Hot Remote Control Vehicles How-Tos « Remote Control Vehicles

How To: Inspect or install a clutch bell assembly on an RC car

Got a broken clutch on your favorite RC car? Don't despair. This video guide will tell you what to do to get your remote control vehicle back up and running in no time flat.

How To: Set up and modify a remote control helicopter

Watch this instructional hobbies video to setup and modify the Honeybee CP2 and CCPM remote control helicopter. Also, pay attention to some helpful remote control helicopter flying tips. Never fly away until you can hover, because you will never get back without being able to hover and land! That is always expensive.

How To: Cut wheel wells in lexan bodies on remote control cars

RC Car Action Magazine Editor Paul Onorato shows us how to cut wheel wells in lexan bodies. Scissors can mar and warp the edge of the lexan plastic body, try an Xacto knife instead. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to cut the wheel wells from the lexan body for a remote control car.

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: Jump RC monster trucks

RC Car Action Editor Matt Higgins show you how to properly jump your R/C vehicle. To prevent nose diving, use the throttle, or brakes to prevent a nose up too high. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to jump any remote control vehicle.

How To: Deal with a flooded Nitro engine on an RC vehicle

Alishan Mao describes how to fix a flooded Nitro Engine on an RC car, remove the excess fuel, and start the engine. Flooding of the engine can occur when priming the engine. If you prime the engine too much, the engine can get flooded, making it difficult to pull the pull start. A simple way to fix this is to remove the glow plug. Cover the top of the engine with cloth or rag and hold it there so that the fuel does not splash all over the place. Pull the pull start several times. The fuel wil...

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: 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: Set up a Honey Bee CP2 remote control helicopter

Watch this instructional hobby video to properly set up and fly a remote control helicopter. Transmitter switches and servo wires should all be set up this way. Charge the flight pack and you are ready. If you are a beginner, leaving the flybar weights at the outer position will dampen the controls and make the helicopter easier to fly. As you improve, move the weights in for quicker response. The swashplate has a metal ball for reduced wear and precise control. The servos are screwed to the ...

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: 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: Program the ESC for your RC vehicle

This video tutorial shows you how to program your ESC for your RC vehicle. This is an important tutorial since this will help make your "remote control" vehicle be controlled by a remote. So sit back and enjoy!

How To: Dye RC vehicle parts

See in these two videos, how to dye your radio controlled vehicle's parts. You'll see how to properly dye many plastic parts on your RC vehicle like Revo 2.5 or 3.3 rockers, high down force Ofna wings, pro-line rims, and many more parts. The project uses RIT dye that comes in many colors to include black, light and dark blue, green, and more. This will allow you to take any color of part (especially white) and make your RC into something that is customized with little effort.

How To: Tell if your RC engine is tuned

Learn how to tune a nitro engine for a remote control toy with this video tutorial from Squirrelrod. This particular tutorial focuses on tuning by glow plugs, which sits at the top of the piston. Squirrel explains the various parts and equipment necessary as well as each step in the tuning process. If you're having engine trouble with your remote control toy, this video tutorial shows you how to troubleshoot the problem through the glow plugs. This video will show you how to tune your RC engine.

How To: Install RC airplane hinges

Model Airplane News Editor Gerry Yarrish shows how to install RC airplane control surface hinges. You'll need an Xacto knife, hinge installation tools, and hinge glue. It's a pretty basic procedure. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to attach hinges onto a remote control airplane.

How To: Install/remove a clutch bell assembly on an RC vehicle

This video is on how to install and remove a clutch bell assembly for a nitro radio controlled engine, and some simple troubleshooting tips. It will show you the proper way of removing the flywheel, installing and removing clutch shoes, and how to ensure that the clutch bell (CB) spins freely. You can use this on any RC kit, and will also help racers in the pit and bashers alike.

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: 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: 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.

How To: Prime a nitro RC engine

This video is on the numerous ways to prime a nitro radio controlled engine. This can be used on numerous kits ranging from the HPI Savage Series, Traxxas T Maxx, S Maxx, Revo 2.5 and 3.3, Jato, Rustler, Ofna Hyper 7, 8, 8.5, 9, etc.

