Maintaining, Fixing, and Modifying Radio Controlled Vehicles
From Michael James, former About.com Guide
General Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Every RC enthusiast has to keep their RC in tip top shape. There are certain steps that one has to take to get any RC up and running and keep it performing at optimal levels.
- Prep a Ready-to-Run RC
- Repair Broken RC Toys
- Reasons to Keep Broken RC Vehicles
- Waterproof Your RC
- Protect the Receiver in Your RC
- Do After-Run Maintenance
- Get Gear Ratios and Slipper Right
- Clean Tires
- Do Repairs With Soldering
- Troubleshoot an RC That Won't Run
- Fix RC Radio Problems
- Do A Quick Fix on an XPV
Nitro RC Troubleshooting
There are common maintenance requirements for all kinds of RCs but nitro RCs have some special needs. Learn how to keep your nitro engine running right.
- Break In a Nitro Engine
- Troubleshoot a Nitro Fuel System
- Stop a Nitro RC From Stalling When Braking
- Lean Out or Richen a Nitro RC
- Best Size, Length, Color of Fuel Tubing
RC Tools & Supplies
The right tool for the job makes maintaining and repairing your RC much easier.
- Basic RC Tools
- Standard RC Tools
- Ultimate RC Toolbox
- The Most Essential RC Tool: Hex Wrenches
- Glow Plug Cross Wrench - A Multipurpose Tool
- Compact and Multipurpose Tools
- Basic RC Supplies and Consumables
- Nitro Fuel - Differences in Fuel for RC Cars & Airplanes
- Nitro Fuel for RCs vs. Gas for Cars
- Nitro Fuel - Using Old Fuel
Hop-Ups & Mods
There are a many performance parts to choose from or you could learn to make your own. From speed to suspension, tweak, tune, and top out your RC with new parts, a new look, and better performance.
- Modify an Electric RC to Use a Quick-Charge Battery Pack
- Replace the Motor on an Electric RC
- Modify Nitro RCs
- Motor and Gear Upgrade on an XMODS
Build Your Own RC
There's nothing like spending time putting a kit together to understand what makes an RC vehicle tick. Building a kit helps with troubleshooting as well. Learn how to build your own RC from the ground up. Buy a kit containing everything you need or, for the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, work from just a set of plans - no parts included.
- Aircraft Plans - Easy to Build
- Aircraft Plans - Intermediate to Advanced Skill Required
- Materials for RC Airplanes
- Building Scale Helicopters (Book Review)
- Car & Truck Plans & Projects
- RC Kits for Kids
- Build an Axial AX10 Scorpion Rock Crawler from a Kit
- Build the Tamiya Grasshopper Off-Road Racer from a Kit
- Build a Tamiya Big Rig From a Kit
- Boat-Building Basics
- Build an RC Submarine
- Unusual Homemade RCs
Painting an RC
Whether painting the body that came with an RC kit or painting a new body you've purchased for one of your RCs, learn what kind of paint to use and how to get the best painting results.