Before, it was just a little boy’s toy. But now, with so many almost-real cars available on the market today, radio control cars are already considered as toys for the big boys.
Generally, radio control cars are classified as nitro powered and electric powered. Hence, these cars are being operated by powerful mechanisms that require different parts in order to function effectively.
For this reason, when a certain radio control car part fails to function normally or stops working, it is important that you replace them quickly. Repairing them could be worth your wait but you can never afford another break down after a series of repairs.
It is better to buy the parts as soon as possible in order to avoid further problems. Besides, you do not just have to buy radio control parts for immediate replacement. It is better to have a continuous supply of the radio control car parts on hand to avoid embarrassing dilemmas while you are on the race track.
If you do not know where to buy radio control car parts, here is a list of some tips to get you started.
1. Buy online
Many websites on the Internet cater to radio control car parts and accessories. You just have to find the site that can give you the parts that you need.
Keep in mind that not all websites can give you the same radio control car parts or the same prices so it is best to shop around and compare catalogs.
Shopping for radio control car parts online can give you a first-hand comparison of the different prices and manufacturers so that you can choose the best parts with the best deals without having to spend time, money, and effort to find the parts that you want and end up in vain.
2. Buy at auction sites
You can also buy radio control car parts at auction sites such as eBay. When you buy on eBay, you can expect to get first-rate deals on radio control car parts.
3. Hobby shops
These stores may have the best line of radio control car parts. There is no one that can give you the best parts than those who are into the same hobby themselves. Keep in mind that expertise is always the best guide in buying quality items.
So the next time you worry about where to buy radio control car parts, just check in these three venues and you will surely find the right stuff for your cars.
Entries Tagged as 'rccars'
Who Else Wants to Know Where to Buy Radio Control Car Parts?
August 7th, 2008
Be Prepared with the Ultimate Checklist for RC Car Supplies
August 4th, 2008
Whether it’s your first race or not, having extra parts and RC car supplies will ensure that you’re equipped to handle any kind of racing emergency. There’s nothing that could feel worse than losing the race simply because you forgot to bring an extra pair of batteries with you!
Batteries and Chargers
Let’s start with something simple: batteries and chargers. Having one extra pair is good, but having two extra pairs is better. Make sure you have a charger with you always. If you don’t think the racetrack’s likely to have available outlets, make sure that the charger has the proper connector so you can use it in your car. Before leaving, check one last time if both batteries and chargers are in good working order.
Speed Control Accessories
Looks are nothing on or off the road as long as you’re in a race. Speed, on the other hand, is one of the most significant factors that could make or break you. Are you certain you have all the speed control accessories that can help you win the race? If you aren’t using any speed control accessory at all, you can ask for the help of a sales representative in a RC car shop.
Bearings
These are what allow your RC car to maneuver challenging conditions on or off track. Before leaving for the races, make sure that there’s nothing wrong with your RC car’s bearings. If you think your RC car will do better if it is a newer or different type, you should make the change at least a month before the competition to give you enough time to practice.
Replacement Parts
Whether your RC car is running on gas, electricity, or nithromethane, there are sure to be spare parts available for your car in any RC car shop. If you’re on a budget, consider which parts of the RC car are most likely to be damaged in a race then buy replacement parts for them. Consider buying in advance because some replacement parts take some time before they can be delivered.
Tires
Since they’re what make your RC car move, they’re not something you should neglect. Make sure your tires are in the best condition before going for the races. Take it for a spin so you can see if they’re working well.
Engines and Motors
These are one of the most important and most expensive parts of an RC car, regardless of what type of power you’re running on. If you can’t have an extra motor on hand, make sure that yours’ is in mint condition on the day of the race.
Have fun at the races!
Get Cheap to Learn About RCs
August 2nd, 2008
If you plan on buying or owning a radio controlled car (RC), be prepared to shell out some cash. Avid RC collectors and hobbyists spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars just to buy and build the best RC they can afford to buy. You might ask why they do this, but they do this simply because they have fun. If you are looking to venture into the same hobby and would simply like to try it out before making any large investment, there are some cheap radio controlled cars available in the market.
