Introduction
When I first got my Xmax 6s, I thought I would upgrade it with all the best parts and make it as cool as possible. However, after some thought, I decided to rebuild it back to its original spec. In this article, I will document my rebuild journey and share some tips on what to look for when buying a used RC car.
When it comes to working with big equipment, having the right tools is essential. Not only does it make the job easier, but it can also help to minimize mistakes and prevent accidents. In this article, we will discuss the importance of choosing the right tools for working with large equipment.
Remember the joy you felt when you first hit the throttle of your brand new RC car? But over time, that same car may have encountered various issues, including rust and other mechanical problems that can dampen your driving experience. But fear not, with a little TLC and some basic knowledge, you can bring back your RC car to speedy life. In this article, we will guide you through the process of rebuilding and maintaining your rusty RC car.
It is not uncommon for RC hobbyists to push their vehicles to the limit. However, this often leads to broken and damaged components, leaving your once beloved RC car looking like a nightmare. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to restore your battered X Max and bring it back to life.
Checking the Body
The body of an RC car is the first thing you see, and it is also one of the most expensive parts to replace. This is why I always check the body first when buying a used vehicle. In the case of my Xmax 6s, the previous owner had installed custom lights by poking holes in the front and rear. While this may look cool, it can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. If the body is completely destroyed, it can add up to $100 to the cost of the vehicle.
Assessing the Condition
Apart from the body, I also look at the general condition of the vehicle. This includes checking for any visible damage, signs of wear and tear, and loose screws or parts. I also inspect the tires and wheels for any cracks or punctures. If there are any major issues, it might be best to steer clear of the vehicle as it could end up costing you more in the long run.
Disassembling the Car
Before starting the rebuild, it is essential to take apart the car and assess every component. This is especially important for a used car as there could be hidden issues that you can’t see from the surface. I removed the body, wheels, and suspension to get a better look at the parts.
Replacing Parts
Once I had a clear idea of what parts needed to be replaced, I started looking for OEM replacements. It is crucial to use original parts whenever possible as they are designed to work with the vehicle, and there is less risk of compatibility issues. I replaced the shocks, bearings, and suspension arms as they were worn out.
Cleaning and Reassembling
Once all the new parts were installed, I cleaned everything to make the car look as good as new. I reassembled the car, making sure to tighten all the screws and bolts to specification. I also lubricated all the moving parts and wheels to ensure smooth movement.
Assessing the Condition of Your RC Car
Before jumping into repairs or upgrades for your remote control (RC) car, it’s important to take a step back and assess its overall condition. This can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Here are a few things to look out for when inspecting your RC car:
Damaged Body
The body of your RC car is not only an aesthetic feature but also provides protection for the internal components. If you notice damaged screw holes that hold the actual cage, don’t panic. Traxxas has designed body reinforcers to fix this issue. However, if the damage is beyond repair, consider replacing the body altogether.
Rusted Screws
Rusted screws are a red flag that your RC car has had its fair share of water exposure. Before attempting to replace the screws, try out some rust-removal techniques. This can save you a considerable amount of money in replacing parts unnecessarily.
Tire Condition
The tires of any RC car are the only point of contact with the ground, so their condition is crucial. Aftermarket x max tires can be extremely expensive, ranging from $100 to $200 or more per piece. If your RC car’s tires are beyond repair, be ready to shell out a considerable amount of money for replacements.
How to Inspect Your RC Car for Damage
If you’re an RC car enthusiast, you know how important it is to take care of your car. Just like any other piece of machinery, RC cars require maintenance and proper care to ensure they last for as long as possible. One of the primary things you need to do to maintain your RC car’s longevity is to inspect it for damage regularly. In this article, we’ll go over how you can inspect your RC car for damage and potential issues that may arise.
Checking the Tires
The first thing you want to check on your RC car is the tires. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear on the tires. Check the glue holding the tires to the wheels and make sure it hasn’t come off. If you see any rips or tears, it’s time to replace your car’s tires. Additionally, give the tires a squeeze to check for any water inside. If you feel or hear water inside the tire, it’s a significant red flag. Water in the tires will damage the foam and affect your car’s balance, causing it to shake and move unpredictably.
Inspecting the Bottom of the Car
Checking the underside of the RC car is crucial because it gives you an idea of the car’s overall condition. Look for any rust or damage on the bottom of the car. If you notice a lot of rust, it’s indicative of long-term exposure to moisture, which can cause significant damage to the metal parts. Rusty drive shafts and springs can impair the car’s performance, making it difficult to get the most out of your RC car.
Testing the Electronics
After you’ve inspected the tires and bottom of the car, it’s time to test the electronics. Before testing, we recommend removing the tires to avoid any potential accidents. Turn on the car and make sure everything works correctly. Check the steering, throttle, and any other electronic systems to ensure they function correctly.
