them. Be careful not to overspray‚ as this can cause the decals to lift or become cloudy. Use a light hand and a thin coat for best results.
3. Wheels and Tires⁚ Enhance the appearance of your Funny Car with custom wheels and tires. Choose from a variety of styles‚ sizes‚ and materials to create a look that complements your body design. Consider using chrome wheels‚ black wheels‚ or even custom-painted wheels to add a touch of personality.
4. Chassis Detailing⁚ Don’t forget to detail the chassis. Clean and polish any exposed metal parts‚ and apply a light coating of oil or grease to moving parts. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion and keep your car running smoothly.
5. Final Adjustments⁚ Once everything is assembled and detailed‚ take a step back and assess your work. Are there any areas that need tweaking? Do the colors and details complement each other? Make any necessary adjustments to ensure your Funny Car is a masterpiece.
6. Show Off Your Creation⁚ After all your hard work‚ it’s time to show off your custom Funny Car. Take it to the track‚ enter it in a competition‚ or simply display it with pride. Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life.

These finishing touches are the final steps in creating a truly unique and impressive Funny Car. By taking the time to add these details‚ you’ll make your creation stand out from the crowd.