How To: Use fiberglass finish over balsa wood for RC airplanes

Check out this five-part video tutorial on how to use fiberglass finish over balsa wood for RC airplanes. If you like building engines and bodies for remote-controlled vehicles (airplanes), then this will definitely help you out, just by learning how to apply simple fiberglass to the balsa wood parts of the RC airplane body. You will learn all of the tricks needed for fiberglassing.

How To: Fix common rock crawling problems on an RC vehicle

RC Car Action Magazine Editor Matt Higgins shows how to fix common rock crawling problems such as body repair and a spun hex. Taking a remote control vehicle off road can often result in some damage, like a cracked body or a spun hex. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to fix common rock crawling problems on an RC vehicle.

How To: Fix a loose transmitter antenna on an RC vehicle

This instructional video demonstrates how to fix a transmitter antenna that won't tighten. To do this you will have to take apart your remote control radio. Luckily, this is not as difficult as it may seem.

How To: Remove a clutch nut and flywheel from a nitro engine

Paul Onorato, senior editor of Radio Control Car Action magazine shows you how to remove a clutch nut and flywheel from a nitro engine. It's difficult because a wrench spins and pliers can pinch. Watch this video tutorial and learn an easy way to remove a clutch nut and flywheel from a nitro engine on an RC engine.

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: Align the steering servo on a remote-control (RC) car

Need help figuring out how to align the steering servo on your remote-control car? It's easy once you know how. So easy, in fact, that this hobbyest's how-to can present a thorough, step-by-step overview of the process in just over three minutes' time. For specifics, and to get started adjusting the steering servo on your own RC car, watch this helpful video guide.

How To: Troubleshoot basic electric errors in RC

This video will help you diagnose and troubleshoot on a basic level, your electric kit. I get asked alot "please fix my rc" and the main issue is that people do not understand how their rc works. While using a multimeter, I will show you how to diagnose battery batteries bars, esc, receiver, antenna, radio on crystals 2.4ghz synthesized modulation motor brushless bl brush less brushed transmission slipper gears pinions cvd dogbones dog bone wheels pins hex and other aspects that will not allo...

How To: Win a race with an RC car

Chris Chianelli beams in from outer space to give you some tips on how to win races. Don't try to be the fastest or best car; be the smoothest driver. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to win a race on a remote control vehicle.

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: Make an RC snow plow truck

This video details how to construct a front plow for an rc snow plow truck. Using basic materials found at any hardware or hobby stores, you can make a servo lift plow. The video shows the proper way to attach and assemble it to a preexisting rc truck.

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: 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: Make a great RC jump ramp from a box

The video demonstrates how to make a great RC jump ramp free of cost. Firstly for this you have to note that you must learn to control your RC in the air because wrong landings after high jumps can cause severe damage to your RC.To make a great ramp for jumping first take a box, a small box is taken here. The same can be done on a bigger box. Then opening the box cut the lateral upsides of the box. After that just put it down and put a tape at the place it touches the box. A curve as you desi...

How To: Install nitro clutch shoes on a remote control vehicle

Installing clutch shoes is very simple. What you need are the clutch shoes, clutch shoe installation/removal tool which costs about $5 or a flat tip screwdriver. First, line up the clutch shoe. Plastic shoes wear out faster. Aluminum last longer. With the screwdriver method you bend the spring out. Take the bent out spring and push it down. Push it straight down. This is not the authors favorite method. Using the clutch shoe installation tool, simply push the spring out and push straight down...

How To: Program a Traxxas R/C electronic speed control

If you're fond of remote-controlled vehicles, you might appreciate this video tutorial on how to program a Traxxas electronic speed control. The Traxxas R/C ESC models you will learn to program are the XL-5, XL-10, EVX-2 and VXL-3S. They all have a single push button to turn on and off the ESC and program it. To get the most out of your Traxxas RC vehicle, learn to set up the programming by calibrating the electronic speed control, transmitter, throttle profile selection.