Seeking Professional Help
If you’ve done all these inspections and still feel like something is off with your RC car, it may be time to seek professional help. RC cars can be complicated and require expertise to diagnose and fix any issues. A professional can spot problems that you may have missed and provide you with the proper solution to get your car back on track.
How to Safely Test Your RC Vehicle
If you’re an RC enthusiast, you know how exciting it is to test out your RC vehicle for the first time. However, safety should always be a top priority. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for testing your RC vehicle safely, so you can maximize your fun and avoid any accidents.
Securing Your Vehicle
Before you power on your RC vehicle, you need to make sure it’s properly secured. The last thing you want is for the vehicle to run off your pit table and potentially injure someone. To prevent this from happening, you should take the wheels and tires off your vehicle before testing it. This way, even if it accidentally powers on and tries to run away, it won’t be able to go anywhere.
Leaving The Batteries Hanging
Another tip for safely testing your RC vehicle is to leave the batteries hanging out instead of putting them in the actual battery tray. This way, if the vehicle does run away, you can quickly grab the battery and pull it out, which will instantly stop the vehicle from moving.
Testing Your Vehicle
Once you’ve secured your RC vehicle and left the batteries hanging, you can power it on and start testing it out. However, you should still be cautious and keep your hands clear of the propellers or wheels while testing.
Breaking The Vehicle into Pieces
If you need to perform any maintenance or repairs on your RC vehicle, it’s often easier to break it into pieces. This way, you can easily access the individual parts, without having to remove the entire vehicle from your work area. When breaking your vehicle into pieces, you should start by taking off the front and rear clips, and then remove the chassis.
Organizing Your Materials
Before you even begin working with a large piece of equipment, it’s essential to make sure that you have all the necessary materials organized and labeled. This will help prevent any confusion and ensure that everything is in its proper place. For example, using labeled Solo cups can be a helpful way to keep track of different parts.
The Importance of Quality Materials
It’s also important to make sure that the materials you’re using are of good quality. This can help prevent accidents and ensure that the job is done correctly. For example, if you’re working with electrical equipment, using high-quality chargers and adapters is essential.
Customizing Your Tools
Sometimes, you may need to customize your tools to fit the specific needs of the job. For example, if you’re working with different types of batteries, you may need to create adapters to ensure that they charge correctly. Working with knowledgeable suppliers can help you find the right solutions for your needs.
Staying on Top of Maintenance
When working with large equipment, regular maintenance is a must. This includes not only the equipment itself but also the tools you use to work on it. Regularly cleaning and replacing worn-out parts can help prevent accidents and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
A Funny Gift from Dave and Mike
One day, Mark, a member of The 100 Mile Power Club, received a gift from his speed run buddies Dave and Mike. It was a trophy, but not just any trophy. They gave him a “fire hydrant reflector on the road” – a funny twist to a speed run trophy. You see, every time they did speed runs, they would always try to avoid hitting this reflector because it would make their cars go flying. But they ended up buying Mark the blue fire hydrant reflector as a gift, which was too funny. It’s always good to have friends who can make you laugh, even when you’re doing something serious like speed runs.
The Reason Why Dave and Mike Are Mark’s Speed Run Buddies
Mark’s speed run buddies, Dave and Mike, share his passion for speed runs. They also go to Moonlight Crawler events, which are gatherings of people who love to race radio-controlled vehicles. Dave and Mike are the perfect companions for Mark when it comes to speed runs because they know what they’re doing, and they’re always there to help and offer support. They also have a lot of fun together, which is what speed runs are all about.
The X-Maxx Rebuild Video
In one of Mark’s videos, he showed his viewers how he rebuilt his X-Maxx. He pointed out how rusty the screws were and how he needed to replace them. He also mentioned that he had a lot of people watching his videos. Mark’s videos are not just about speed runs; he also shares his knowledge and experience in rebuilding and maintaining radio-controlled vehicles. It’s always helpful to have someone who can guide you and give you tips on how to take care of your RC vehicles.
A Big Thank You to MCRC
In one of his videos, Mark gave a shoutout to MCRC, thanking them for their help in highlighting where he needed an adapter. He also mentioned that he was planning to do a video going over everything in a box he received. It’s always good to acknowledge and appreciate the help you receive from others.
Conclusion
Speed runs are not just a hobby; they’re a way of life for some people. Dave and Mike are great examples of friends who share the same passion and love for speed runs. They also know how to make each other laugh, which is always a good thing. Mark is lucky to have these guys as his speed run buddies. And it’s always important to thank those who help us, like MCRC, in any way they can. Whether it’s a funny gift or a helping hand, it’s the people around us that make our lives richer and more meaningful.
