Chances are, the RC vehicle you drive is not the only one you have. Unlike the vehicles in our driveways, drivers don’t usually trade-in their rigs when upgrading to a new one. Avid drivers eventually accumulate a fleet of shelf-parkers. That’s just how it goes.

 

But just because you’ve moved on, it doesn’t mean your old vehicle has to be done. Restoring it can be very rewarding, just like meeting with an old friend after years of being apart.

 

Assessing the Project Scope 

 

The first step in any RC restoration project should be a careful assessment of the vehicle’s current issues. You may have stopped driving it because it had some problem, but it may have developed more issues by sitting idle for a while. It’s important to understand what you’re getting yourself into before you start spending time and money on the project.

 

Naturally, the first thing you will do is to attempt to drive it. But, even if it moves, you will still need to closely inspect all of its systems to identify problems that need fixing.

 

You also need to determine for yourself what your goal is for the restoration. Are you restoring the vehicle for sale? Are you intending to give it as a gift, or drive it yourself? Are you just wanting to restore it for posterity, so that it will remain parked on your shelf in perfect working order? Your goals are important, as they will determine the full scope of the project.

 

Inspection Checklist

 

In the worst case scenario, your vehicle won’t run at all. So let’s start with a checklist to get to the source of any issues.

 

​1.Replace the batteries in both the vehicle and transmitter. Use fresh batteries only. For rechargeable batteries, ensure that the battery is able to hold a charge. Rechargeable batteries will likely need to be replaced even if they still work.

 

2.Add fresh fuel to fuel powered vehicles. If old fuel is still present, you will also need to check all fuel lines for clogs, cracks, or breaks.

 

3.Check on/off switches to make sure that they work. Understand that a switch may move without allowing the vehicle to power on.

 

4.Confirm you are using the correct transmitter and frequency. This may seem obvious, but it is quite easy to mix up your controllers, especially if you own a lot of vehicles.

 

5.Inspect antennas on vehicle and transmitter to ensure that they are not broken, and are connected correctly. You should inspect the wires connecting them as well.

 

6.Test servo motors to ensure they are responding. If they don’t respond fully, test them by plugging them into a receiver that you know to be working. If they work, then it is likely the receiver. If they don’t, then they will most likely need to be replaced.

 

7.Examine wheel and engine bearings to ensure they spin freely. Metal bearings can clog or seize up, preventing them from spinning smoothly. More on this below.

 

8.Clean electric leads and reconnect or replace any questionable wiring. Try unplugging any electric leads or wires and cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol and an air can before plugging them back in. Make note of any worn or loose wires that will need to be replaced.

 

9.Reset all gears, making sure they can engage and spin freely without slippage. If the gears still mesh cleanly and spin together, they won’t need to be replaced. 

 

As you can see from the list above, the inspection should start with the basics, and then move on to the more involved and detailed aspects. Remember that the goal is to address any issues that might prevent the vehicle from basic operation first. Once you have established that it works, you can move on to address any concerns that might keep it from running optimally.

 

Upgrade Worthy?

 

Considering that the vehicle you are restoring is likely older, you should keep in mind that restoring it may involve replacing old parts with new ones. Bearings are a perfect example of this.

 

Older metal bearings may spin poorly or freeze up due to dirt or corrosion. Replacing them with fresh ceramic or ceramic hybrid bearings will not only solve this problem, but it will actually provide a substantial upgrade to your vehicle. 

 

This same is true of your vehicle’s other systems. Depending on how old it is, fresh parts may be unavailable or difficult to obtain. You may find yourself having to replace an entire engine, rather than just the worn out part.

 

Again, this is why it’s important to fully assess your vehicle’s true condition before beginning your restoration project.

 

The Restoration Process

 

Once you have fully inspected your vehicle and assessed any and all issues you will want to fix, it is recommended that you compile a list of parts, tools, and materials you will need for your project. This will allow you to search for sources of replacement parts and establish a budget for the project. 

 

Depending on the vehicle and its condition, this can be quite eye-opening. You may find that the cost of restoration eclipses the original price (or resale value) of the vehicle itself, at which point you may want to reconsider your restoration plans.

 

However, it is far better to learn this before you begin to invest time and money into the effort.

 

You may also want to prioritize this list from most to least essential. After all, you don’t want to spend time and money restoring everything else, only to find that the entire drivetrain needs to be replaced and no replacements can be found.

 

Always begin restoration with the most essential items first. Mechanical restoration will likely involve a lot of disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly, so it is strongly advised that you label the parts you remove and keep them from getting damaged or lost. You may find that plastic baggies are excellent for this purpose.

 

Be certain to re-test each item as it is reassembled. This will help you avoid lengthy troubleshooting efforts later on. Be patient, and work methodically.

 

Restoring Your Vehicle’s Appearance

 

The last thing you will do in your vehicle restoration is to deal with its appearance. While you may wish to restore it to “like new” condition, this may not be possible if it shows substantial wear or damage from past crashes.

 

If your goal is to simply display your old vehicle, then you can save a lot of money and effort by skipping the mechanical restoration and just focusing on the vehicle’s aesthetic appearance.

 

Many operators find that scuffs and battle scars add character to a vehicle, but it is ultimately up to you to determine how much effort to put into restoring your vehicle’s appearance.

 

Get it on Video

 

Regardless of your reason for wanting to restore your RC vehicle, you can be certain that there are other owners who would love to see how you did it. Even if you’re not an “expert,” a video documenting your effort will almost certainly be well-received by the RC community.

 

It will also help you remember what you did. So even if you don’t ultimately share your restoration video, you may find it is VERY helpful in remembering how parts came apart, and how to put them back together.

 

Boca Bearings is willing to compensate repairers for how-to videos such as this, which can help offset the total cost of your restoration. Contact us at info@bocabearings.com for more information.