Protecting the inside of your shell

[peetbee]

So, you've got your nice new paint job, how do you stop the paint being scratched/rubbed off on the inside?
I've used Tamiya chassis protector sheets in the past but it's quite expensive and doesn't always follow the contours of the shell.
I've also seen others with duc tape and masking tape.

What do you all use and how effective is it?
Thanks

[markwilliamson2001]

Fibre-glass tape in high-wear areas, and around tight corners, as it stops the lexan cracking.

HTH
Mark

[DCM]

the tape got to have a bloody good bond, or it just lifts off, but then it can take the paint off too.

You could always try these fender mender products, like a goo you paste to the inside of the shell, stays flexible?

[millzy]

black electric tape - or maybe some not usable sticker sheets

allways have done this with the amazing shells DCM dose for me- never hads the paint come off from rubbing

[bigred5765]

paint i thin layer of pva glue in the high wear areas ,but be carefully not to put to much on its heavy,

[peetbee]

Oops, thanks for the replies, I'll be trying a few of them out as they are all cheaper than the chassis tape:thumbsup:

[LowClassCC]

i pick up some uncut vinyl sheets from the local (vinyl cutting) sign shop. they use the top quality vinyl. nice and thick and excessively tacky. so when you stick it be sure its where you want it. and the bonus is that it comes in thousands of colors so you can match it up to the inner paint color so it blends in with the inner paint and dont stand out..

[Craig]

Fiberglass tape on the high wear areas.

The paint ive had done by DCM never cracks off and i do try really hard, plus its on a tourer shell.

Failing that like people have said vinyl.

[DCM]

don't forget guys, if you stick something on the inside of your shell, as long as your paint is sound, it will provide protection, if you paint is lifting, it will rip a load of paint off ;)

[peetbee]

You'd better make sure my paint is sound then Steve! :p
How's my latest shell?

[DCM]

now I finished fighting with the pool... I can look at it lol

[Welshy40]

So, you've got your nice new paint job, how do you stop the paint being scratched/rubbed off on the inside?
I've used Tamiya chassis protector sheets in the past but it's quite expensive and doesn't always follow the contours of the shell.
I've also seen others with duc tape and masking tape.

What do you all use and how effective is it?
Thanks

I use white clear GRP tape. Never breaks and never looses its adhesion. All I did was spend a bit of time cutting it to cover the whole shell, and yes it weighs a bit more but then again with LIPOs you can still put it bang on the weight limit.

I have used this for years and after using the same shell for close to four years on my old buggy it got picked at the regional finals in the 90s to be in the top three best painted shells which kindof showed it withstood the punishment over time.

[millzy]

in the 90s

you know its now 2009 right

[peetbee]

TBH I don't see the need to cover the whole shell.
If I use velcro to hold it to the undertray then the velcro covers most of the sides, it's just the parts that could be scratched by esc, wires and edges of chassis, etc that I've needed to worry about.

I've used electrical tape on my Mid shell which will be run at Caldicot this week, so we'll see how that holds up (probably better than the gearbox with lipo and brushless!):woot:

[Welshy40]

in the 90s

you know its now 2009 right

Duh!!! Im still using this stuff on my new Lazer shell and is still looking new so is still a good technique even if the cars 15 years old.

[Lowie]

TAM53351 Aluminium Reinforced Tape


VEEEERY good stuff.

easy to apply, sticky, ...

[ryanlownie]

I use Nitro Block from Custom Colour on my shells. It's a clear spray that hardens to form a protective coat over the paint. I've only ever rubbed through the stuff with an exhaust manifold that was pressed right against the shell and of course was extremely hot.

It's recommended that you spray on a coat, leave for 30 mins, spray on another coat and leave to harden. I would leave your windows masked though as it can produce a misted/frosted effect.

http://www.jespares.com/radio-controlled-models/petrol-cars/bodyshells-paint-wings/paints-accessories/spray-paints/custom-colour/custom-colour-nitro-block.html