The cheapest RCs can cost in the area of $30. Elenco Electronics makes a radio controlled car kit for $29.95. The purpose of their production is specifically for new RC users and probably enthusiasts. A same one by Ramsey costs around $32.95. By buying any of these less expensive RC kits, you will learn how to assemble a radio controlled car from scratch. There is an instruction manual which will guide you through the entire process. Since you are probably new in the area of RCs, these types of car kits should be what you will get. Not only will you learn how to assemble, you will also learn how an RC really works - from how you control it with the remote to how it actually moves around. You should not expect too much from these inexpensive models - don’t expect that they will blow away other RCs in terms of speed. In fact, when you try to race it, you will probably be left behind by some of the others with higher models. The real targets of these RC kits are beginners, which is why they don’t cost as much as the more advanced models.
It’s important to start with cheap radio controlled cars because of two things - one, you will save money if you find out that you have little interest in this hobby. The hundreds of dollars you will spend should you decide to get a high model immediately would only be wasted. At least if you get a cheaper model, you didn’t have to spend as much. Two, you can learn easier and better. If you don’t get the assembly right the first time, start over. This is the perfect learning tool for RCs, since it is very generic, yet at the same time covers a lot of important ground. Your future RC assemblies will be much easier once you have gotten past the first time.
Selling Radio Controlled Cars
August 2nd, 2008
The fascination for radio-controlled cars always starts when someone gives the person a set to play with at home. As that individual grows older and wants to experience more of the thrill of the action, the allowance is saved up enabling one to modify or buy a brand new unit.
As people grow older, radio controlled cars are given up and replaced with real automobiles. The controls may be different since the individual is in the driver’s seat and no longer a few feet away; but the directions are still the same. A step on the pedal or steering the wheel will still make it go forward or back and left or right.
But the hobbyist doesn’t have to give up on the toy. Instead of buying and playing with the remote control car, why not do the opposite and make money selling it?
In the years that the person had the radio control, he has learned the dos and don’ts about handling this machine. This includes making repairs and knowing the latest trends, which have revolutionized this hobby ever since it started in the 1960’s.
So, what does it take to sell radio controlled cars aside from the knowing how to make repairs? For starters, a supplier that can give the individual a few units to start with which can grow from there. It would also be a good idea to sell some parts and accessories since many hobbyists will have to replace them due to wear and tear.
The next thing the hobbyist will need is a place to sell these items. If the entrepreneur doesn’t have enough money to open a store, one can do this by offering the remote controlled cars for sale by renting a stall during a competition or participating in a convention.
Another place where this can be done is from the home. The individual can take a few pictures and create a website or a blog so that people who would like to buy can also examine the specs before placing an order.
The person should make sure that there is a customer hotline to answer any problems that are encountered after purchasing a product. Good service even after the transaction has ended will keep these regular patrons always coming back for more.
Some people think that radio controlled cars are just for kids. It will be surprising to know that there are individuals in the late 20’s and 30’s who still go to the track and race around it just for fun. Everyone is still a kid at heart and those who don’t want to drive can still enjoy this hobby by selling these toys.
The Crème de la Crème of Radio Shack Radio Control Cars
July 28th, 2008
There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to build and customize RC cars. Some people are born with a taste for it; some people aren’t. The best place to shop for one is none other than the Radio Shack website. Besides selling ready-to-run (RTR) vehicles, it also offers electrical equipment to general RC car hobbyists.
Dodge Viper GTS-R a.k.a. Danger on the Road
The 1:12 scale Dodge Viper GTS-R is danger on wheels; with the inclusion of high/low gears and turbo function, the Dodge Viper can go as fast as 1020 feet per minute and zoom ahead of the competition to the finish line. Users can be as far as 100 feet away and still be able to control the vehicle. A 2WD RC car, the Dodge Viper’s maximum climbing angle is at 22 degrees.
