DIY RC Car Body Clips

Introduction

Tired of constantly replacing broken RC car body clips? DIY clips can save you money and frustration. With basic materials and a little effort, you can create durable clips that will securely hold your body shell in place. This guide will walk you through the process, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

Types of RC Car Body Clips

RC car body clips come in various designs, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best type for your needs when crafting your DIY clips. Here’s a breakdown of common clip types⁚

Hook and Loop Clips⁚

• Mechanism⁚ These clips feature a hook and loop system, similar to Velcro, to secure the body shell. The hook side attaches to the body, while the loop side attaches to the chassis.
• Pros⁚ Easy to use, quick release, and generally inexpensive. They also offer a secure hold without the risk of damaging the body shell.
• Cons⁚ May not be as durable as other types, especially in demanding conditions.

Push-Button Clips⁚

• Mechanism⁚ Push-button clips utilize a spring-loaded button that pushes the body shell into place, creating a secure fit.
• Pros⁚ Durable and reliable, offering a strong hold even in rough terrain. They are also relatively easy to install and remove.
• Cons⁚ Can be slightly more challenging to install compared to hook and loop clips, and may require more force to release.

Clip-On Clips⁚

• Mechanism⁚ These clips typically feature a small arm or lever that snaps onto a corresponding tab on the body shell.
• Pros⁚ Simple design and easy to install, providing a strong hold. They are also relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
• Cons⁚ Can be prone to breaking if subjected to excessive force or stress.

Screw-On Clips⁚

• Mechanism⁚ Screw-on clips use a threaded post that screws into a corresponding hole on the body shell.
• Pros⁚ Extremely durable and secure, offering the best hold in demanding environments. They are also less likely to break under stress.
• Cons⁚ More time-consuming to install and remove, and may require drilling holes in the body shell.

Magnetic Clips⁚

• Mechanism⁚ These clips utilize magnets to hold the body shell in place. A magnet is attached to the body, and another magnet is attached to the chassis.
• Pros⁚ Quick and easy to install and remove, offering a secure hold without the need for any mechanical fasteners.
• Cons⁚ Magnetic strength may be insufficient in demanding conditions, and the magnets can interfere with electronics or other components.

Ultimately, the best type of RC car body clip depends on your personal preferences, the type of racing you do, and the specific needs of your RC car.

Materials and Tools

To create your own custom RC car body clips, you’ll need a few essential materials and tools. The specific items you’ll need will depend on the type of clip you choose to make, but here’s a general list of common materials and tools⁚

Materials⁚

• Plastic⁚ For DIY clips, durable plastics like ABS or polycarbonate are ideal choices. You can source these materials from hobby shops or online retailers. Look for sheets or rods in thicknesses suitable for your clip design.
• Metal⁚ If you prefer stronger and more durable clips, consider using metal materials like aluminum or steel. You can find metal sheets or rods at hardware stores or online.
• Hook and Loop Tape⁚ For hook and loop clips, you’ll need hook and loop tape in the appropriate size and strength for your application. Look for high-quality tape designed for outdoor use.
• Magnets⁚ If you’re making magnetic clips, choose magnets with a strong enough pull to hold the body shell securely. Neodymium magnets are a popular choice for their strength and size.
• Epoxy Adhesive⁚ Epoxy adhesive is essential for securely attaching the different components of your clips. Choose a strong, durable epoxy designed for plastic or metal bonding.
• Thread⁚ If you’re using metal materials, you’ll need thread that matches the size of the screws or bolts you’re using. Choose a strong, durable thread that can withstand the stress of repeated use.
• Screws and Nuts⁚ If you’re making screw-on clips, you’ll need screws and nuts that are the appropriate size and length for your application. Choose durable stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant material.
• Push Buttons⁚ For push-button clips, you’ll need spring-loaded push buttons that fit the design of your clip. These can be sourced from hobby shops or online retailers specializing in RC car parts.
• Rivets⁚ If you’re using metal materials, rivets can be a strong and durable way to attach the different components of your clips. Choose rivets that are the appropriate size and material for your application.
• Paint⁚ Once your clips are assembled, you can paint them to match your RC car body. Choose a durable paint that is suitable for plastic or metal surfaces.

Tools⁚

• Scissors or Utility Knife⁚ For cutting plastic or other materials;
• Drill⁚ For drilling holes in plastic or metal materials.
• Screwdriver⁚ For assembling clips using screws and nuts.
• Pliers⁚ For bending metal or securing rivets.
• Epoxy Gun⁚ For dispensing epoxy adhesive.
• Clamps or Vise⁚ For holding materials in place while epoxy dries.
• Sandpaper⁚ For smoothing rough edges and preparing surfaces for painting.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler⁚ For accurately measuring materials and components.
• Marker⁚ For marking materials before cutting or drilling.
• Safety Glasses⁚ Always wear safety glasses when using tools that could potentially cause eye injuries.

