Prep your SC body for the perfect aerodynamic advantage!

Start by washing the body

How To: Prep Your SC Body for Racingcompetitionx.com /rc-how-tos/prep-your-sc-body-for-racing/

In all forms of racing, aerodynamics play a huge roleon how a vehicle performs. Since Short Course racingrequires the bodies to keep their recognizable form,full-scale racers have streamlined the original bodyinto a sleek, sexy package. While this rule also appliesto RC, we need to take a few extra steps to keep ourSC trucks from turning into high-flying wind sails!

Items Needed:SC Body, preferably one that is already painted andready to mount.Curved lexan scissors, file and or dremel to cut holesand clean them up.Hobby knife for cutting stickers.

Step 1: Prep the Body

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aftermarket companies (as well as the original manufacturers) that offer clear SC bodies. Once you’vechosen the one you like, it is recommended that you mount the body before painting. This ensures that anymounting holes you drill will be perfect once the body is completed. Next, clean your body, mask it andpaint it up. With curved Lexan scissors, cut along the trim lines to remove all the unused plastic. For this

Attach the body panels

How To, we’ll assume you’ve completed that task.

Step 2: Attach the Body Panels

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optional step depending on the body you’ve chosen. Some bodies, like Proline’s Ford Raptor used here,include additional panels that you can attach. While these won’t necessarily affect performance, they dogive your Short Course Truck a realistic look as well as adding some additional real estate for stickers orcustom paintwork.

Step 3: Cut Some No-Fly Holes

Here is the tricky part. Since SC trucks tend to act as giant parachutes when they leave the ground, it ispossible to cut holes in the body to allow the air to flow out. This helps keep the truck flying straight andtrue when in the air. You may need to experiment a bit, but keep in mind that any flat surfaces on the backof the body can trap air under it. Two things to keep in mind; 1) don’t cut shapes that have sharp edges(like squares). Any unexpected tumbles can cause the body to tear in the corners. Keep to the circularshapes for best results. 2) Be careful how much material you remove; too much and you can weaken theback of the body. Remember, you are only trying to let the air out.

Step 4: Show Your Support

Whether you’re sponsored or not, it’s always a good idea to show your support for the manufacturersproducts you use. You chose that SC truck for a reason…why not let everyone know what truck is beatingthem on the track! In addition, you never know when a manufacturer’s team manager is around checkingout the local talent.

There you have it. Tweaking the aerodynamics of your body could take a couple of attempts, but once

Make strategic air outlets

you’ve found the right combination of holes and cutouts, it will definitely help put you in front of the pack.

Apply the final touches