Breaking it Down
First things first, we need to assess the damage. It’s quite common for cars left in storage, or those who haven’t seen much playtime, to be rusty. It’s essential to break down the car into more manageable parts and assess the damage, clean it, and understand the severity of the problem.
Removing Rust
Rust is the most common issue faced by RC car enthusiasts. It can cause parts to stick and interfere with the performance of your car. To remove rust from screws, metal parts, and the motor of your car, you’ll need an electric screwdriver and rust remover. Break down the car’s parts and clean each one individually, removing any traces of rust with the rust remover. With a clean, rust-free surface, your car’s parts will perform their best.
Rebuilding
Once we have removed the rust, it’s time to rebuild your car. Take the time to give each part its much-needed attention. Rebuild the shocks, change the bearings, and check the hinge pins. If any of these components are worn out, it’s best to replace them. You can find all the necessary components from an RC car shop or online.
Bonus Tips
Cleaning bearings can be time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort. To clean the bearings efficiently, you need to remove them from the car, clean them with warm soapy water and then lubricate them with oil.
If the diff’s fluid is low, it’s important to fill it back up with fluid to ensure smooth performance.
Taking Things Apart
The first step in restoring your RC car is to take everything apart. This will allow you to fully assess the damage and determine what needs to be replaced. Upon opening the bottom of the case, you may be surprised to find grease and dirt all over the internal components. It may even be leaking from the front diff. Take note of all the damaged parts so you can replace them accordingly.
Cleaning and Rust Removal
After assessing the damage, the next step is to clean and remove any rust that may have accumulated on your X Max. Use a rust removal solution to de-rust all screws and metal pieces that need to be reused. While at the store, grab the necessary items to clean the bearings that have seized up.
The Hinge Pins
The hinge pins of your X Max may have been bent, making the car somewhat unusable. However, before you decide to bend them back, make sure to clean them first. If they appear to be in good condition after the cleaning, bending them back may be a possibility.
Putting Things Back Together
With all damaged components replaced, rust removed, and internal parts cleaned and lubricated, it’s now time to put everything back together. Be sure to tighten all screws, and replace any that may be missing. Once everything is in place, it is time to test your X Max and see if it functions like it did when you first got it.
Cleaning the Small Parts
When it comes to maintaining your car, it’s not just about giving it a good wash every now and then. Paying close attention to the small parts can make a big difference in the long run. As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”, so it’s best to start by cleaning and degreasing your drive shafts and springs. Use Simple Green or brake cleaner to remove stubborn dirt and grime, and degrease your diff pieces to extend their lifespan.
De-Rusting Made Easy
Rust is the bane of every car owner’s existence. But what if we told you that you can easily de-rust your screws and other parts using apple cider vinegar? Simply soak the rusted screws and parts overnight in apple cider vinegar, and watch them transform the next day! Rinse them off with water and apply WD-40 to give them that shiny-as-new finish.
Cleaning Plastic Parts
Next up, it’s time to give your plastic parts some TLC. Sure, they may not be as prone to damage as metal parts are, but they can still get dirty and dingy over time. Fill a container with water and soap, and let your plastic parts soak for a bit. This will help loosen any stubborn dirt or grime, making it easier to clean them off. Rinse the parts with water and let them dry naturally.
The Powerful Elixir: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits, but did you know it can also clean rust? The acidity in apple cider vinegar helps break down rust, making it a popular DIY solution for those looking to remove rust from their metal items. In this article, we will explore the process of using apple cider vinegar to clean rust.
The DIY Experiment
Our experiment involves using apple cider vinegar to clean rust off a metal item, and documenting the process to see its effectiveness. We start by applying apple cider vinegar onto the rusted area using a cloth and letting it sit for a few hours, possibly even overnight. In the morning, we observe the results.
The Results
The next day, we see visible bubbles on the rusty area, indicating that the apple cider vinegar is indeed working its magic. The rust appears to have broken down, and we’re impressed with the results. However, there’s one problem – the item needs to be rinsed off to remove the apple cider vinegar.
The Strain on the Solution
To rinse off the vinegar, we need to pour it into a strainer. It’s important to note that metal strainers should never come in contact with vinegar. We use a Cuisine-Art strainer to ensure the vinegar doesn’t erode the metal, but we acknowledge that this is an unusual use of the strainer.
The Final Result
After rinsing off the apple cider vinegar, we’re pleased to see that the rust is gone. There are still some small rust stains on the plastic parts, but overall, the metal looks shiny and new. We decide to spray down the item with some Cal RC moose lick to give it some extra shine.
The Verdict
Apple cider vinegar is an effective and affordable method to clean rust off metal items. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also makes for a fun DIY experiment. However, be careful when using it with metal items, and make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any potential damage. Give it a try and see the results for yourself!
