When you own a remote control (RC) car, making it your own can be as fun as driving it. Hobbyists love to tweak their RC cars’ looks with custom parts and designs. Personalizing your RC car lets you express creativity – kids can pick their favorite colors and designs, while adults can create “eye-catching designs and unique paint jobs” for a professional finish medium.com. Accessorizing your ride is a great way to stand out on the track or at meetups. In 2025 there are more cool options than ever: from sleek painted body shells to LED lighting kits and chrome wheels. In this guide we cover the top accessories for giving your RC car a fresh, custom look. We’ll explain how each upgrade works, what to look for, and share useful tips to install them. 🎨
Why Customize? Beyond looks, customizing reinforces learning and personal style. Experts note that RC customization “offers endless opportunities for creativity” and lets hobbyists “express their individuality” through unique colors and features. Upgrades like new body shells or lights not only change appearance but can improve aerodynamics or safety (for night running). Whether you want to mimic a race car, a monster truck, or a colorful drifting machine, the right accessories let you achieve it. And it’s fun – giving an RC car a distinct personality makes driving even more rewarding. 🏎️💥
How We Chose the Best Accessories: This article focuses on visual upgrades (body shells, decals, lights, wheels, paint/wraps) rather than performance mods. We researched the latest RC trends and products, including hobby stores and reviews, to find gear that’s popular in 2025. We prioritized items that are easy to install, widely compatible, and have glowing user feedback. Wherever possible we link to recommended products (with our Amazon affiliate tag) so you can quickly check prices and reviews. Always make sure any accessory fits your car’s scale and model before buying.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). We only recommend quality RC accessories we trust. 💰
Custom Body Shells: Unique Styles and Graphics 🛡️🎭
What is a body shell? The body shell is the main outer cover of the RC car (usually made of clear polycarbonate). It sets the overall style of the vehicle. You can buy plain (clear) shells to paint yourself, or pre-painted shells with cool graphics. Many RC hobbyists start customization here.
A colorful RC car body shell can completely change your car’s look. Custom-printed or hand-painted shells are popular accessories. 🌈
Choose the right shell: Pick a shell that fits your car’s model and wheelbase. (For example, 1/10 scale touring car shells differ from 1/8 scale buggy shells.) As Hearns Hobbies notes, “selecting the right RC body shell is crucial for both aesthetics and performance” hearnshobbies.com. A lightweight polycarbonate shell is ideal – it’s durable (resistant to crashes) and easy to paint. Look for brands like Pro-Line, JConcepts, or Team Associated which offer high-quality shells. Also consider the style (race car, truck, monster truck, etc.) that matches your vehicle’s purpose.
- Clear vs Printed: Clear shells (unpainted) give you total freedom to design your own paint job or wrap. Pre-painted shells come with factory graphics, saving painting time. For beginners, a pre-painted shell can still look great, but a clear one lets you practice custom painting or vinyl wrapping. 🔍
- Material: Choose polycarbonate shells when possible. This plastic is lightweight and strong. It can flex a bit on hard impacts, which helps it bounce back. 💪
- Fit and mounting: Make sure the shell has mounting holes that match your chassis, or be prepared to drill/install body posts. Some shells list “compatible with Traxxas Slash,” etc., in their description. 🛠️
Adding decals and details: Once you have a shell, detail it with decals or stickers. Decal kits (vinyl sticker sheets with stripes, flames, numbers, or sponsors) let you add small graphics easily. You can apply one-color stickers or complex waterslide decals. Even if your shell is plain, decals can give it a professional finish. Custom sticker shops (like RCDecals.com) allow you to print your name or logo, if you want something unique. 🏷️
Product Recommendation: For example, a Pro-Line Switchblade 1/10 Shell (medium length, sold clear) is a popular truck shell that you can paint any color. Or search “clear body shell” for a variety of 1/10 or 1/8 sizes on Amazon. Look for keywords like “clear RC body shell” with your scale. 🛒
Pro Tip: When changing shells, transfer all stickers or lights from the old body carefully. Mask the windows and any areas you don’t want to paint. Before painting, clean the shell in warm soapy water and let it dry – this removes any oil or dust so the paint or decals stick better. 🧼
Eye-Catching LED Light Kits for Night Runs 💡🌙
Lighting kits are a trendy way to make RC cars stand out, especially if you drive at dusk or indoors. LED lights let you add headlights, tail lights, roof lights, and under-body “rock lights.” With the flip of a switch, your car can light up tracks and terrains like a real vehicle. As hobby stores note, LED kits help “make your ride stand out day or night” rcvisions.com. Many kits are plug-and-play: they attach to your receiver and battery, so you can use a channel on your transmitter to control them.
