This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the RC world. ‘Am I the only one who loses body clips?’ Well, you’re definitely not the only one. Body clips are a thing of the past. Now we should move on to better things.
So, what are the RC body clips alternative?
The first thing that we’d suggest is the use of velcro tapes. These are durable and very strong. The next option that you have is to make DIY body clips using Paper clips. Magnets are a good alternative too but they are susceptible to breakage. The last and long-lasting option is the body mounting system.
Are you still unsure about these alternatives? That’s okay! We have detailed instructions for you that’ll change your mind.
Contents
Can You Re-Enforce Your RC Body Clips?
Yes, you can reinforce your RC body clips. Using RC body clip retainers will keep you from losing the clips. There are different types of body clip retainers. You can buy RC body clip retainers for $4- $10.
You can even try to make DIY body clip retainers that fit your RC chassis. You don’t have to spend money on retainers if you have some paracords and a few extra body clips. Just tie the body clips to the paracord strips, and you’re good to go!
But this isn’t a long-term solution. So you can try out the body clip alternatives that we’ve prepared for you.
RC Body Clips Alternative: Quick Comparison
Before we dive into all the details, we have a quick comparison to get started:
| Image | Alternatives | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Velcro Strips | Protects from dirt and mud | Can come off during a multi-car crash | Check Price |
  | Paper Clips | Availability | Might easily fall off | Check Price |
  | Magnets | Very Strong | Susceptible to breakage | Check Price |
  | Body Mount System | Long-Term Solution | Have to drill your RC body | Check Price |
Well, not without further ado, let’s move on to the main portion of the segment.
Are You Looking for Easy & Cheap Alternatives?
We have made a list of alternatives that you can use instead of body clips in your RC car. These are easy fixes and not viable long-term solutions. The other options listed here could be found in your home.
So without further ado, let’s check out the alternatives.
Alternative 1: Industrial Velcro Strips
Velcro tapes or strips are ideal for daily use. This can be used as a shoe goo alternative. And they are strong and easily manageable. So in your RC body, velcro strips will work really well.
You might be thinking, how good are velcro strips for RC body alternatives?
Velcro strips are solid and long-lasting alternatives for RC body alternatives. The last thing that you need while racing or bashing is your RC body coming off. In this case, you don’t have to worry about it. Velcro has a loop and hoop system that makes the chassis stay with the mod.
Sticking Velcro strips to your RC is very easy. You can stick it wherever you want. Take the adhesive strip off and stick one side on the mod. And take the other side to your RC chassis. You’d have to wait 24 hours to dry off the adhesive. And then you’re good to go.
To get the best performance, use industrial-strength sticky back adhesive. It has a double hook and loop system. Otherwise, you can straight up use 3M Scotch 810 Magic Tape. This is specially made for RC bodies.
Using velcro strips will give you the added benefit. The velcro will keep the dirt out of your RC body. However, the adhesive can come off during a multi-car crash. If you’re bashing or practicing with your RC, make sure to use a strong adhesive for the velcro.
That’s why we have listed some of the best adhesives for the velcro and your RC body.
| Image | Title | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | IC Adhesive Glue | Check Price |
  | J Concepts Advanced Formulated Tire Glue | Check Price |
These are the best adhesive in the market. So you’ll get the best results if you use any of these products.
Alternative 2: Paper Clips
Paper clips are very much like RC body clips. The RC body clips are a nightmare to pull out, and sometimes they could damage your chassis. The good thing about paper clips is that you can shape them the way you want. Now you might be wondering, how-to DIY RC body clips?
You can make DIY RC body clips in just three simple steps: you just news some paper clips, pliers, or needle-nose pliers and a ruler. So let’s get on with the steps.
Step 1: Select the Paper Clips
At first, choose what paper clips you want to use. Use the ones that are nice and rigid. The 1mm thick standard office paper clips are the best among these. These usually are 5cm long so that you can bend them into different shapes.
Step 2: Unbend the Paper Clips
Use a needle nose plier to unbend the paper clips. Make it as straight as possible. This will make the rest of the steps easier. You could use ordinary pliers, but it’d be a little hard to maneuver.
Step 3: Measure and Make a Semi-circle
In this step, you need to use a ruler and a straightened paper clip. Use the ruler and mark out 2cm of the straightened paper clip. After that, make a small semi-circle. You have to do this on the upper side. It is better to use a body clip for a reference.
