DIY Tips for Making a Lexan RC Car Body

Gather Your Materials

Before you start, you’ll need a few essential materials. First, you’ll need a sheet of Lexan, the type of polycarbonate plastic commonly used for RC car bodies. You’ll also need a sharp utility knife or a rotary tool with a cutting blade, as well as a sanding block or sandpaper.

Cutting the Lexan

Cutting Lexan requires precision and care to avoid mistakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a clean and accurate cut⁚

1. Prepare a Template⁚ Start by creating a template for your RC car body. You can use a pre-designed template or create your own. Trace the template onto the Lexan sheet using a permanent marker. Ensure the template is securely fixed to the Lexan to prevent shifting during cutting.
2. Use a Sharp Utility Knife⁚ If you’re using a utility knife, choose a sharp blade and make several passes along the marked lines. Apply gentle pressure and avoid pushing too hard, as this can cause the Lexan to crack. For curves, make small, overlapping cuts to create a smoother finish.
3. Consider a Rotary Tool⁚ A rotary tool with a cutting blade can be a more efficient and precise option for cutting Lexan. Set the speed according to the thickness of the Lexan and make smooth, controlled cuts along the marked lines. Be sure to use a cutting guide or ruler to ensure straight and accurate cuts.
4. Deburr the Edges⁚ Once you’ve finished cutting, deburr the edges of the Lexan using a sanding block or sandpaper. This will remove any rough edges and create a smoother, more professional finish.
5. Practice Patience⁚ Cutting Lexan requires patience and accuracy. Take your time and make sure each cut is precise. If you make a mistake, it’s often possible to fix it by sanding down the error or using a small piece of Lexan to patch the hole.

Remember to always wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting Lexan. These materials can be sharp and can cause injury if handled improperly.

Shaping and Detailing

Once you have the basic shape of your RC car body cut out, it’s time to add the details and contours that will give it a unique and stylish look. Here’s how to shape and detail your Lexan body⁚

1. Heat Shaping⁚ Lexan is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be shaped by heat. Use a heat gun or a hairdryer to gently heat the areas you want to bend or curve. Be careful not to overheat the Lexan, as this can cause it to warp or melt. Apply heat evenly and gradually, and use a heat-resistant tool like a wooden dowel or a heat-resistant glove to mold the Lexan into the desired shape.
2. Sanding and Smoothing⁚ Once you’ve shaped the Lexan, use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits for a smoother finish. You can also use a sanding tool to create subtle curves and contours.
3. Adding Details⁚ Lexan can be easily cut and shaped to create intricate details. Use a sharp utility knife or a rotary tool with a cutting blade to create windows, vents, or other details. You can also use a heat gun to create subtle curves and ridges.
4. Using a Dremel⁚ A Dremel tool is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of shaping and detailing tasks. Use a variety of attachments, such as sanding drums, cutting wheels, and carving tools, to create custom designs and add intricate details to your Lexan body.
5. Creating Custom Features⁚ Use your creativity to add custom features to your Lexan body. You can create custom spoilers, wings, or other aerodynamic elements. Be sure to use a heat gun to gently mold and shape these additions.

Remember to wear safety goggles and gloves when working with Lexan, especially during sanding and shaping.

Painting and Finishing

Once you’ve shaped and detailed your Lexan RC car body, it’s time to give it a stunning finish with paint. Here’s a guide to painting and finishing your Lexan body⁚

1. Prepare the Surface⁚ Before painting, ensure your Lexan body is clean and free of dust, dirt, or grease; Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the surface thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
2. Prime the Surface⁚ Priming is an essential step that helps the paint adhere better to the Lexan surface. Use a Lexan-compatible primer, available at most hobby shops. Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the entire body. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Choose Your Paint⁚ Select a high-quality polycarbonate paint specifically designed for RC car bodies. These paints are durable, resistant to chipping and scratching, and come in a wide range of colors and finishes. Consider the type of finish you want—gloss, matte, or metallic.
4. Apply Paint in Thin Coats⁚ Apply paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Avoid applying thick coats, as they can crack or peel. Use a spray gun or an airbrush for a smooth, professional finish. If using spray paint, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
5. Masking and Detailing⁚ Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want to paint, creating sharp lines and patterns. Use fine-tipped paintbrushes to add details, decals, or accents.
6. Clear Coat⁚ A clear coat is a protective layer that adds durability and shine to your paint job. Apply two or three thin coats of a Lexan-compatible clear coat, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
7. Let it Cure⁚ Once you’ve finished painting and applying the clear coat, allow the paint to cure completely. This ensures a durable and long-lasting finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended curing time.

Always wear a respirator mask and work in a well-ventilated area when painting with spray paint.

Mounting and Installation

After you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting and painting your Lexan RC car body, the final step is mounting and installing it onto your RC car. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a secure and perfect fit⁚

1. Prepare the Car⁚ Before installing the body, make sure your RC car is clean and free of any debris or dirt that might interfere with the mounting process. It’s also a good idea to remove any existing body panels or parts that need to be replaced.
2. Check for Fit⁚ Before permanently attaching the body, try fitting it onto the car to ensure it aligns correctly and fits snugly. Make any necessary adjustments or modifications to the body at this stage, such as trimming or sanding, to achieve a perfect fit.
3. Mount the Body Posts⁚ Most RC cars come with body posts, which are small plastic or metal posts that help secure the body to the chassis. If your car doesn’t have them, you can purchase them separately at your local hobby shop. Place the body posts in their designated holes on the chassis, ensuring they are firmly in place.
4. Attach the Body⁚ Gently place the body onto the car, aligning it with the body posts. Make sure the body sits evenly on the chassis and that the posts fit through the corresponding holes in the body. Once it’s aligned, press down firmly to ensure the body is secure and the posts are properly engaged.
5. Secure the Body⁚ Some RC car bodies come with clips or other fastening mechanisms that help secure the body to the chassis. Use these clips or fasteners as instructed by the manufacturer to further reinforce the body’s attachment. If your body doesn’t have clips, you can use double-sided tape or other adhesive materials to secure it.
6. Test and Adjust⁚ After mounting the body, test the car’s operation to ensure the body doesn’t interfere with any moving parts or restrict the car’s movement. Adjust the body’s position or tighten the fasteners if needed to achieve a perfect fit and optimal performance.

Remember that the mounting process may vary slightly depending on the specific RC car model and body. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for detailed guidance on mounting and installing the body.