DIY RC Car Wheelie Bar: Step-by-Step Guide
RC cars are incredibly popular among hobbyists because they are exciting, fun to drive, and can perform various stunts. If you are one of these hobbyists, you may have noticed that your RC car sometimes flips over when you are trying to perform stunts such as wheelies. This can be frustrating and can even cause damage to your car. A wheelie bar can help solve this problem. A wheelie bar is a sturdy, horizontal arm that extends from the back of your RC car and prevents it from flipping over when driving at high speeds or when performing stunts. A wheelie bar is easy to build and can be much cheaper when done yourself, rather than buying an expensive one that may not even fit your car. In this article, we will guide you through how to make a wheelie bar for your RC car using a few simple materials and tools. When done correctly, your wheelie bar will not only prevent your car from flipping but may also improve its performance, making it more stable and easier to drive.
Materials Required
Making a wheelie bar for your RC car requires few materials that can be easily found at a hardware store or purchased online. The materials needed include:
- Aluminum, steel rod, PVC tubing or any other material of your choice to make the base and support structure
- Nuts and bolts to attach the different parts of the wheelie bar
- Drill bits and a drill to create the necessary holes in the materials you choose
- Saw to cut the materials to size (depending on the type of material used)
- File or sandpaper to smooth the rough spots
- Measuring tape or ruler to ensure you make accurate cuts and measurements
Where to Get the Materials
- Aluminum, steel rod, PVC tubing or any other material of your choice to make the base and support structure
- Nuts and bolts to attach the different parts of the wheelie bar
- Drill bits and a drill to create the necessary holes in the materials you choose
- Saw to cut the materials to size (depending on the type of material used)
- File or sandpaper to smooth the rough spots
- Measuring tape or ruler to ensure you make accurate cuts and measurements
Where to Get the Materials
You can buy these materials at a hardware store near you or an online marketplace such as Amazon or eBay. These online platforms have a variety of materials you can choose from and at competitive prices. In addition, you can find tutorials and videos that can help you make the wheelie bar without any hassle.
How to Do a Wheelie Bar?
Here are the steps to do a wheelie Bar:
- Step 1: Install a Wheelie Bar on Your Vehicle
- Step 2: Adjust the Height of the Wheelie Bar
- Step 3: Practice Your Wheelie
- Step 4: Adjust the Wheelie Bar as Needed
If you need more information on how to install a wheelie bar or on what type of wheelie bar would work best for your vehicle, check out websites such as Summit Racing or JEGS. They offer a variety of wheelie bars that can fit most vehicles and have a wealth of information on their product pages to help you choose the right one.
Step-by-step Instructions to Make the Wheelie Bar
To make a wheelie bar for your RC car, follow these simple steps:
- Start by creating the base of the wheelie bar using the material of your choice. This base will depend on the size of your RC car and your preference for the type of material you want to use.
- Create or purchase the support structure, which can be made of steel rods or PVC tubing. Cut the support structure to the length of the base you created and attach it using nuts and bolts.
- Create or purchase the wheels that will make contact with the ground. Attach these to the ends of the support structure.
- Attach the completed wheelie bar to the chassis of your RC car with nuts, bolts, and screws.
Important Considerations
While creating a wheelie bar for your RC car, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Height of the Bar | The height of your wheelie bar will depend on the type of stunts you want to do and the power of your RC car. It should be high enough to prevent the car from flipping over completely but not too high to overtime the car. |
| Angle of the Bar | The angle of the wheelie bar should be set in a way that the back of the car is slightly raised off the ground, but not so much that the front of the car rises dramatically. This will prevent your RC car from tipping over and allowing you to have better control. |
| Length of the Bar | The length of the wheelie bar should be a bit longer than the width of the wheelbase of your RC car. This provides enough support to prevent flipping or tipping over. |
Online Resources
There are many excellent online resources available for DIY wheelie bar builds. Some of these resources include:
These sites provide a wealth of information on building wheelie bars, videos on how to do it correctly and safely, and the right materials to choose for your RC car.
How to do a wheelie on a RC car?
Performing a wheelie on an RC car is a fun and exciting trick that can impress your friends and fellow hobbyists. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure that your RC car has enough power to do wheelies. Electric models with brushless motors are ideal.
- Get your RC car moving forward and then brake suddenly to shift the weight to the rear of the car.
- Punch the throttle to give the car enough power to lift the front wheels off the ground.
- As the front wheels lift, use the steering controls to keep the car stable.
Remember to practice caution and safety when performing RC car stunts. Check out websites like RC Planet or HobbyTown for more tips and tricks on RC car driving and customization.
Attaching the Wheelie Bar to the RC Car
To attach the wheelie bar to your RC car, you will need to follow these steps:
- Remove the screws or bolts from the RC car’s rear bumper.
- Attach the wheelie bar to the bumper using the provided screws or bolts.
- Check that the wheelie bar is firmly attached and is not loose or wobbly.
- Make necessary adjustments to the height and angle of the wheelie bar as per your preferences.
