Upgrading RC Car Body Mounts

Why Upgrade Body Mounts?

Upgrading your RC car’s body mounts can significantly improve performance and durability. Worn or damaged mounts can lead to excessive body flex, poor handling, and even damage to the chassis. Replacing them with high-quality, durable mounts can enhance stability, improve cornering, and reduce the risk of body damage during crashes.

Types of Body Mounts

RC car body mounts come in a variety of materials and designs, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the different types available can help you choose the best option for your specific needs and driving style.

Plastic Body Mounts

• Pros⁚
  • Affordable⁚ Plastic mounts are generally the most budget-friendly option.
  • Lightweight⁚ Their lightweight construction helps reduce overall vehicle weight, improving acceleration and handling.
  • Easy to Install⁚ Plastic mounts are often easy to install and remove, making maintenance and adjustments simpler.
  • Available in Various Colors⁚ Plastic mounts come in a wide range of colors, allowing you to personalize your RC car’s appearance.
• Cons⁚
  • Durability⁚ Plastic mounts are prone to cracking or breaking under heavy impacts, especially with high-power setups.
  • Limited Adjustability⁚ Some plastic mounts offer limited adjustability for fine-tuning body position.
  • Wear and Tear⁚ Over time, plastic mounts can wear down, causing excessive body flex and affecting handling.

Aluminum Body Mounts

• Pros⁚
  • Durability⁚ Aluminum mounts are significantly more durable than plastic, offering better protection against impacts and crashes.
  • Improved Handling⁚ Their rigidity helps minimize body flex, resulting in more precise steering and control.
  • Adjustable⁚ Many aluminum mounts feature adjustable features, allowing for fine-tuning body position for optimal performance.
  • Available in Various Colors⁚ Aluminum mounts are often available in different colors, enhancing the aesthetics of your RC car.
• Cons⁚
  • Cost⁚ Aluminum mounts are typically more expensive than plastic options.
  • Weight⁚ Aluminum is heavier than plastic, potentially affecting acceleration and handling, especially on lighter cars.
  • More Complex Installation⁚ Installing and removing aluminum mounts can be more challenging than plastic mounts.

Carbon Fiber Body Mounts

• Pros⁚
  • Exceptional Durability⁚ Carbon fiber mounts offer the highest level of durability, resisting even the most severe impacts and crashes.
  • Lightweight⁚ Carbon fiber is incredibly strong yet lightweight, providing a significant weight advantage over aluminum.
  • Superior Handling⁚ Their extreme rigidity minimizes body flex, ensuring precise steering and enhanced control.
  • Adjustable⁚ Many carbon fiber mounts feature adjustable features for optimizing body position.
• Cons⁚
  • High Cost⁚ Carbon fiber mounts are the most expensive option, reflecting their superior materials and craftsmanship.
  • Complex Installation⁚ Installing and removing carbon fiber mounts can be more challenging than other types.

Hybrid Body Mounts

• Pros⁚
  • Combined Benefits⁚ Hybrid mounts combine the advantages of different materials, offering a balance of durability, weight, and adjustability.
  • Cost-Effective⁚ Hybrid mounts can provide a more affordable option than pure carbon fiber mounts while still offering significant performance improvements.
• Cons⁚
  • Limited Availability⁚ Hybrid mounts may not be readily available for all RC car models.

When choosing body mounts, consider the following factors⁚

• Budget⁚ Plastic mounts are the most affordable, while carbon fiber mounts are the most expensive.
• RC Car Type⁚ The type of RC car, its intended use, and the level of competition will influence your mount choice.
• Driving Style⁚ Aggressive drivers may benefit from the increased durability and handling of aluminum or carbon fiber mounts.
• Weight⁚ Lightweight mounts are ideal for cars that prioritize acceleration and handling, while heavier mounts offer increased durability.
• Adjustability⁚ Consider the adjustability options available for fine-tuning body position.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the best body mounts to enhance your RC car’s performance and durability.

Choosing the Right Body Mounts

Selecting the appropriate body mounts for your RC car is crucial for optimizing performance, durability, and handling. Consider these factors to ensure you make the right choice⁚

RC Car Type and Use

• Off-Road Cars⁚ For off-road vehicles that endure harsh terrain and impacts, durable mounts like aluminum or carbon fiber are recommended. They can withstand the rigors of off-road driving and protect the chassis from damage.
• On-Road Cars⁚ On-road cars, which typically experience smoother surfaces and less severe impacts, can benefit from lighter mounts like plastic or hybrid options. These choices can improve acceleration and handling while maintaining sufficient durability.
• Competition Level⁚ For competitive racing, where performance and durability are paramount, carbon fiber mounts often provide the best combination of strength and weight reduction.
• Budget⁚ Consider your budget and choose mounts that provide the best value for your needs. Plastic mounts are the most affordable, while carbon fiber mounts are the most expensive.

