How to Repair a Lexan RC Car Body

Assess the Damage

Before you start repairing, take a close look at the damage. Is it a simple crack, a deep gouge, or a complete break? This will help you determine the best repair method and the materials you’ll need.

Gather Your Materials

The materials you’ll need for your repair depend on the severity of the damage. Here’s a list of common materials used for Lexan body repairs⁚

• Lexan Body Repair Kit⁚ These kits often include various sizes of Lexan sheets, adhesive, sandpaper, and a sanding block. They’re a good starting point for common repairs.
• Epoxy Resin⁚ A strong adhesive that works well for filling in cracks and gaps. Choose a clear epoxy for a nearly invisible repair.
• Plastic Welder⁚ This tool uses heat to melt and fuse Lexan pieces together. It’s ideal for repairing larger breaks or cracks.
• Sandpaper⁚ You’ll need various grit levels for smoothing out the repair area and preparing it for paint.
• Masking Tape⁚ Use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want to sand or paint.
• Paint⁚ Choose a Lexan-compatible paint that matches the color of your body. You can use spray paint or brush-on paint.
• Primer⁚ Applying a primer before painting helps the paint adhere better and provides a smoother finish.
• Clear Coat⁚ A clear coat protects your paint job and adds a glossy finish.
• Acetone⁚ Use acetone to clean the repair area and remove any excess adhesive or paint.
• Safety Glasses⁚ Protect your eyes from flying debris when sanding or working with the plastic welder.
• Gloves⁚ Wear gloves to protect your hands from adhesive and paint.

It’s best to have a few different options on hand, as you may need to combine materials for a successful repair.

Prepare the Body

Before you start repairing, it’s crucial to prepare the Lexan body properly. This ensures a clean, smooth surface for your repairs and a lasting result.

1. Clean the Surface⁚ Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the damaged area. Make sure to remove any dirt, debris, or grease that could interfere with the adhesive.
2. Roughen the Surface⁚ If using epoxy or a plastic welder, roughen the surface of the Lexan around the crack or break. This creates a better surface for the adhesive to bond to. You can use sandpaper or a sanding block for this step.
3. Mask Off Areas⁚ Use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want to sand or paint. This helps to prevent accidental damage and ensures a clean repair.
4. Pre-Drill Holes⁚ If you’re using screws or rivets to secure the repair, pre-drill holes in the Lexan. This prevents the Lexan from cracking under the pressure of drilling.
5. Align the Pieces⁚ If the damage involves a broken piece, carefully align the pieces before applying adhesive or welding. Ensure they are properly positioned for a seamless repair.
6. Apply Primer (Optional)⁚ If you plan to paint the repair area, applying a primer can help the paint adhere better and provide a smoother finish.

Taking the time to prepare the body properly will make the repair process smoother and lead to a more durable result.

Repair the Damage

Now it’s time to tackle the repair itself. There are several methods you can use, depending on the severity of the damage and your preference.

4.1. Using Epoxy

Epoxy is a strong adhesive that’s suitable for repairing cracks and small breaks in Lexan. Here’s how to use it⁚

1. Prepare the Epoxy⁚ Follow the instructions on the epoxy package to mix the resin and hardener properly.
2. Apply the Epoxy⁚ Apply a thin layer of epoxy to the damaged area; Be sure to cover the entire crack or break.
3. Clamp or Secure⁚ If necessary, use clamps or weights to hold the Lexan pieces together while the epoxy dries. This helps to ensure a strong bond.
4. Let it Dry⁚ Allow the epoxy to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.

4.2. Using Plastic Welder

A plastic welder is a specialized tool that uses heat to melt and fuse Lexan together. This is a great option for more severe repairs, such as broken pieces.

1. Prepare the Lexan⁚ Ensure the Lexan is clean and dry.
2. Heat the Plastic Welder⁚ Heat the plastic welder according to its instructions.
3. Melt and Fuse⁚ Carefully melt the Lexan along the crack or break, using the plastic welder. Be sure to apply consistent pressure while melting.
4. Shape the Repair⁚ Once the Lexan is fused, use a sanding block or file to shape the repair area. This will help to create a smooth, even surface.

4.3. Using Rivets

Rivets can be used to secure broken pieces of Lexan together. This method is particularly useful for repairs that require a strong bond and are not easily accessible with other methods.

1. Pre-Drill Holes⁚ Pre-drill holes in the Lexan where you want to place the rivets.
2. Insert the Rivets⁚ Insert the rivets through the holes and secure them with a riveting tool.
3. Trim the Rivets⁚ Trim any excess rivet material with a pair of cutters.

Remember to choose the repair method that best suits your needs and the severity of the damage. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen method.

Finishing Touches

Now that the repair is complete, it’s time to give your Lexan body a final touch-up to make it look its best.

5.1. Sanding and Smoothing

After the repair, you might notice some rough edges or unevenness. You can use sandpaper to smooth these areas and create a more seamless finish. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (like 80 or 100 grit) to remove any major imperfections and gradually transition to finer grits (like 200, 400, and 600 grit) for a smoother finish.

5.2. Priming and Painting

Priming the repaired area is crucial for ensuring that the paint adheres properly. Choose a plastic primer that’s compatible with Lexan. Apply a thin coat of primer to the repaired area and let it dry completely before moving on to painting.

Now you can paint the repaired area to match the rest of the body. Use a high-quality spray paint designed for Lexan or plastic. Apply thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Remember to mask off any areas that you don’t want to paint.

5.3. Decals and Graphics

To add a personal touch, you can apply decals or graphics to your Lexan body. Choose decals that are designed for Lexan or plastic and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. You can use a decal squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure a clean application.

Once you’ve finished applying your decals, you can seal them with a clear coat of Lexan-compatible paint to protect them from scratches and wear and tear.

5.4. Final Inspection

After you’ve completed all the finishing touches, take a final look at your repaired Lexan body. Ensure that the repair is strong, the paint is even, and the decals are securely applied. You can now enjoy your repaired body, ready to race again!

Remember, a little bit of patience and attention to detail can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking repair.