Products You Can Buy
If you do not want to make a wheelie bar yourself, there are plenty of pre-made options available in the market. Some of the best wheelie bars on the market in 2021 include:
| Product Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Racing SLF117X06 | This wheelie bar is made of aluminum and is compatible with most Traxxas RC cars. It is adjustable and has a sleek design. | $43.88 |
| RPM RC Products 80912 | This wheelie bar is made of nylon and is adjustable to fit most RC cars. It is lightweight and reliable. | $15.53 |
| Integy C28790BLUE | This wheelie bar is made of aluminum and is highly adjustable. It is compatible with most RC cars and has a sleek design. | $74.49 |
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can create a wheelie bar for your RC car that will help enhance its performance and prevent it from tipping over or flipping. By using the right materials and taking the important considerations mentioned above, you can create a wheelie bar that is safe and reliable. Additionally, if you are not keen on making it yourself, we have also suggested some pre-made options that are compatible with most RC cars.
How do you install a wheelie bar?
To install a wheelie bar, follow these steps:
- First, gather all the necessary equipment, including the wheelie bar kit, a wrench, a socket set, and a drill.
- Position the wheelie bar in alignment with the rear wheels and mark the desired mounting points of the bracket.
- Drill the mounting holes and bolt the bracket to the chassis.
- Slide the wheelie bar onto the bracket and tighten the bolts until the wheelie bar is secure.
- Adjust the wheelie bar to the desired height and angle before tightening the bolts again.
If you need more detailed instructions or assistance, check out the installation guide on the manufacturer’s website or reach out to their customer support team.
Testing and Adjustment
After you have attached the wheelie bar to your RC car, you will need to test it and make sure that it works properly. Here are some tips for testing and adjusting the wheelie bar to get the best results:
- Start by driving the car on a flat surface to observe the vehicle’s performance without the wheelie bar.
- Gradually increase the car’s speed and observe its behavior. If the car flips or lifts the front wheels, it means the wheelie bar needs adjusting.
- Adjust the angle of the wheelie bar and test it again. The ideal angle is around 30 degrees, but this may vary depending on the car model and personal preference.
- Make sure the wheelie bar is not too low or too high, as this can affect its performance. The bottom edge of the wheelie bar should be about an inch above the ground.
Take Precautions
When testing and adjusting your RC car with the wheelie bar, it is important to take precautions to avoid injury or damage. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to avoid cuts and splinters.
- Choose an open and flat space for testing to avoid collisions with obstacles or people.
- Be cautious around the moving parts to avoid entanglement or getting hurt.
- Check the wheelie bar and other parts of the car regularly for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as necessary.
What Does a Wheelie Bar Do?
A wheelie bar is an accessory that is attached to the back of a drag racing car to prevent the car from tipping over backwards during acceleration. It provides additional support to keep the front wheels on the ground, and helps to distribute weight evenly across the vehicle. The wheelie bar is typically made of steel or titanium and consists of a long rod with wheels attached at the end. It can be adjusted to suit different track conditions and vehicle setups, giving racers greater control over their acceleration and speed. If you’re interested in learning more about wheelie bars or other drag racing accessories, check out websites such as Jegs or Summit Racing for a range of products and advice.
Recommended Products
Building a wheelie bar for your RC car requires some hardware and materials that you may not have at home. Here are some products that can help you with the task:
1. Aluminum or Steel Rods
The rods are the most important component of the wheelie bar, and you should choose high-quality and durable materials for this part. You can find aluminum or steel rods in a hardware store or online, like Amazon or eBay.
2. PVC Tubing
PVC tubing can be used to build the support structure of the wheelie bar, and it is a lightweight and affordable option. It is easy to cut and drill, and you can find it in hardware or plumbing stores.
3. Nut and Bolt Assortment
You will need nuts and bolts of different sizes to assemble the wheelie bar, and it is recommended to buy a kit or assortment that includes a variety of options to ensure that you have the right size for each part. You can find these kits on Amazon or other online retailers.
4. Drill and Saw
To assemble the wheelie bar, you will need a drill and a saw to cut and drill holes through the rods and tubing. A cordless drill or a rotary tool, like a Dremel, can be a practical and versatile option for this task.
5. Wheelie Bar Kits
If you don’t want to build the wheelie bar from scratch, you can purchase a pre-made kit that includes all the necessary components and instructions. You can find these kits on many RC car websites or Amazon.
Do Wheelie Bars Work?
– Yes, wheelie bars do work and can help prevent a vehicle from flipping over during a race or stunt.
– They are commonly used in drag racing, monster truck shows, and other high-performance events.
– Wheelie bars are metal bars that extend from the rear of the vehicle and are designed to touch the ground when the front wheels come off the ground.
– The bars provide stability and prevent the vehicle from flipping over by transferring the weight to the rear wheels.
– If you are interested in using wheelie bars or learning more about them, check out websites such as Jegs or Summit Racing that sell a variety of products for high-performance vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Building a wheelie bar for your RC car can be a fun and rewarding project that can enhance your driving experience and help you perform cool stunts. By following simple instructions and using the right materials, you can create a sturdy and reliable wheelie bar that will prevent your RC car from flipping and increase its stability. Remember to take safety precautions and test the wheelie bar before using it, and adjust it if necessary.
Online Resources
If you need more help or inspiration, there are many online resources available that can guide you through the process of building a wheelie bar for your RC car. For example, you can check YouTube tutorials, RC car forums, or websites dedicated to RC car modding and customization.
Conclusion
Making a wheelie bar for your RC car is a great way to get creative, learn new skills, and enjoy your hobby even more. With the right tools and materials, you can build a wheelie bar that will give your RC car the extra strength and stability needed for tricks and stunts. Good luck and happy driving!
