Hot Remote Control Vehicles How-Tos

How To: Solder bullet connectors for RC brushless motors

This video is on how to easily solder bullet plugs that are commonly found on remote controlled brushless (BL) motors. Your radio controlled vehicle will be the best around, if you know how to solder.

How To: Modify gearing on a Traxxas Rustler R/C vehicle

If you're fond of remote-controlled vehicles, you might appreciate this video tutorial on how to modify gearing on a Traxxas Rustler R/C vehicle. The Traxxas Rustler is a proven favorite with a formula for rugged fun that nothing else can touch. The Rustler blows the doors off the competition with more power, smoother control, better grip, and performance that makes it one of the fastest Ready-To-Race electric trucks available. Modifying the gears is an easy way to boost top speed. You can in...

How To: Make a Banner for a Lightweight RC Plane

I decided to make a quick banner for my RC plane. It was basically free, but you might need to get a few materials if you don't have them. My plane is a Hobbyzone Champ, which is a hardy but tiny plane, weighing only 1.3 ounces with the battery. My how-to is modeled after this, which is intended for the Super Cub. It is the bigger version of the Champ, weighing a total of 25.2 ounces, which is more than 18 times the weight of Champ. As you can see, I was faced with a problem. How was I going ...

How To: Build an EPP foam RC airplane

Watch this instructional model making video to begin building an RC airplane out of EPP foam. You may need to use your own set of instructions to complete this model, but the visual guidelines provide helpful tips for making a smooth, aerodynamic foam airplane.

HowTo: Capture Superman Footage With an RC Plane

Although Team Black Sheep issues a "Do Not Try This At Home" warning, they also offer full instructions for building "the ultimate Ritewing Zephyr", an RC plane that is so badass it can do this:

How To: Solder wires to your rc car motor

In this tutorial, we learn how to solder wires to your rc car motor. First, you will put the flux on the out wires. Put a small amount on, but make sure it's evenly coated all around. After this, do the same process for the motor tabs. Then, tin the wire and then wipe off with a damp sponge. From here you will do the same thing for the motor tabs, taking the back off the motor tabs to make it easier to move around. After this, put the wire on top of the tab and pres with the iron. Now you sho...

How To: Make a remote controlled engine boat from useless junk parts

Have you ever tried making your own remote-controlled water boat, but were missing all the key parts? Well, now you don't need to worry about expensive ingredients, because this video will show you how to make an RC engine boat with useless junk. You just might have some old used crap lying around, collecting dust, so why not put it to use making this awesome toy? You'll need some basic used parts, a plane toy and power supply fans.

How To: Start a gas powered RC plane easily

When getting into RC planes the hardest part is actually putting together the plane itself. But don't just pull the cord to try to start the engine, there are a few steps that you will need to go through first. In this video you will get a full walkthrough of how to prep the plane and then how to actually start a small gas powered RC motor.

How To: Paint a Water Drop Effect on Your RC Cars

In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a water drop effect on your RC cars. This is very easy to do but very easy to mess up as well. Make sure you are careful while you are doing this so results come out well. First, grab your color change paint and spray a coat of it on the car. Let this dry, then grab a spray bottle of water and spray water onto the paint on all sides at different times. Then, take your paint and put a light spray over it. Once finished, let dry and do a heavier coat (aro...

How To: Waterproof a remote control car to keep it safe

It's always handy to waterproof your RC car because your toy car is going to tread in a lot of dirty - and sometimes wet - ground. This means that any electric circuitry faces the risk of coming in contact with water and fizzing out.

How To: Water proof the receiver for your remote control car

It's always handy to waterproof your RC kit because your toy car is going to tread in a lot of dirty - and sometimes wet - ground. This means that any electric circuitry faces the risk of coming in contact with water and fizzing out.

How To: Clean an RC Nitro Truck or car

In this video, we learn how to clean an RC Nitro Truck or car. First, remove the wheels from the truck, then take an old toothbrush and brush the dirt and dust off. Don't force the brush into small places, just thoroughly brush all the dirty and clogged spots like your filter. Continue to brush the entire truck and make sure nothing goes into the carburetor. Now, take a damp cloth and use it to wipe the dirt off of the vehicle, giving it a good cleaning. Wash the wheels after this, then dry t...

How To: Replace the clutch shoes in RC Nitro Trucks or cars

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the clutch shoes in RC Nitro Trucks or cars. First, stick a screwdriver through the back of the clutch and remove the bolt from the back. Now, you will see the clutch and a spring that is on the side of it. Take this out, then you will be able to replace the clutch shoes that are underneath it. After you have replaced the clutch shoes, put the spring back on. After this, replace the bolt and then screw back in any lose screws that you took out. After ...