The Introduction
Rust is a natural occurrence in metals, and it is a menace to most tools and structures. Rust is not only unsightly but can affect the functionality and lifespan of the tools. However, the good news is that there is a natural and affordable solution to rid your metallic objects of rust – apple cider vinegar.
The Experiment
In the experiment, a collection of screws covered in rust were subjected to apple cider vinegar. The outcome was impressive, given that the solution entirely eradicated the rust while leaving the screws looking brand new.
The Results
The first surprise was that the screws after being soaked in apple cider vinegar had no rust on them. The rust had entirely been dissolved, leaving the screws shiny and brand new. The experiment established that vinegar is efficient and easy to use in fighting corrosion.
The Process
The process of cleaning rust off metallic objects using apple cider vinegar is hassle-free. First, you need to soak the corroded object in the vinegar for about 24 hours, then scrub the rust off while ensuring that all the rust is removed. Finally, wash off the vinegar and dry the object thoroughly.
The Benefits
One of the key benefits of apple cider vinegar is that it is an affordable solution that is readily available. It is also an eco-friendly approach that has no side effects on the environment. Another crucial benefit is that apple cider vinegar is a natural solution free of any harsh chemicals that can be corrosive to the metal.
The Problem with Rusty Drive Shafts
Rust is an inevitable problem for any metal, including drive shafts. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause a lot of damage over time. Rusty drive shafts can cause noise, vibration, and even breakage that can lead to bigger problems.
Cleaning Rusty Drive Shafts
If you’re dealing with a rusty drive shaft, the first step is to clean it up. Start by scrubbing it with a wire brush or steel wool to remove as much rust as possible. Then, use a rust dissolver to remove any remaining rust. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully and wear gloves and protective eyewear.
Restoring a Seized Bearing
In some cases, rust can cause a bearing to seize up. If you find that a bearing is no longer moving, it’s crucial to address this as soon as possible. First, try cleaning the bearing with a rust dissolver and lubing it up with grease. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the bearing entirely.
Preventing Future Rust
Once you’ve cleaned up your rusty drive shaft and restored any damaged parts, it’s important to take steps to prevent future rust. Applying a rust inhibitor can help protect the metal from further damage. Additionally, make sure to keep your vehicle clean and dry to reduce the risk of rust developing in the future.
Conclusion
Rebuilding a used RC car can be a rewarding experience, but it takes time and effort to do it correctly. Checking the body, assessing the condition, disassembling the car, replacing parts, and cleaning and reassembling are all critical steps in the process. By following these steps, you can breathe new life into an old car and enjoy it for years to come.
Inspecting your RC car before any repairs or upgrades are made can potentially save you from spending unnecessary money and time. A thorough assessment of the RC car body, screws, and tires can give you an idea of the repairs needed while also preventing any potential damages. Remember to take the time to thoroughly inspect your RC car before making any repairs so you can keep your car running smoothly.
Maintaining your RC car is vital to keep it running at its best. A regular inspection can help you catch potential issues before they turn into significant problems. Checking your car’s tires, underside, and electronics should always be a part of your regular maintenance routine. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your RC car lasts for many years to come.
In conclusion, testing your RC vehicle can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Always make sure your vehicle is properly secured and leave the batteries hanging out for a quick and easy escape if necessary. Additionally, consider breaking your vehicle into pieces for easier maintenance and repairs. By following these tips, you’ll be able to maximize your fun and minimize the risk of accidents.
In conclusion, when working with large equipment, choosing the right tools is essential. By taking the time to organize, customize, and maintain your tools, you can help ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely. By following these tips, you can complete any job with confidence.
With Regular maintenance and proper care, your RC car can give you years of enjoyment. Take the time to clean, assess, and rebuild your car. Remember, patience is key, and do not rush the process. With the right mindset and some elbow grease, you’ll have a perfectly working RC car in no time. Happy driving!
Restoring your battered X Max can be a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, your RC car can look and function like it did when you first got it. With these steps and a little bit of know-how, you can make your RC nightmares go away and have a fully functional X Max that you can love again.
Cleaning and maintaining your car can seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, it’s a job anyone can do. So take the time to clean and degrease your small parts, de-rust your screws, and give your plastic parts a good scrub. Your car will thank you for it in the long run!
In conclusion, apple cider vinegar may surprise you. It is a natural hack that can save you the expense of buying new tools if they get corroded with rust. It is an affordable, eco-friendly, and easy way to clean rust off metallic objects. Apple cider vinegar is surely a magical solution to combat corrosion.
Dealing with rust on your drive shafts may seem overwhelming, but with the right tools and techniques, you can restore them to like-new condition. Be sure to clean and restore any rusty parts, address any seized bearings promptly, and take measures to prevent future rust. With the right care, your drive shafts can continue to perform their best for many more miles to come.