What are Body Clips?
Body clips are small‚ plastic fasteners that attach the body shell of your remote control car to the chassis. They are essential for keeping the body securely in place during driving and preventing it from coming loose or flying off.
Types of Body Clips
Body clips come in a variety of shapes‚ sizes‚ and materials‚ each designed for specific applications. Understanding the different types available will help you choose the best clips for your RC car.
- Push-Type Clips⁚ These are the most common type of body clips. They feature a simple push-button mechanism that allows you to easily attach and detach the body shell. These clips are typically made from durable plastic and are suitable for most RC cars.
- Screw-Type Clips⁚ Screw-type clips provide a more secure attachment than push-type clips‚ as they require a small screw to hold the body in place. They are often used on high-performance RC cars or those that experience extreme driving conditions.
- Snap-Type Clips⁚ These clips feature a spring-loaded mechanism that snaps into place on the body shell. They offer a quick and easy way to attach and detach the body‚ but may not be as durable as push-type or screw-type clips.
- Magnetic Clips⁚ Magnetic clips are a relatively new innovation in the RC car world. They use magnets to attach the body shell to the chassis‚ providing a secure and easy-to-use solution. Magnetic clips are typically more expensive than other types of body clips.
- Combination Clips⁚ Some body clips combine features from different types‚ offering the best of both worlds. For example‚ a combination clip might feature a push-button mechanism with a screw-type locking mechanism for added security.
The type of body clips you choose will depend on your specific needs and the type of RC car you have. For casual driving‚ push-type clips are usually sufficient. However‚ if you are racing or driving in extreme conditions‚ you may want to consider screw-type or magnetic clips for added security.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Body Clips
Selecting the right body clips for your RC car is crucial for ensuring a secure and durable attachment. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice⁚
- Compatibility⁚ Ensure the body clips are compatible with your specific RC car model. Different models may have unique body shell designs and mounting points that require specific clip sizes and configurations. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult online resources to find the correct clips for your car.
- Material⁚ Body clips are typically made from plastic‚ but different materials offer varying levels of durability and flexibility. ABS plastic is a common choice due to its strength and resistance to impact. Nylon clips are known for their flexibility and resistance to breakage‚ while polycarbonate clips offer a balance of both strength and flexibility.
- Strength and Durability⁚ Consider the type of driving you do and the potential for impact or stress on the body clips. For high-impact racing or off-road driving‚ you may want to choose clips made from a more robust material or with a reinforced design. For casual driving‚ standard plastic clips are usually sufficient.
- Ease of Use⁚ The ease of attaching and detaching the body shell is an important factor to consider. Push-type clips are generally the easiest to use‚ while screw-type clips offer more secure attachment but require a screwdriver. Magnetic clips provide a simple and secure solution‚ but may not be as widely available.
- Budget⁚ Body clips range in price‚ from inexpensive standard clips to more expensive magnetic or specialized clips. Consider your budget and the level of performance you need before making a purchase.
By carefully considering these factors‚ you can choose the right body clips that meet your specific needs and enhance your RC car’s performance and durability.
Popular Body Clip Brands
Several reputable brands specialize in producing high-quality body clips for remote control cars. Here are some of the most popular and well-regarded brands in the RC community⁚
- Pro-Line⁚ Pro-Line is a leading manufacturer of RC car parts and accessories‚ including a wide range of body clips. They offer a variety of styles and materials to suit different car models and driving needs. Pro-Line’s clips are known for their durability‚ reliability‚ and ease of use. They are a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- Losi⁚ Losi is another well-known brand in the RC industry‚ offering a comprehensive range of parts and accessories for their own vehicles and other popular models. Their body clips are known for their quality and compatibility with various RC car types. Losi clips are often designed for specific car models‚ ensuring a perfect fit and secure attachment.
- Traxxas⁚ Traxxas is renowned for its high-performance RC cars and accessories‚ including body clips. Their clips are designed to withstand the rigors of high-speed and off-road driving. Traxxas body clips are often made from durable materials and feature innovative designs that enhance their strength and reliability.
- Team Associated⁚ Team Associated is a respected brand in the RC racing community‚ known for its competitive racing vehicles and high-quality components. Their body clips are designed for performance and durability‚ offering a secure and reliable attachment for the body shell. Team Associated clips are often favored by competitive racers due to their strength and reliability.
- HPI Racing⁚ HPI Racing is a popular brand in the RC world‚ known for its wide range of cars and accessories. Their body clips are designed for durability and ease of use. HPI Racing offers a variety of styles and materials to suit different car models and driving needs. Their clips are often praised for their affordability and performance.
When choosing a brand‚ consider the specific needs of your car and your driving style. Research the different brands and models available to find the best fit for your RC car.
Tips for Installing and Maintaining Body Clips
Installing and maintaining body clips correctly is crucial for ensuring the secure attachment of your RC car’s body shell and preventing damage or loss during driving. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve a proper fit and prolong the life of your body clips⁚
- Use the Right Tools⁚ Employ the appropriate tools for installing and removing body clips. A small flat-head screwdriver‚ a pair of pliers‚ or a specialized body clip tool can help you avoid damaging the clips or the body shell. Some clips may require specific tools‚ so consult the manufacturer’s instructions or check online resources for recommended tools.
- Align the Clips⁚ Ensure the body clips are properly aligned with the body posts on the chassis. This will ensure a secure fit and prevent the clips from becoming misaligned or loose during driving. Use a visual guide or a template to help you align the clips correctly.
- Apply Moderate Pressure⁚ When installing body clips‚ apply moderate pressure to secure them without overtightening or stripping the threads. Overtightening can damage the clips or the body posts‚ while loose clips can lead to the body shell coming loose or detaching during driving. Find a balance that ensures a secure fit without overstressing the clips.
- Check for Wear and Tear⁚ Regularly inspect the body clips for signs of wear and tear‚ such as cracks‚ breaks‚ or excessive wear on the threads. If you notice any damage‚ replace the clips immediately to avoid potential problems during driving. Worn or damaged clips can lead to the body shell detaching or causing damage to the car.
- Keep Clips Clean⁚ Regularly clean the body clips to remove dirt‚ debris‚ and grime that can accumulate during driving. This will help maintain the integrity of the clips and prevent premature wear and tear. Use a soft brush‚ a damp cloth‚ or a specialized cleaning solution to remove dirt and debris effectively.
Following these tips will ensure a secure and long-lasting attachment of your body shell‚ enhancing your driving experience and protecting your RC car from damage.