Maintaining, Fixing, and Modifying Radio Controlled Vehicles
By Michael James, About.com Guide to Radio Controlled Vehicles
Fix a flat. Bang out a dent. Replace a headlight. RC vehicles often need the same care and attention as the family automobile. Get the tools and supplies necessary for maintaining your RC. Learn how to troubleshoot and repair your own RC. Know when to take it to the professionals to get it fixed.
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
- Break In a Nitro Engine
- Troubleshoot a Nitro Fuel System
- Do After-Run Maintenance
- Get Gear Ratios and Slipper Right
- Clean Tires
- Do Repairs With Soldering
- Fix RC Radio Problems
- Do A Quick Fix on an XPV
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.