With these materials and tools, you’ll be ready to start creating your own DIY RC car body clips.

Instructions

Once you have gathered the necessary materials and tools, you can start creating your DIY RC car body clips. Follow these step-by-step instructions for each type of clip⁚

Hook and Loop Clips⁚

1. Measure and Cut⁚ Measure the length and width of your RC car body posts. Cut two pieces of hook and loop tape to match these dimensions, ensuring that one piece is the hook side and the other is the loop side.
2. Attach to Body Posts⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach the hook side of the tape to the body posts of your RC car. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
3. Attach to Body Shell⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach the loop side of the tape to the corresponding locations on your RC car body shell. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
4. Test and Adjust⁚ Once the epoxy has cured, test the clips by attaching the body shell to the chassis. Adjust the positioning of the tape as needed to ensure a secure fit. You can use additional pieces of hook and loop tape to reinforce the clips if necessary.

Magnetic Clips⁚

1. Measure and Cut⁚ Measure the diameter of your RC car body posts and choose magnets that are slightly larger in diameter. Cut two pieces of plastic or metal to the same diameter as the magnets.
2. Attach Magnets⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach one magnet to each of the plastic or metal pieces. Ensure that the magnets are facing opposite poles.
3. Attach to Body Posts⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach one of the magnet-attached pieces to each body post of your RC car. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
4. Attach to Body Shell⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach the other magnet-attached piece to the corresponding locations on your RC car body shell. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
5. Test and Adjust⁚ Once the epoxy has cured, test the clips by attaching the body shell to the chassis. Adjust the positioning of the magnets as needed to ensure a secure fit. If the magnets are not strong enough, you can try using stronger magnets or adding additional magnets.

Screw-On Clips⁚

1. Measure and Cut⁚ Measure the length and width of your RC car body posts. Cut two pieces of plastic or metal to match these dimensions. Drill holes in each piece to accommodate the screws or bolts you’ll be using.
2. Attach to Body Posts⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach one of the pieces to each body post of your RC car. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
3. Attach to Body Shell⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach the other piece to the corresponding locations on your RC car body shell. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
4. Secure with Screws⁚ Once the epoxy has cured, use screws or bolts to attach the two pieces together. Ensure that the screws or bolts are long enough to securely hold the body shell in place.
5. Test and Adjust⁚ Once the screws or bolts are tightened, test the clips by attaching the body shell to the chassis. Adjust the positioning of the clips as needed to ensure a secure fit.

Push-Button Clips⁚

1. Measure and Cut⁚ Measure the diameter of your RC car body posts. Cut two pieces of plastic or metal to the same diameter as the push buttons you’ll be using.
2. Attach Push Buttons⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach one push button to each of the plastic or metal pieces. Ensure that the push buttons are facing the correct direction.
3. Attach to Body Posts⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach one of the push button-attached pieces to each body post of your RC car. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
4. Attach to Body Shell⁚ Use epoxy adhesive to attach the other push button-attached piece to the corresponding locations on your RC car body shell. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before proceeding.
5. Test and Adjust⁚ Once the epoxy has cured, test the clips by attaching the body shell to the chassis. Press the push buttons to ensure that they securely hold the body shell in place. Adjust the positioning of the clips as needed to ensure a secure fit.

Remember to test each clip thoroughly before using it on your RC car. With a little patience and practice, you can create custom body clips that will keep your RC car looking its best.

Creating your own RC car body clips can be a rewarding experience, offering a cost-effective and personalized solution for keeping your RC car looking its best. With various materials and techniques available, you can tailor your clips to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for simple hook and loop clips or more intricate screw-on designs, the process is relatively straightforward and requires only basic tools and materials. The key to success lies in careful measurements and precise application of adhesives.

By taking the time to create your own clips, you gain a deeper understanding of your RC car’s mechanics and develop valuable DIY skills. Not only will you have customized clips that perfectly fit your body shell, but you’ll also save money and reduce waste. The satisfaction of building something yourself is an added bonus, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work.

Remember to always test your DIY clips thoroughly before using them on your RC car to ensure they are secure and reliable. With a little effort and creativity, you can create durable, custom body clips that will help you get the most out of your RC car hobby.

Beyond the practical benefits, DIY RC car body clips also offer an opportunity to showcase your individuality and personalize your RC car. By creating your own clips, you can express your unique style and set your RC car apart from the rest. Whether you choose bright colors, intricate patterns, or functional designs, your DIY clips will reflect your passion for the hobby and your creativity.