How To: Tune a RC nitro Engine

In this video, we learn how to tune an RC nitro engine. First, you will need to adjust your needles. Make sure you know which way to go as you are adjusting them. After this, you need to find your high speed needle and find where you will hook up your fuel line. Lean the motor by turning a screwdriver into the barrel. This will screw your needle in and make the engine restricted to fuel flow. Now you will want to test out your engine to see how much lean you are getting. Make sure it's oiled ...

How To: Remove and perform maintenance on Nitro brakes

In this video, we learn how to remove and perform maintenance on Nitro brakes. First, you will need to make sure you have the correct size of screwdrivers before you begin. Now, you will proceed to remove the brakes from the transmission. Make sure to handle these with care and take your time. Set all the parts that you remove aside and in order so you don't forget where they are and where they go. After this, align your brakes so they work correctly, then start to replace all the parts that ...

How To: Adjust and align the brakes on a Nitro RC car

In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust and align the brakes on a Nitro RC car. It's very important to adjust and align your brakes so your RC car stays in top shape and doesn't get ruined while you are using it. Take the caliper out and see what the strength of it is, if it needs to be tightened, tighten it on both sides. Make sure everything is hooked up to a radio, then look to see if everything is reacting in correct order. When you pull the throttle back, everything should be moving in ...

How To: Apply stripes and lines to RV cars

In this video, we learn how to apply stripes and add lines to RV cars. You can do curved lines or straight lines, depending on the look you want. For straight lines, you will take tape and mark from the hood to where you want the tape to end. Use different sizes to create the look you want to achieve. To get the lines straight, place the tape on a straight surface as a guide with the clear top that goes over the vehicle. Once you do this, you can paint around this to form opposite colors. The...

How To: Fly a BAE Hawk RC airplane

In this video, we learn how to fly a BAE Hawk RC airplane. Remember that this is an electric jet so the acceleration is not very quit compared to other airplanes. Treat this as a jet that needs a place to run to get speed before they can take off. Set up the airplane with a battery and make sure the wheels and everything else are in working order. Then, use your controller to make sure everything is set on the plane. You don't want anything to be reversed for when you are flying. When finishe...

How To: Repair or swap out the servo wires in your RC car

If the servo wires in your RC car are broken or need to be a different size for the setup you're working with, this video will help you out. It will show you how to repair damaged servo wires or, if you aren't happy with the size, swap them out for longer or shorter wires.

How To: Make a bottle boat with an optional radio control feature

Do you remember making the paper hat boats when you were a kid? Want to feel like a kid again? Or just looking for something to do with those old 2 liter bottles? Make a bottle boat! And heck, why not throw on a radio control feature while you're at it! Your childhood wasn't this cool! This video will show you all of the steps that you need to take to get your deadly vessel together and how to assemble the radio control feature as well!

How To: Paint carbon fiber material the easy way

If you're a fan of remote control vehicles or plan on taking up the hobby, you'll need to know some tricks and tips. From putting together the tires for your vehicle to properly painting certain parts of the car.

How To: Install an RC airplane engine

If you feel like you're too stressed and need something to help you get away from it all, pick up a hobby. Maybe building and flying RC vehicles. This can be a great hobby to pick up on and not only will it help make you relax, but it can be a great way to have some fun in the process by flying planes. So check out the video above, good luck, and enjoy!

How To: Fly RC helicopters

In this video, we learn how to fly RC helicopters. The controls need to be moved very gently. The control on the left makes the helicopter move up and down when you push it up and down with your two fingers. When you swerve and move the controller it will move the helicopter as well. Move the sticks each way that you want the helicopter to go. Move the right stick to move the nose of the helicopter and make sure it's right in front of you at all time. Turns will be done with the left stick. P...

How To: Get a clear aerial video with a Sony DSC-P72

In this tutorial, we learn how to get a clean aerial video with Sony DSC-P72. First, you will want to get a large electric plane and mount the camera securely to the top of it. After this, remember to turn the camera on before you send the camera off. Now, control the plane and turn it into the sky. Make sure the video settings are on, then watch the plane go up in the sky and move it around to different spots up in the air. Move it to places you want to see that you can't while down on the g...

How To: Install a ProLine Slash Protrac for a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle

If you own a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle and plan on installing a ProLine Slash Protrac, then this tutorial is what you need. In both videos, you'll find out the necessary steps that are needed to help install whatever it is you need on your RC vehicle. The tools you'll need include, the installation piece, some drivers, flat tip screw drivers, and more. It's easy to follow and really helpful, so good luck and enjoy!

How To: Clean the transmission on a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash

If you own a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash RC vehicle, then this next tutorial may be for you. In the tutorial, you'll be finding out how to clean the transmission to your machine. Just like a car, keeping your RC vehicle in tip top shape is important for ensuring that your machine will last for a very long time. So if you need help with cleaning out your transmission, check out the tutorial above and good luck!

