Build a RC Car from Common Materials

Step #2: Remove drill motor and speed control

• Split electric drill in half.
• Remove electric drill motor and throttle switch assembly.
• Remove drill motor from casing and throttle switch from throttle body as shown.

Step #3: Build chassis

• We recommend that you arrange the PVC connectors on the table to determine your chassis profile. Here was our initial step.
• We cut pieces of PVC tubing to create the chassis frame.
• Here is the final chassis design.

Step #4: Create suspension system

• Mount upper and lower swing arms to RC wheel mount as shown. Ensure movement of swing arms.
• Test wheel on suspension arms for clearance between chassis frame and ground.
• Use medical syringe with cap to create strut.

Step #5:

• Mount handle of syringe to chassis frame as shown.
• Create recessed notch for syringe cap to interface with lower swing arm as shown.
• Repeat for all four wheel positions.

Step #6: Throttle system

• Modify throttle switch by removing inner throttle button spring and replacing with lighter-duty outer spring as shown. Use a washer and pin to keep outer spring in place.
• Next, drill a hole through the throttle button, through the throttle assembly and fish through fishing line as shown.
• Tie ends of fishing line to servo arms as shown.

Step #7: Drive system

• Use RC axles to connect rear wheels together. Route the axles through a piece of PVC tubing with a hole to feed the vacuum belt through as shown. Secure PVC tubing to chassis.
• Mount electric drill motor to chassis as shown. Create a wooden drum with a shoulder to ensure that the vacuum belt stays in place.

Step #8: Steering system

Mount servo to chassis as shown. Create and mount steering servo connector piece as shown. Connect steering arms to the connector piece as shown.

Step #9: Radio-control system

• Mount receiver to chassis.
• Mount battery pack for receiver to chassis.
• Connect steering and throttle servo wires to receiver.

Step #10:

Finished product!