With any hobby there are always small tips and tricks that will make your experience a better one. We feature great pit tips in ever issue of RC Car Action Magazine to do just that for our friends in RC. Here are some 10 of our most favorite tips to try out.
Polarity Protector
If your pack uses plug-in power wires and the terminal polarity is only marked by molded-in symbols, it’s very easy to plug the pack in backwards if you aren’t careful. To make battery hookup a little more goof-proof, use tape or paint to mark the positive terminal.
Plastic Parts Screw Starter
If you’re having trouble getting a screw started straight in a plastic part, use a body ream or a hobby knife to gently chamfer the opening of the screw hole. This will make it easier to get the screw started while keeping it straight in the part.
Won’t-Budge Wheelie Bar
To keep your Traxxas wheelie bar from popping loose as you drive, secure it with a pair of zip-ties. Use the mini type so a hard hit will still be able to pop the wheelie bar free rather than causing damage.
Shock Stand: Also Great For DIffs
A diff case full of oil left balancing on an outdrive is practically guaranteed to tip over and spill goop all over your bench. Prevent that mess with a shock stand—it works just as well for diff s as it does for shocks.
Carburetor Trigger Trick
Next time you’re setting up a throttle linkage, leave a little extra wire on the linkage so you can bend it up to make a trigger. This makes it easy to blip the throttle without having to power up the car’s radio system. This is perfect for when you’re warming up the engine as you top off your receiver pack.
how to tune your ball diff
The Ol’ Greasy Diff Ball Trick
When installing differential and thrust bearing balls, use a hex driver with a greased tip to transfer the balls. The grease will hold the balls for precise placement, helping to prevent runaway diff balls.
How To Mount the perfect race body
Magic Marker Hole Maker
Here’s an easy way to make sure reamed body post holes are the same size. When reaming the holes, mark the blade of the reamer with the depth of the first hole. Ream the other holes until they meet the line, and you’ll have four identical-size holes.
Safe Switch Position
When installing a speed control’s switch onto your car’s chassis, be sure to position the switch so “on” faces the front of the car. This will prevent a collision from switching the car “off ” due to inertia moving the switch. It really does happen!
Measure Twice, Drill Once
When installing a roof rack, light bar, or other scale accessory that requires drilling and a careful line-up, make a paper template that shows the hole locations. It’s much easier to sight and drill holes using a template than the actual part.
Spray Stone Crinkle Coat
For a realistic crinkle finish on bumpers and other parts that call for that look, hit up your favorite home store for a can of stone-texture paint. After the stone texture is dry, spray with satin black.