Buildable RC Cars: Kits, What’s Included and Choosing Your First Build
A buildable RC car is a kit you assemble yourself: you build the chassis, gearbox, suspension and shocks from bags of parts, then add the electronics and paint the body. Kits range from beginner-friendly classics like Tamiya’s to advanced racing kits from brands such as Team Associated, Losi, Xray and others. Most kits leave out the motor, ESC, servo, radio, battery and paint, so plan for those. Building teaches you how the car works, which makes repairs and tuning easier.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
What’s in a kit
| Usually included | Usually not included |
|---|---|
| Chassis, gearbox, suspension parts | Motor (some kits include a basic one) |
| Shocks and oil | ESC and servo |
| Clear body and decals | Radio and receiver |
| Wheels and tyres | Battery and charger |
| Manual, small tools | Body paint, threadlock, better tools |
Kits differ; always read the contents list.
Basic vs advanced kits
Beginner kits have clear, illustrated manuals, fewer parts and forgiving assembly; Tamiya’s buggies and trucks are a classic example, and re-releases like the Tamiya Sand Scorcher are built partly for the joy of building. Racing kits have more adjustable parts, precise tolerances and assume you know how to set up diffs and shocks. Scale crawler kits are another category, often with metal ladder frames and detailed bodies.
Electric or nitro
- Electric: simpler to build and run; brushless systems are fast and low maintenance.
- Nitro: engine, fuel system and exhaust add build steps and tuning; great sound.
Tools you need
- Quality hex drivers (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mm) and a Phillips set.
- Nut drivers (5.5 and 7 mm are common).
- Side cutters, hobby knife, curved Lexan scissors.
- Shock pliers and a ball-link tool.
- Threadlock, grease, CA glue for tyres.
- Parts trays to keep bags separate.
First-build tips
- Read the manual through before opening bags.
- Open one bag at a time, matching the manual’s steps.
- Don’t overtighten screws into plastic.
- Use threadlock only on metal-to-metal screws.
- Build shocks carefully: equal length and no air bubbles.
- Paint the body inside with polycarbonate paint before cutting out.
- Check everything moves freely before fitting electronics.
Why build instead of buying RTR
Building costs time but teaches you every part of the car. When something breaks, you know how to fix it. You also choose your own electronics, often better than RTR ones. For some, the build is the main fun; for others, it’s a step toward racing, where kits are standard. If you enjoy fabrication, you can go further and build your own chassis; see how to build an RC car frame.
Choosing electronics for a kit
Match the motor and ESC to the kit’s intended use. For a beginner basher or classic Tamiya kit, a simple brushed motor and matching ESC are fine; for racing kits, a brushless sensored system suits the class rules. Choose a servo with enough torque for the car’s size, and a 2.4 GHz radio with failsafe. Check the battery space before buying packs: racing kits often use specific shorty or saddle packs.
After the build
Before the first run, check that wheels spin freely, the steering returns to centre, the gear mesh has a little play and every screw is tight. Drive gently for the first battery, then recheck screws and shock oil levels.
FAQ
Are RC car kits hard to build?
Beginner kits are manageable with patience and the manual.
How long does a kit take?
Often one to several evenings.
What else do I need to buy?
Usually motor, ESC, servo, radio, battery, charger and paint.
Are kits cheaper than RTR?
Not always; you’re paying for choice and the build experience.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