Look Pink but Enjoy White Hot Speed with Barbie’s Pink RC Corvette
Whoever said that RC racing is a man’s world hasn’t seen Barbie’s pink RC Corvette from Mattel yet! Young and not-so-young girls who wish for a smooth initiation to the world of RC car racing can do no better than Barbie’s pink but mean RC corvette. Its simple three-function controls will allow female novices to slowly grasp the basics. This vehicle also has working headlights to allow night practices and comes with a paper surfboard and its very own Barbie doll.
Be the Dale Earnhardt of RC Car Racing
The closest you can get to being the Dale Earnhardt of RC car racing is by purchasing NASCAR’s #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. car. With a 1:43 scale, the #8 car also allows the user to be in remote control from a distance of 60 feet. Maximum speed is at 315 feet per minute.
How to Race as Jeff Gordon
If you don’t feel like being Dale Earnhardt, then maybe you wish to become Jeff Gordon instead? With NASCAR’s #24 Jeff Gordon car, you have stronger chances of becoming the king of the road. Although possessing similar specifications with NASCAR’s #8 as far as speed and air gun remote control distance is concerned, the #24 is at a slight disadvantage with only 27MHz frequency compared to #8’s 49MHz.
Zip Zap and Zoom
The Zip Zaps micro RC cars are probably the most familiar to the public eye. With a 1:64 scale, these tiny powerful vehicles are designed after various car models such as Mazda, Ford, Chevy, and even Jeep.
If you don’t want to waste time futilely building your own RC car then don’t. Buy a RTR toy from Radio Shack and off you go!
Chevys - Classic Radio Control Models and More
July 25th, 2008
As far as variety goes, there are about as many RC cars as there are models of the real thing, and probably even more. Take for instance the Chevy. There is no lack of RC models available if you go for the classics in this arena; or for their sports car line, like the Chevy Corvette.
Chevy RCs are definitely more for the collector than the racer, unless you custom-make your RC racer to have the body of a Chevy, that is. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular Chevy RCs:
Muscle Machines 1957 Chevrolet
This comes in pretty big at a 1:8 scale and is truly a classic. Accessories included are the charger, battery pack, and features working headlights, a decidedly detailed interior, custom wheels, and super glossy paint. Average price is between $60-$80. Other Chevy Muscle Machine models available are the 71 Camaro and the Camaro Z28, also in 1:8 scale and similarly priced to the 1957 Chevrolet.
1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 RC Electric Car
Made by Playmaker Toys, this 1969 Camaro model is produced at a 1:18 scale and features working head and tail lights, and is a four-function car (as in forward, backward, left, and right). This is definitely for the real Chevy collectors out there, and at $30-$40, it’s not a bad deal at all.
1998 Chevrolet Corvette GTS IR Control Mini RC Car
For the mini RC fans out there, this Chevy is for you. It features a body that is all metal, racing tires made of rubber, and a miniature Corvette engine. The remote control wristwatch doubles as just that, a watch, and the mini RC car itself claims to mimic everything that its real nemesis does; this is probably because General Motors itself is said to have licensed this baby as a true 1:32 mini RC. This has a MSRP of $49.95 to $69.95 but can be bought at less than half that price at many online hobby stores.
Chevy truck models are also available as RCs - such as the Chevy SSR RC Truck and the Chevy 4×4 Monster Truck. Average prices for RC trucks are a little over $100, but if you’re lucky, some websites have them on sale for as much as 50% off.
Many Chevy owners who have at one point in their lives owned a classic are thrilled when they find model RCs that resemble the very cars they once owned. So, whether you’re just a beginning collector of classics, or if you’re a seasoned collector looking to expand your line of cars, then the Chevy is definitely the way to go.
