The T-Maxx (TM) truck's acrylic body comes essentially pretrimmed. The only thing necessary for customizing the appearance is to select the primary body color, apply spray paint and add a few decals.
The preapplied trim is on the exterior of the clear acrylic body. Spray paint is applied to the inside surface of the body (figure A) so that the color shows through the clear portions. In this way, paint won't be chipped off when the vehicle rolls over during use, and the glossy exterior of the clear body provides a high-gloss finish.
Safety Alert: When using spray paints, always work in a well-ventilated area, and wear safety glasses.
Steps: - Start by washing the inside of the body thoroughly with denatured alcohol or a household cleaner.
- Allow the cleaner to dry thoroughly before applying paint.
- Once the body is completely dry, apply a light coat of spray paint to the interior using a specially formulated spray paint in a color of your choice (figure B). Don't worry about overspray getting on the exterior. The body comes covered in a plastic film that will later be peeled away from the exterior. Any overspray will peel off with the plastic film.
Important: Use only model paints specially formulated for use on polycarbonate bodies. These paints are available from your hobby dealer.
- After the first coat has dried, apply a second coat. Allow it to dry.
- Turn the body over and remove the manufacturer's protective film coating from the exterior (figure C).
- Apply decals as desired (figure D). Following are suggestions for applying decals:
- Carefully cut out the decals you select from the decal sheet using scissors. Decals may include headlights, windows, grill, racing stripes, logos, etc.
- Prepare the area where you'll be applying the decal by spraying it with a solution of water and a few drops of dishwashing soap.
- Peel the backing off the first decal and position the decal where you want it to go. The slippery soap-and-water solution permits you move the decal around on the plastic surface, straightening and making slight adjustments to the positioning.
- Once the decal is positioned just as you want it, gently blot it with a paper towel to remove the excess solution. Gently squeeze out any bubbles that may have gotten trapped beneath the decal. The decal should bond to the surface as it dries.
- Repeat these steps for the other decals you've selected.
Once the body has been painted and trimmed (figure E), it's ready to install on the chassis. After that's done, you're ready to head off-road.
RESOURCES :
T-Maxx radio-control 4x4 truck by Traxxas
Traxxas®
Website: www.traxxas.com
The T-Maxx was featured on episode 104 and 303 of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies workshop.
Great Planes Model Distributors
Distributor of radio-controlled model planes, cars, boats, trucks etc.
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
The RC Source
Online resources for Radio Control Aircraft, Boats, etc.
Web site: www.thercsource.com
Tower Hobbies
An online retailer for radio-controlled models.
Web site: www.towerhobbies.com
RC Web
Comprehensive online resource (presented by Tower Hobbies) for radio-control model enthusiasts.
Web site: www.towerhobbies.com/rcweb.html
HobbyTown USA
HobbyTown USA (Registered Trademark) is a Nebraska corporation formed in 1985 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla. HobbyTown began in 1980 with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The corporation was established for the sole purpose of sharing their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store.
Today, HobbyTown USA is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry.
With the company motto of "Building Your Dream" and with more than 150 stores open, it is the largest retail hobby franchise in the world and is ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide. More importantly, there are now hundreds of owners realizing their dream of being their own boss, and having fun while they do it.
For store location information, please click here.
HobbyTownUSA
Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: 402-434-5050
Email: info@hobbytown.com
Website: www.hobbytown.com
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