How to Build a Remote Controlled Car

Building your own remote controlled car is one of the best ways to put your skills to the test. If you love speed and have an aptitude for mechanical tinkering, you may get great pleasure from this engrossing pastime.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Ventilated workspace
• Remote controlled car chassis
• Soldering iron
• Transmitter and receiver
• Motor
• Polycarbonate paint

Instructions

Buy Your Parts

1. Choose which kind of R/C car you want to build. Different engine types offer vastly different top speeds and performance specs. In order of increasing speed, they generally follow this order: electric, nitro and gas.

2. Purchase a motor if it's not included in the kit. Nearly all R/C motors can be "hopped up" at a later date if you want to swap out for something more powerful. First-timers may want to start with more manageable power and move up as their skill levels increase.

3. Get a transmitter/receiver package for your remote controlled car. Most such accessories can be found simply by clicking on a link with the appropriate parts for your build model of choice.

Build Your Car

1. Assemble the chassis using pliers and a screwdriver. Solid makes and models that come at 1/10 or 1/8 scale will usually require significant torque to tighten everything completely, so you may want to use a power drill.

2. Put together the shock tower assembly, taking particular care to place the long screws for the camber links in their proper orientation.

3. Build the engine. It's not unusual for R/C car engines to come with several parts, so take care and follow the manufacturer's instructions for glow starters, slide carbs and other tiny components.

4. Assemble the servo, being sure to center it first so your driving isn't erratic. It may help to tie the leads together for a cleaner interior environment as well.

5. Add the tires, being sure the treads are all oriented the right way.

6. Let 'er rip! If you have done everything right and the radio controls are properly aligned, you should be able to achieve dazzling leaps and turns in a matter of minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Start simple with kits that give you a nice overview of the many parts involved. Once you have a good working knowledge of remote controlled car mechanics, you can move onto advanced customization and your own one-off innovations.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area when working with solder or paint.

• Do not add nitro fuel or gasoline while you are working, or you risk an explosion on the table.