- Types of lights:
- Head/Tail lights: Common for scale realism. LED headlight kits come with white LEDs (front) and red LEDs (back) that plug into the rear light position of a shell or chassis. Some kits include light covers to mimic real headlights. ⚪🔴
- Roof and bumper bars: LED bars (straight or curved) mount on roll cages or bumper. These are popular on trucks and crawlers. 📏
- Rock lights: These are small, usually flat LEDs placed under the chassis. They shine down at the ground, creating an underglow effect. Multicolor rock lights look awesome at night. 🌟
- Neon/underglow strips: Flexible LED strips can be applied along the chassis or wheel wells for glowing color effects (often requires a controller kit). 💚💙
- Custom modes: Some kits come with a remote or programmable controller to change light colors or blink patterns. 🎛️
- Installation: Most kits include a wiring harness and switch. You’ll typically mount LEDs by screwing or taping them onto the shell/chassis. Route wires neatly along the chassis and secure with zip ties. Connect to your receiver’s 2-wire port (the extra channel used for LEDs). Many kits work on 7.4V (2S LiPo) or similar voltage – check specs. Tip: Test-fit the LEDs on your body before drilling holes. Many users cut windows on their shell to let the lights shine through, or use clear inserts. 🔌
For beginners, look for kits labeled “all-in-one RC LED kit” that have everything you need (lights, wires, harness, instructions). Because many LED kits are generic, you can often use the same set on different cars as long as the voltage matches. When we looked at hobby shops, the consensus was clear: good LED kits are “designed for easy installation and maximum durability”, so even newbies can add lights with minimal fuss.
Lighting Tips: Ensure your LEDs do not short out by keeping them dry and wiring them properly. Always use the included resistors if needed. If your kit comes with heat shrink tubing, use it on solder joints to avoid shorts. ⚠️
Product Recommendation: A popular choice is the 5-6 Color RC LED Light Kit (look for 6-pack kits on Amazon). These often include multicolor LEDs, a control box, and even a small remote. Be sure to pick the right connector for your receiver (Traxxas systems, for example, use a 2-pin plug labeled 98104 or 98105). 🌈
Decals & Sticker Sets: Graphic Details 🖼️🔥
Once your shell shape and paint are set, decal stickers bring out the details. Pre-cut decal sheets can add flames, stripes, racing numbers, or logos on your shell. Many shells come with tentative paint masks – extra decals help finalize the look.
- Sticker Kits: Brands like Pro-Line, Team Associated, and Xtra Speed sell decal kits specifically cut for popular shells (for example, a Ford Mustang body). These typically include sponsor logos (STP, NOS, etc.) and accent stripes. They often fit exactly if you have the matching body. 🏁
- Custom Decals: You can also buy blank vinyl sticker sheets (water-slide or adhesive) and print your own designs with an inkjet printer. Sites like RCDecals.com or VinylCrafters offer custom decal printing. You send them artwork (or logos) and get a vinyl sheet back. 🖨️
- How to apply: Clean the painted shell with isopropyl alcohol first. For adhesive decals, peel them off the backing and press onto the shell, smoothing out bubbles. For waterslide decals, soak the sticker sheet in water, then slide the decal into place on the shell, and let it dry. Finish with a clear spray (polycarbonate safe) to seal them in. 💧
Decals are an affordable way to “dress up” any shell, especially if you like scale realism. Even simple shapes (stripes, flames) can make a big difference. Use decals to match a theme – for example, number logos and sponsor brands for a race car look, or camouflage shapes for a military truck. 🎯
Product Recommendation: Consider getting a decal sticker set relevant to your style. For example, search for “RC drift car decal stickers” or “RC racing flame stickers” on Amazon. A versatile kit is the Generic Flame Decal Stickers, which includes sheets of flames, tribal designs, and more to cut to size. ✂️
Pro Tip: Always press decals down firmly, and consider using a sanding block on the edges of paint before applying, so the edges are smooth (this helps decals stick better). 📏
Wheels & Tires: Style on the Ground 🛞🏞️
Wheels and tires might seem like performance upgrades, but they also dramatically affect style. Swapping in shiny chrome rims, colored wheels, or specialty tires can make your RC stand out. The right wheel design can match the body theme – for example, wide rally wheels under a hatchback shell, or aggressive off-road tires under a monster truck body.
RC Superstore emphasizes that top brands like Pro-Line, Team Losi, and Traxxas offer a “wide selection” of wheels and tires rcsuperstore.com. Here are some options:
- Chrome or Colored Wheels: Many manufacturers produce chrome-finish wheels (great for show cars) or colored alloys. A chrome wheel with a painted body looks striking. For instance, chrome monster truck wheels pair well with bright truck bodies. For a premium look, you might upgrade to aluminum beadlock wheels (often available in chrome or colored finishes). 🪙
- Specialty Tires: Tire tread also adds flair. Slick tires suit on-road drift cars (show off nice wheels), while chunky, knobby tires are for off-road trucks. You can mix and match: a custom build might have gold wheels with white-letter tires, or black wheels with red rims. 🛤️
- Scale & Details: Some wheels include details like lug nuts or beadlock rings that add realism. Others come in different sizes (1.9″, 2.2″, etc.) – always match the wheel diameter to your vehicle’s requirements. 📐
Example: Many Traxxas short course truck owners like the “1.9″ Blue Chrome Wheels” set for a flashier look. If you have a crawler, consider “6-spoke beadlock wheels” and bright pit bull rubber tires. 🐶
The key is compatibility: check that the wheels have the correct hex hub size (e.g. 12mm hex) and tire inner diameter (e.g. fits 1/10 or 1/8 car). As the RC Superstore notes, you’ll find tires from on-road drag slicks to rock crawling tires in their catalog.