How to purchase a NASCAR radio-controlled racing car
July 24th, 2008
First things first, have you ever drooled over a Corvette or that enticing Dodge Viper; or wanted to own your very own NASCAR radio-controlled racing car? Relax; there are people out there who want the same things you do. This list is made for those who want to know how to buy that perfect radio-controlled car - NASCAR or any other type.
You have to read
It is very important that you research good and relevant information prior to your purchase of a radio-controlled vehicle. Doing this allows you to acquire a wealth of knowledge that may be enough to help you make a well-informed choice.
You have to search
One of the effective sources of information is on the internet where anyone could find out virtually all there is to know about anything and/or anyone. As much as possible, surf the internet and Google for as much information as you can on your radio-controlled vehicle interests.
Subscribe, subscribe, subscribe
Subscribe to a publication that has radio-controlled cars as its main interest - or visit a hobby local shop and ask to scan their literature on radio-controlled vehicles. You can get a fair idea of how to choose the RC vehicle that would work for you.
Visit a club
Contact and/or join a radio-controlled car club, especially if you plan to purchase a NASCAR RC vehicle. It pays to know who drives what and how.
Do not forget to attend events
By this it is meant those races that are sponsored or organized by NASCAR or any of the RC clubs you have in your local area. This allows you to be exposed to a lot of people and RC vehicles for your review and viewing.
Decide, decide, decide
As much as possible, decide on the money you are considering or willing to spend. This limitation allows you to narrow your purchase options. Also, try to decide what kind of action you want to start with, are you looking for an on- road or off- road action for your RC vehicle? This is important as there is a significant difference between a racing track that is paved and rough terrain.
Determining these details ensure that you will purchase a NASCAR RC vehicle that is perfect for your wants, needs, preferences and budget. Work from there and you will never go wrong.
What an Electric Powered Radio Controlled Car Can Do
July 20th, 2008
In the world of radio controlled cars, having a good model means being able to accelerate at the fastest time as well as relatively low maintenance engines. For a beginner, an electric powered radio controlled car is recommended. It gives the controller a “feel” of the game first without too much fuss.
For this kind of R/C to run, the battery must be charged. Take note that charging may take some time as it is the only source of power for your car. Remember also to let your engine cool down after a run to avoid damaging the permanent magnets.
Electric Power: What can it do to your R/C?
1. An electric powered R/C is very easy to clean. The dirt on your model will usually be track dust only. It does not have grease stains or oil patches that you need to rub off. Wipe your car with a clean piece of cloth before and after a race and you’re ready to go.
2. Electric powered radio controlled cars are lightweight. Because their engines do not carry the excess weight of gas or fuel tanks, they can accelerate faster. This is an important feature if you are going to enter your car in a short distance race.
3. The torque of your car is more balanced if it is electric powered. This even rotating force gives you more control. For as long as you have mastered to manipulate your transmitter, you can swerve and even drift in a smoother manner compared to other energy powered R/C’s.
4. Better throttle response can be expected from this type of R/C. This effect is the combination of a lighter car and smoother engine. Thus, acceleration is faster and the power is stronger to push your car.
5. Regular maintenance is minimal. It usually consists of regular dust cleaning, checking the parts for any damage, and replacing any part that has been worn down. Electric power lets the owner do away with oil changes, electrical tuning, and fuel checking.
6. These types of radio controlled cars are quiet and do not give off gasoline fumes. Because it does not roar like a real car, it is suitable for indoor racing. It is also relatively smell-free unlike gas powered R/C’s which are reserved for outdoor races only.
The basic features of an electric powered R/C are cleanliness and simplicity. It provides the thrill of the speed without having too much maintenance baggage attached.
Little Known Ways in Buying Petrol Radio Controlled Cars
July 18th, 2008
Once upon a time, radio controlled cars were fairly simple. With a superior electrically powered engine, primary radio controlled cars are nothing more than just toys.
A small enough number of radio controlled cars existed in the market that even the broadest market criteria returned a manageable number of potential sales.
