How to Modify RC Cars

A radio controlled truck with a detailed body.

There are numerous ways to modify both electric and gas powered radio controlled (RC) cars. Performance modifications can be made to the power source, which is either the electric motor or gas powered engine. Metal gears attached to the motor can replace the plastic gears to reduce grinding. Visual modifications could include painting the wheels or adding decals to the body. Many of these upgrades and more can be purchased at almost any hobby store.

Things You'll Need

• Needle nose pliers
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Hex keys
• Upgraded engine
• Metal gears
• Hobby lube
• Hobby glue
• Wheel nut cross
• Paintbrush
• Paint
• Wet cloth
• Decals
• Soapy water

Instructions

Upgrade the Electric Motor and Gears

1. Unplug the two colored wires from the electric motor that are attached to the receiver by pulling the wires carefully apart with your hands or needle-nose pliers, if necessary. These two wires give the motor power from the battery and must be removed to eliminate the chances of an electrical shock.

2. Remove the two to four screws from the plastic harness, which holds the electric motor in place, as well as houses the stock plastic gears, with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull out the electric motor from the harness. Remove the small hex screw holding the metal gear in place from the electric motor with the hex key. This metal gear links up with other plastic gears in the harness, allowing the wheels to spin.

3. Insert the metal gear on the upgraded motor by sliding it over the metal bar extruding from the motor. Tighten the metal gear in place by inserting the hex screw on the side of the gear and screwing it in place.

4. Insert the upgraded motor in the same place the stock motor was on the car or back in the harness. Replace all of the plastic gears with metal gears that can be purchased at any hobby store. Metal gears will reduce grinding and increase longevity of the radio controlled car. Dab a generous amount of hobby lube on each gear to decrease heat created by friction.

5. Dab a small amount of hobby glue on the end of each screw. each screw back in place securing both the electric motor and gears. The glue will prevent the screws from coming loose while using the vehicle. Plug the two colored wires from the motor back into the receiver.

Upgrade the Gas Powered Motor

1. Empty the gas tank on the radio controlled car to eliminate any spills when removing the gas engine. Pull the rubber tube on the bottom of the gas tank to drain the gas.

2. Remove the air intake, which is normally black and cylindrical, from the gas engine by pulling it off. Remove the gas tube from the engine by pulling it off. Remove the exhaust system by unscrewing the screws or bolts holding it in place to the side of the engine with either the Phillips-head screwdriver or hex keys.

3. Remove the screws and bolts holding the engine in place by removing them with the appropriate tool. The screws and bolts can be located on the bottom of the chassis or on top of the engine mount. Take the stock engine off of the vehicle and replace it with the upgraded engine.

4. Dab the end of each screw with hobby glue.Tighten the new screws or bolts in place to secure the engine to the vehicle's chassis. Attach the exhaust system, air intake and gas tube back in place on the engine. Double check each part to make sure it's properly secured.

Paint the Wheels and Add Decals

1. Remove each wheel nut using the wheel nut cross, a tool specifically used for removing nuts of four different sizes on remote controlled vehicles. Take off all four wheels.

2. Dip the paintbrush into hobby paint of your desired color. Paint each rim carefully with one coat. Use the wet cloth to wipe away any paint that may have touched the tire. Most tires are glued to the rim and when using a paintbrush, it is not necessary to remove the rim before painting it.

3. Allow the paint to dry on the rims for 24 hours. Place each wheel back on the radio controlled vehicle and tighten the nut in place with the wheel nut cross.

4. Add decals to the body of the car. Peel off the decals or cut them out carefully from the translucent paper. Wipe a small amount of soapy water on the adhesive part of the decal with your finger or cloth.

5. Align each decal to the desired location on the car. Firmly press each decal in place once you've determined the placement. The soapy water on the adhesive side will allow you to move the decal around before setting it in place. Let the decals dry overnight onto the body.

Tips & Warnings

• Lubricate the metal gears periodically to reduce friction.

• Remove the battery from the radio controlled car to eliminate an electrical shock.

• Replace a gas powered engine on a protected work bench so that any leaking gas will not destroy a wood finish.

References

• RC Car Tips: Secrets of Nitro RC Cars
• RC Hobbies: Which Car to Buy
• RC Car Action: Two Coats of Glue are Better Than One