AboutMatt Coia Expertise I can answer questions about r/c cars and trucks including on-road and off-road vehicles. I am knowledgeable in both nitro and electric powered vehicles. I can also handle questions about repair and maintenance of any wheeled vehicle.
Experience I have owned and raced many different kinds of vehicles. I also help administer a busy website devoted to the r/c hobby. I have done repair work for hobbyshops in the past and have helped many beginners get started in the hobby. I also operate a middle school r/c club.
Organizations ROAR, Mensa, NSTA
Publications www.wnyrcinfo.com
Education/Credentials I am a certified Physics teacher now teaching middle school science and Physics in New York State.
Expert: Matt Coia Date: 5/22/2008 Subject: building a 3.5cc ic engine car
Question QUESTION: hi.....i'm trying to build a 3.5cc ic engine car that is to be put up in a comptetion....theres still a lot of time for the comptetion....can u suggest me the varioud tools required.....the spare parts etc
ANSWER: Hello Shankar,
I would start by doing some research into the kinds of vehicles that are already produced by manufacturers. Questions you should be asking yourself are: Will I make all parts myself or will I use parts that are already available? What is the purpose/function of the car...on-road/off-road? What is the budget for the car?
Tools you will need will vary with the type of vehicle but you should have an assortment of screwdrivers, wrenches, hex type keys, pliers, and sockets. Razor knives also come in handy alot along with sandpaper, lubricants and scissors. If you are making parts yourself, you will probably need other tools like drills, grinders, saws, etc.
Building a reliable and competitive car is a very complex task. As you get into it further and develop specific questions, let me know and I will help you any way I can.
Thanks for the the question and good luck!
Matt
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks for the concern you have showed....I'm planning to use the parts already available....the function of the car is not actually on the road but its just to put in a competition where in the vehicle needs to race for two laps(each lap approximately 500mts).and coming to the cost of making i want use the best parts and tools for the making of the car....
thanks for your suggestions and waiting for your reply
Shankar
Answer Hi Shankar,
I would start by checking out websites that have forums that deal with r/c. A quick google search is probably the best way. You can also check out sites by the major r/c or hobby magazines. Lastly, look at the major retailers for the parts you might need. You might want to check out towerhobbies.com or horizonhobby.com for more info. Manufacturers also have a lot of info online.
You might also want to invest in a pre-built car to try first so you can get used to controlling a vehicle and so you know how it should feel when you build your own.
