Bodyshell preparation

Please note these instructions are intended for use by adults.   WRCC cannot be held responsible for any damage to RC car or person as a result of following these instructions.  Be careful out there!

You need

The first step is to mark out the location of windows - try and get a picture of the real car to be accurate.  Use a pencil as this can be rubbed off before painting.

 

If the shell already has window details run a pencil along the edges to define where you want to cut.

Using a sharp knife score along the window edges in sequence, then cut though one side and push on that side & the lines will tear where you scored it, using a file or sand paper to smooth off the edges. Repeat for all the windows.  Alternatively use a Dremel - but consider wearing ear protectors and don't upset the neighbours!

To cut wheel arches use curved scissors or a knife, nearly all shells have these pre-marked, if not mount the shell first then cut the arches out to the right size of the wheel. (You can use a compass cutter to cut the arches out). When cutting the front arches out, cut the front wheel arches up high in line with the front light or higher. Do this to stop the front corners cracking, the shorter the distance from the bonnet to the bottom of the shell the less likely it will crack and secondly it will stop the shell fouling the wheels when it bends.



Next you will need to cut the sills up at least 5mm & the same with the rear valance

Rub the shell down with fine sandpaper 800 grit to take off shine this well allow the paint to stick better.

To make the car look more race prepped add pieces like name boards, bonnet bolts, door plates & corner plates. To make the corner plate for bonnet cut two triangles out of the arch off cut (as the plastic is thin) then bend over a ruler. Glue the plates to the back corners of the bonnet.

Drivers door plates should always be bolted on rather than glued this adds strength to the shell. Door plate can be made from off cut of front window. Drill holes in it, offer up to shell drill holes in shell use M3 nuts & bolts to secure.

The shell should be sprayed to get a good finish, any motor factors store will supply suitable spray paint. Use lots of fine coats and build up the colour, this will reduce runs. If your using more than one colour, spray the lighter colour first. When masking out areas give the first coat time to dry before applying the tape. Make sure tape edge is tight to stop the paint seeping under (spray a light coat over the masking tape this will seal the line stopping seeping, before you put a solid coat of paint on).

Sign writing a shell can be done with paint pens, paintbrush, airbrushes or you can use vinyl stickers. It depends on what finish you want, if the shell is intended for a domestic meeting then just your name & race number brush painted will do. If its for a world final meeting an airbrush makes a shell look smarter & more realistic.

To sign write this Cortina I started by brush painting the letters on then used an airbrush to add shaded colour & highlights.

Lacquer the shell to stop the paint getting scuffed. (spray lacquer over a test piece of brush paint to see if it reacts before spraying it over your shell).

To mount the shell turn the shell upside down and place chassis inside, lining the wheel arches up, and make sure the chassis is parallel to shell all round. Draw around the body posts where they touch the shell (make sure the mounts aren’t wobbly as it will not be accurate). Alternatively put some "bluetack" in the shell roughly where the post will go and place onto the chassis.  The posts will leave in imprint in the "bluetack".  Use these markings to drill holes, starting off with a small drill bit & then use the size suitable for post to go though shell.

Place the shell on its mounts & check anywhere the shell may rub. you may have to fare the rear arches, use a wheel rim & heat gun to do this, you may have to cut more off the bottom for ground clearance as well.

To finish add a roof fin using M3 nuts & bolts to secure it to make your shell look the part and help it stay off its roof.

Now you have a shell ready for the concourse and to smash to bits!!