Body Shell Material

• Lexan Bodies⁚ Lexan is a strong and flexible polycarbonate material commonly used for RC car bodies. When using Lexan bodies, ensure your mounts are compatible with the material and offer sufficient support to prevent body flex and damage.
• Polycarbonate Bodies⁚ Similar to Lexan, polycarbonate bodies are durable and flexible. Choose mounts that can withstand the stresses of these materials and provide adequate support to minimize body flex.
• ABS Bodies⁚ ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a rigid and durable plastic material often used for RC car bodies. While ABS bodies are less flexible than Lexan or polycarbonate, they still require sturdy mounts to prevent damage and maintain body position.

Mount Design and Features

• Adjustable Mounts⁚ Adjustable mounts allow for fine-tuning the body position, which can be beneficial for optimizing handling and aerodynamics. Look for mounts with features such as adjustable height, angle, or offset.
• Lightweight Designs⁚ Lightweight mounts can improve acceleration, handling, and overall performance. Consider mounts made from materials like carbon fiber or lightweight aluminum.
• Reinforced Designs⁚ For high-impact driving, reinforced mounts offer extra durability to withstand crashes and prevent damage. Look for mounts with thicker materials or additional support structures.

Compatibility

• RC Car Model⁚ Ensure that the body mounts you choose are compatible with your specific RC car model. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure that the mounts are designed for your car’s chassis and body shell.
• Body Posts⁚ Make sure that the mounts have the correct body post size and configuration for your car. Check the post diameter, length, and location to ensure a proper fit.

Brand Reputation

• Reputable Brands⁚ Choose mounts from reputable brands known for their quality, durability, and performance. Look for brands that are well-regarded in the RC community and have a history of producing reliable products.
• Customer Reviews⁚ Read customer reviews and feedback on the mounts you are considering. This can provide valuable insights into the product’s quality, performance, and durability.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right body mounts to enhance your RC car’s performance, durability, and handling, ensuring an enjoyable and satisfying driving experience.

Installing New Body Mounts

Installing new body mounts on your RC car is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done right⁚

Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

• New Body Mounts⁚ Ensure you have the correct mounts for your RC car model and body shell.
• Phillips Screwdriver⁚ Most body mounts are secured with Phillips-head screws.
• Small Wrench or Socket Set⁚ Some mounts may require a wrench or socket to loosen or tighten nuts or bolts.
• Optional⁚ A small flat-head screwdriver or a pair of tweezers can be helpful for removing or inserting small parts.

Remove the Old Body Mounts

• Locate the Existing Mounts⁚ Identify the body mounts on your RC car’s chassis, typically located on the front, rear, and sides of the chassis.
• Loosen the Screws or Bolts⁚ Use a Phillips screwdriver or wrench to loosen the screws or bolts that secure the old mounts.
• Remove the Mounts⁚ Carefully remove the old body mounts from the chassis. Note the position and orientation of the mounts to ensure proper installation of the new ones.

Prepare the New Body Mounts

• Check for Compatibility⁚ Ensure that the new body mounts are compatible with your RC car model and body shell, including the post size and configuration.
• Inspect for Damage⁚ Inspect the new mounts for any damage or defects before installation.

Install the New Body Mounts

• Align the Mounts⁚ Position the new body mounts on the chassis, ensuring they are correctly aligned with the mounting holes.
• Secure the Mounts⁚ Use the screws or bolts that came with the new mounts to secure them to the chassis. Tighten them firmly, but avoid overtightening, which can damage the mounts or chassis.
• Check for Tightness⁚ Once the mounts are installed, double-check that they are securely fastened and that the screws or bolts are properly tightened.

Test and Adjust

• Attach the Body Shell⁚ Install your RC car’s body shell onto the newly installed mounts.
• Test the Fit⁚ Check that the body shell sits securely and aligns properly with the chassis.
• Make Adjustments⁚ If necessary, adjust the position or angle of the mounts to optimize body fit and alignment.

By following these steps carefully, you can confidently install your new body mounts and enjoy the benefits of improved performance, durability, and handling on your RC car. Remember to always consult your RC car’s manual or the manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation details and guidance.