How To: Properly balance your RC's wheels

In this next video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to properly balance the wheels on your RC. Balancing them is important, just like a regular car, in making sure they work properly, don't wear out so soon, and will perform much better. It's not difficult to do and requires a few items that you will need. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Install a new engine in an RC Nitro Truck

In this tutorial, we learn how to install a new engine in an RC Nitro Truck. First, fix the engine fly wheel and then fix the clutch shoes. After this, fix the drive gear by making sure the bearings are fit into place. Next, put the drive gear on, then make sure there isn't any friction. Now fix the lock, then fix the clutch shoe spring. Make sure the spring is locked and fit into place. After this, tighten the screw to lock the drive gear, then you are ready to use this engine. Place it into...

How To: Repair a crashed 3D helicopter

In this video, we learned how to repair a crashed 3D helicopter. If you have a crashed helicopter that isn't flying or is flying off center, repair it. You will have to have some knowledge of how to repair helicopters, and know which part is broken. Repair the parts that are broken and when you are done you will need to replace all the parts that you previously removed. After you are done with this, you will be able to turn the helicopter back on and test its flying abilities. If the helicopt...

How To: Replace the main gear on a Honey Bee King 3 helicopter

In this video, we learn how to replace the main gear on a Honey Bee King 3 helicopter. First, take the main blades off with a 2.5mm wrench. Remove the connectors, then remove the nut from the bottom gears and set it aside. Take out the gear and replace it with a new one. Screw it back into place, then make sure it's tightened. After this, you can place the blades back onto the helicopters and screw them into place. It will be hard to place some of the nuts back on, since they are located in s...

How To: Apply decals to RV cars

In this tutorial, we learn how to apply decals to RV cars. First, peel your decal from the paper they come on and then place it onto the RV car where it is smooth and there are no ripples on the vehicle. Make sure the entire decal can fit onto the spot where you want to place it. If you put it onto a bump, it won't seal and there will be blur with the lines. Once you apply the decal, push on without letting any air through, dragging the paper along the artwork. To make it more flat, take a cr...

How To: Remove anodize from aluminum and polish it

This next tutorial can be a bit dangerous and requires that you take full precaution when performing this. With that out of the way, in this video, you'll be finding out how to remove the anodize from aluminum and then polish it for a nice clean, sparkling look. It's pretty easy to follow and can lead to a nice look for your RC vehicle, so check out what you need to do and good luck!

How To: Choose the best crawler tire for your RC

If you're having a hard time figuring out which tires are the best for your RC vehicle, then this tutorial should help.

How To: Add weights to your RC crawler tires

If you're looking for a video on how to add weights to your RC vehicles tires, you've come to the right place! In this tutorial, you'll find out what you can do to add weight to your tires as well as where are some of the best places to get them. Weights can help add of course weight down on your tires making them a bit more stable and useful when out in a rocky area. So check out the video and enjoy!

How To: Tell the difference between LPR and VTR tires

People who may be getting into the hobby of building RC vehicles, need to know which is the best fit for their cars. Purchasing the wrong tires can lead to unnecessary damage and a waste of money.

How To: Install beadlocks in your RC tires

Installing beadlocks in your tires can help make sure that the wheel is secure and won't be going anywhere. There are many different types od beadlocks that can be purchased, but for this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install one in an RC tire.

How To: Balance your RC tires properly

If you need help balancing our tires on your RC vehicle, this tutorial should help. Like a regular car, tire balancing is very beneficial since it can make things last a lot longer and make your RC drive smoother.

How To: Get an RC sponsorship and what to expect

If you're interested in getting sponsorship for something that you do well, like build RCs, then this tutorial will help. Getting sponsors not only can help put food on the table, but it can help with your publicity and getting your name out into the world. But, too many people are unable to get sponsors for many reasons.

How To: Return the needle settings on a HBI 21BB engine

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to return the base settings on a HPI 21BB engine. The engine has 3 needles carburetor: high speed, mid-range and low speed. Begin by turning the high speed needle clockwise until it is closed. Then turn it 3 1/2 turn counterclockwise. Then turn the mid-range needle clockwise until it is closed. Then turn it 3 1/4 turn counterclockwise. When adjusting the low range, make sure to hold the mid-rang with a screwdriver to prevent it from turning. Now turn ...

How To: Tune a HPI 21BB engine

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tune a HPI 21BB engine. From the base settings, start adjusting the high speed needle in a 1/8 turn. Then adjust the low speed needle in a 1/8 turn as well. Make sure to never run the engine too lean because this can damage the engine. The mid-range needle does not need to be adjusted, but make sure to always run it on base settings. This video will benefit hose viewers who are interested in auto mechanic or have this engine for a vehicle, and woul...