By Jacob Hardison | Adrenaline RC Racing
Welcome back to the Adrenaline RC Racing blog! In this post, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked—but essential—parts of RC car maintenance: protecting your body shell.
Whether you're a hardcore racer or a weekend basher, learning how to extend the life of your RC body not only saves you money but keeps your paint looking fresh for longer. After getting a fresh paint job from Setser RC Art (shoutout to Ronnie Setser!), I knew I had to reinforce it before hitting the track. Here's how you can do the same.
Why Body Protection Matters
RC bodies take a beating—from body post pressure, side guard rub, crash impacts, and even engine heat (for nitro drivers). Without reinforcement, paint can wear through fast, and cracks can lead to expensive replacements. Luckily, there are a few key products you can use to protect your investment.
Must-Have RC Body Protection Products
1. Shoe Goo
Use For: General reinforcement
Shoe Goo is my go-to for reinforcing most RC bodies. Applied to the inside of the shell, it creates a buffer layer between the chassis and the paint to prevent rubbing and cracking. It also adds some structural strength to areas that take the most abuse.
🛠 Application Tip: Spread a thin layer on the inside of your body—especially around high-wear areas like body post holes and side panels. You can use your finger or a small brush to apply.
2. Drywall Tape + Shoe Goo
Use For: Maximum reinforcement on short course bodies
Drywall tape combined with Shoe Goo adds another level of strength. It's perfect for short course trucks where the body takes more direct impacts. Lay the drywall tape on key areas and cover it with Shoe Goo to lock it in place.
3. JConcepts Aluminum Tape (RM2 Line)
Use For: Nitro vehicle heat protection
This reflective tape is ideal for nitro bodies. It acts as a heat shield, preventing bubbling or flaking paint caused by engine and pipe heat. Use it around the exhaust outlet and engine cutouts.
4. Carbon Fiber Body Washers
Use For: Preventing cracks around post holes
Stick these on the outside or underside of the body at the body post holes. They help distribute pressure and prevent cracking over time. Perfect for 1/8-scale buggies and truggies. (If you're running smaller post holes, Traxxas body washers will work great.)
When to Use What?
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Electric Buggies/Truggies: Stick with Shoe Goo and optionally body washers.
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Nitro Cars: Use a combination of Shoe Goo + aluminum tape around heat zones.
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Short Course Trucks: Go all-in with Shoe Goo + drywall tape + body washers for max durability.
How to Apply Shoe Goo Like a Pro
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Clean the Inside of Your Body: Dirt or oil will keep the glue from sticking properly.
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Use a Thin Layer: A little goes a long way—no need to glob it on.
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Reinforce Post Holes: Dab some Shoe Goo on the underside and press around the hole.
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Add Drywall Tape (if needed): Place tape in high-stress areas, then seal it with Shoe Goo on top.
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Let it Cure: Allow at least 24 hours to fully cure before racing.
Final Thoughts
Reinforcing your RC body takes just a little bit of time but saves you from premature wear and replacements. Whether you're running nitro, electric, buggy, truggy, or short course—there’s a way to extend your body’s life and keep that custom paint job shining.
🛒 Need supplies? We’ll be restocking the JConcepts products mentioned above in our online store. Stay tuned for links!
Thanks for checking out the blog—see you next week for another how-to, recap, or giveaway right here on the Adrenaline RC Racing channel.