Step 4: Start the Bending
Now hold the paper clip, and just before the bend, push the long bit in the desired direction. Make all of the bends 90 degrees after the first one, getting smaller as you go. Then simply cut the paperclip just before the straight bit ends.
This is how you make RC body clips out of simple paper clips. And you won’t even have to spend $10 extra dollars. All the items in this DIY are already in your home. So this is a win-win hack!
Alternative 3: Magnets
Magnets are good alternatives to the RC body clips. You should use rare earth magnets in your RC car. It’s so strong that it aligns itself from a distance. You can place eight magnets to mount the RC chassis.
Magnets can be drilled into the RC body. In this way, the magnets can stay strong, and your chassis will hardly move. But the problem with this technique is it makes them more susceptible to breakage. If you drill it too hard, the magnets can break off. So you need to be careful.
Another way of mounting the magnets is to fix them with epoxy glue. A hot glue gun is not enough to stick these RC body mount magnets permanently. So it is best to use JB Weld Epoxy glue. But make sure you don’t use metal-based epoxy.
After placing sealant on the RC mod, the magnets on the chassis of your RC car should be aligned. The polarity needs to be perfect. Otherwise, you’d have to take off the magnet and do it all over again.
If the polarity is alright, then you can use the technique regardless of the ESC types you’re using. And esc types won’t matter in this case too. For example, with proper polarity, the dissimilarities between sidewinder 8th and mamba monster won’t be concerning while using magnets.
Next, place the chassis on the RC mod. Then you should put a heavyweight on the chassis of the RC car. This will make the glue strong and last for a long time.
The downside of using magnets this way is that a strong jolt can take off the RC body. But the rare earth magnets are cheap and readily available.
Are You Looking for a Long-Time Solution?
For an RC body, permanent options are good. There is a chance you can damage your RC chassis by using the short-term solution. Over time, the RC body might crack or be heavily damaged.
That’s why we have listed a more permanent solution. Let’s check it out!
Body Mount System
After a while, the body clips become annoying. So a more long-term solution is better for every RC mod. You might feel overwhelmed as there are too many designs and features for the body mounting system.
Most of the body mount kits are designed for specific RC car brands. So you need to check if the RC body mount kit is compatible with your RC truck or car.
Only a few body mounting kits are consistent with a lot of RC cars. You should check out Pro-Line Body Mount Thumbwasher Kit or Pro-Line Secure-Loc Extended Body Mount Kit. This kit has adjustable body mounts so that you can fit any chassis on your car or truck perfectly!
The Pro-Line Extended Body Mount kit includes a screw-on body mounting system for a secure and robust mount. If you have a stock body mount, remove it. Then place your Body mounting and screw down the included setscrew into the body mount.
After that, place the O-Ring over the setscrew and mount your body as you normally would. But you’d have to drill a hole in your RC chassis in order to fit the screws.
Now, before mounting remember to mark body holes. However, even if you forget to mark body holes, there are some techniques that can help you to fix them.
So, Which One is Better?
If you’re looking for a cheap alternative, then I’d say velcro strips are the way to go. They are easy to use and very affordable. Just stick it to the RC body, and you’re good to go.
Velcro strips are long-lasting. And, you can always fix them with superglue or velcro adhesive if it comes off. But in regards to other alternatives, Velcro strips show the best performance.
But if you’re looking for something more permanent, then use the body mounting kit. A few body mount systems are magnetic. It’s up to you to decide what you want.
FAQs
Are magnets good RC body clip alternative?
Magnets are an excellent RC body clip alternative. The magnets hold the RC body together as they are powerful. But make sure to use rare earth magnets.
Should I drill out body posts in the RC chassis to accommodate body clips?
You can definitely drill out a few body posts in your RC car chassis. But these drills should be made strategically. Because you can crack the whole chassis if you’re not careful.
Can I use a metal-based epoxy to glue the magnets?
No, you shouldn’t use metal-based epoxy to glue the magnets to your RC car. The metal-based epoxy glue has metal bits in them. So if you use this type of epoxy glue, the rare earth magnets will attract the metals aside.
End Note
That was all about the RC body clips alternative. We hope this has helped you to decide which option you will choose for your RC car.
Here’s a quick tip for you. That is, refer to the user manual and check out the appropriate body for your RC mod. If you have a chassis that fits well, only then you can choose an excellent alternative to your body clips.
We hope you won’t have further problems with your RC chassis. Now go and have fun with your RC car!