As time goes by, more and more radio controlled car models have been manufactured and distributed. Among the widest and the most innovative creations were the petrol radio controlled cars.
Petrol radio controlled cars differ from the typical electrically-powered radio controlled cars because these cars are powered by fuel. They use gasoline as the main source for their kinetic energy.
One of the greatest advantages of petrol radio controlled cars over electrically-powered radio controlled cars is that they can arrive at remarkable speeds; with greater maximum speeds compared to most electrical cars.
Full power optimization is expected with most petrol radio controlled cars. The only problem with these fuel-powered radio controlled cars is that they produce more dirt from the burnt fuel than the other models.
Moreover, because petrol radio controlled cars have greater speeds, chances of crashes and smashes are more common. Hence, safety must be considered when driving these fully-powered petrol radio controlled cars.
Alternatively, if you wish to buy petrol radio controlled cars, you must try to consider these factors first:
1. Your budget
Like any hobby, you must have a well-planned budget for your petrol radio controlled cars. These diminutive almost-real cars may cost you a fortune especially if you want them fully-powered and with the best repair and maintenance kits.
2. Choose your model
Petrol radio controlled cars come in composite and “ready-to-run” models. Composite petrol radio controlled cars may come in kits or as partly assembled radio controlled cars.
On the other hand, “ready-to-run” petrol radio controlled cars are already available in the market in a “pre-tuned” condition. This means that you can readily operate them and start using them without earlier modifications.
Hence, it is best to decide which petrol radio controlled car you would like to start with as a hobby or as a racing model.
3. Establish a definite time for your hobby
Operating petrol radio controlled cars is no joke. You really need to set aside a good schedule for it. The upgrade, maintenance, and repairs can really take most of your time because the operation is more like it is in a real car.
In short, petrol radio controlled cars are one of the best buys you can make as long as you keep these tips in mind.
Tips for Drag Racing with Radio Controlled Cars
July 18th, 2008
For most people, the idea of drag racing implies exhilaration and excitement. It also connotes danger. It’s a good thing that radio-controlled cars can now enable anyone to experience the thrills and excitement of drag racing without being exposed to too much danger.
Drag racing is all about speed. As compared to ordinary radio-controlled car races, the drag racing with RC cars entails much more attention on setting-up the vehicle than having driving skills. The main deal with car racing is to eliminate the forces (aerodynamic) that prevent the car from attaining and maintaining maximum speed. The following things should be given much importance when racing RC cars at maximum speed:
Chassis
Getting and maintaining a good chassis for drag race RC cars is very important. The thing to remember is that there are numerous materials that make up modern RC drag cars today such as graphite and carbon fiber. They differ in how they support the cars and how they “flex” during acceleration. The chassis needs to have flexibility when accelerating is a key to attain the car’s maximum speed.
Front end design
Dragsters have distinct front-end designs. They are usually pointed to minimize the drag from the air. The front axles should be set up in a simple way to make them easier to adjust during accidents during race day.
Battery packs
Usually, RC car drag races are determined by the kind of battery pack that the cars are equipped with. Nickel-cadmium batteries are very popular nowadays. The batteries used in cars are usually in 6-cell or 7-cell packs. The two main things that one should look for in battery packs are internal impedance and voltage. These are two main indicators of power and speed. The battery packs used in RC drag racing are perhaps the most powerful in the whole RC racing arena.
Tires
The usual dragsters employ thin front wheels which are most often referred to as “pizza cutters” because they resemble the kitchen apparatus. When it comes to selecting tires, there are two beliefs: smaller is better and the “big wheels rule.” As with any other contradicting beliefs, both have advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, it’s personal taste that really counts in choosing the kinds of tires.
Weight
RC drag race cars have been stripped of their excess weight throughout the years. An optimum weight should be achieved to be able to get maximum acceleration.
RC drag racing is a really fun and exhilarating experience. One should try watching races over the weekend to find out.