RC car and truck enthusiasts know that the body of the vehicle is more than just a shell—it’s a protective, customizable, and visually defining part of the machine. Most RC car bodies are made from polycarbonate plastic, a durable material that is vacuum-formed into shape. Some bodies come factory-painted, while others arrive crystal clear and ready for your custom design. Regardless of which type you use, paint is applied to the inside of the body, meaning the plastic itself acts as a glossy protective coating.
Working with these bodies is much easier when you have the right tools, and DU-BRO offers specialized equipment designed specifically for RC car enthusiasts. Their RC Body Reamer and Scissors Set includes two precision scissors—one ideal for straight cuts, the other perfect for smooth curved lines. These tools aren't just for car hobbyists; RC airplane and helicopter builders will also appreciate their effectiveness on vacuum-formed canopies and cowls.
Another essential tool is the DU-BRO Tapered Reamer, perfect for creating clean, accurately sized holes in polycarbonate. These holes are necessary for mounting the body to the chassis using metal body clips—simple, effective, and notoriously easy to lose.
Anyone who has spent time at the track or park knows the “magic trick” of body clips: set them down for a moment and they vanish. DU-BRO solves this with their Body Clip Retainers, a simple tether system that keeps your clips attached to the body even when removed. No more losing clips in your pit space or on the sidewalk.
How to Install DU-BRO Body Clip Retainers
The installation process is simple and beginner-friendly. Start by drilling two 5/32" holes in the body—one near the front mounting location and one near the rear. The DU-BRO reamer makes this easy, and marking the correct depth with tape ensures you don’t create oversized holes. If you prefer a drill bit, use a block of scrap wood behind the plastic to prevent cracking.
Once the holes are made, insert the center posts of the retainers. A blunt tool, like the back end of a DU-BRO pushrod, is ideal for pressing them in without damage.
With both retainers installed, attach the included body clips. DU-BRO provides multiple clip sizes in the package, allowing you to choose the one that fits your setup best. Body clip retainers also come in a wide variety of colors—from low-key options to bright, flashy accents that add personality to your RC rig.
DU-BRO’s lineup of RC body tools and accessories makes working with polycarbonate shells faster, cleaner, and far more enjoyable. Whether you’re trimming a new body, drilling perfect holes, or preventing clip loss forever, DU-BRO products help your RC car look better and perform better. With the right tools, customizing and maintaining your RC body becomes easier than ever.
