How to Build a Hobby Quality RC Car

Open the kit and follow the instructions to assemble the vehicle's chassis. This is only the frame of the car, so it doesn't include any of the electronics necessary for making it radio-controlled.

Slide the servo horn - included with your kit - onto the servo arm. Press it down onto the servo, then tighten the mounting screw to ensure a snug fit. Secure the two servo mounting braces to either side of the servo by tightening the four screws. Insert the servo into the chassis in accordance with the method described in your instruction manual. Snap the servo horn onto the steering mechanism inside the chassis, then affix the servo to the chassis by tightening the two mounting screws.

Rub the chassis down with a piece of cloth and rubbing alcohol to dissolve any oily residue left on the chassis during the assembly process. Choose a location on the chassis to install the receiver. Select a place that is as far as possible from the rear of the vehicle, which is where the motor will be installed. Doing so will minimize any risk of radio interference while driving.

Peel one side of a 2-inch section of double-sided tape, then press it firmly to the chassis. Peel the other side of the tape, then press the receiver down onto the tape, holding it for a few seconds to ensure a proper bond. Thread the antennae wire up through the antennae straw included with the kit. Slide the bottom end of the straw into the antennae mount on the chassis, pressing it firmly so the antennae stands vertically.

Choose a location to mount the electronic speed control (ESC). Peel a 2-inch section of double-sided tape, then press it firmly onto the chassis. Peel the other side of the tape, then press the backside of the ESC down onto the tape, mounting it to the chassis. Plug the connector into the first channel of the receiver, then stick the power switch to a convenient location on the chassis using a 1/2-inch square of double-sided tape.

Slide the motor into the rear housing near the transmission (use your manual to identify this location in your specific model). Hold the motor in position, then tighten the two motor-mounting screws until they are barely loose enough to slide the motor back and forth inside the housing. Install the pinion gear onto the motor's shaft, then tighten the bolt with a hex wrench to secure the gear in place. Pinch a sheet of paper between the pinion gear and the spur gear before completely tightening the motor mounting screws; this will ensure the gears are properly meshed for optimum performance.

Connect the motor wires to the corresponding leads on the ESC. Match the positive (+) red wires and the negative (-) black wires, then connect them. Plug the servo connector into the second channel on the receiver.

Slide a fully charged 7.2v battery pack into the chassis, then connect it to the ESC. Insert batteries into the transmitter, then turn on both the transmitter and the receiver. Test the functionality of the vehicle by applying some forward throttle, then turning the front wheels left and right by moving the steering mechanism on the transmitter.