Product Recommendation: Look for RC chrome wheel sets on Amazon. For instance, INJORA 1.9″ Chrome Wheels fit many 1/10 off-road trucks. Or search “RC wheels aluminum” for more high-end options. Always double-check compatibility (wheel hex and tire size) with your RC model. 🔍
Bold Tip: Upgrading tires can also improve handling. If you switch to a wider tire for style, remember it might change how your car grips the track. Make sure the tires are correct for your driving surface (soft compound for carpets, hard compound for pavement). 🏁
Paint & Vinyl Wraps: Color and Finish 🖌️🌈
After picking a shell and stickers, paint or wrap is how you give your RC car its final color. There are two main approaches:
- Spray Painting (polycarbonate paints): Use spray cans or an airbrush with paint made for polycarbonate (Lexan). These paints are safe for clear shells (they flex and won’t crack). Good choices are brands like Tamiya PS series, Pactra, or Dupli-Color Lexan. Always shake the can well and apply in thin, even coats, holding the spray about 8–12 inches away. Build up color with multiple passes to avoid drips. Mask off any area you want to keep clear (like windows) using vinyl tape. 🎨
- Vinyl Car Wrap: An easier (and reversible) method is using automotive vinyl wrap sheets. As one RC expert notes, vinyl wrap offers “hundreds of color choices and finishes that simply aren’t possible with paint” quadifyrc.com. You can buy automotive wrap (brands like 3M or Avery) and cut it to fit your shell. Wraps come in gloss, matte, metallic, even carbon fiber patterns. The advantage is you apply it on the outside, so you don’t have to paint from inside the shell (which can be tricky). It’s also removable: if you mess up or want a new look, just peel it off. 🛡️
Vinyl Wrap Tip: Work slowly and use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the vinyl as you press it on curves. This helps it mold smoothly. A small squeegee (or even a credit card wrapped in cloth) can help smooth out bubbles. 🔥
- Color Ideas: Bright primary colors (red, blue, green) are always popular. Two-tone or color-block designs (split shell by color) look awesome. Metallics or pearlescent paints give a show-car vibe. Matte finishes (spray a matte clear coat over paint) look very modern and are good at hiding finger prints. 🔴🔵🟢
- Finishing: After painting, apply a Lexan-safe clear coat for gloss and protection. For wraps, press down edges well and trim neatly. Optionally, add a thin layer of 2-part epoxy (like epoxy resin) inside the shell under clear windows for extra rigidity (used by racers for strength). ✨
Installation Tip: Never use model (regular) acrylic or enamel paint on clear shells – it will crack. Always use polycarbonate-approved paint. After finishing, let your shell dry/cure fully before handling; paint usually needs 24 hours to reach max hardness. ⏳
Why Wrap or Paint? As QuadifyRC explains, wrapping is less messy than painting and gives many design options. But painting (from the inside of the shell) is classic and can be just as effective. Choose whichever you’re comfortable with – both yield a custom look.
Product Recommendation: Check out polycarbonate spray paint or small vinyl wrap kits on Amazon. For example, a Hudy Polycarbonate Spray Set (6 cans) often includes primary colors for RC bodies. For wrap, look up “Automotive Vinyl Wrap Sheet” – you can cut it with scissors to size. ✂️
Installation & Pro Tips 🛠️🔧
Before rushing into installing accessories, keep these tips in mind to make it easier and neater:
- Prep Surfaces: Clean and dry everything. As Hearns Hobbies suggests, thoroughly wash the body shell with mild soap and water to remove oils. Lightly sand any painted areas with fine-grit sandpaper to help new paint or wrap stick. Clean wheels and chassis areas with alcohol if you attach anything with glue or tape. 🧽
- Test Fit Everything: Always place parts without finalizing to check fit. Dry-fit the body on the chassis, test the placement of lights, wheels, etc., before gluing or taping. Mark drill holes with a pen or tape. 📏
- Mounting Body Shell: Use the correct length body clips. The shell should sit about 1-2mm above the chassis in front and back. If your body posts are too short for a new shell, you can buy longer posts or use body post extenders. 📍
- Wiring LED Lights: Plan your wire routing to avoid interference with moving parts. Secure LED wires with zip ties or tape along the chassis. If the kit came with a switch or remote box, find a discreet spot (inside the body or under the chassis) to tuck it. Check polarity (red positive, black negative) before plugging in. 🔴⚫
- Applying Decals and Wraps: For decals, you can spray a bit of soapy water on the shell first; this lets you slide the decal into perfect position before it sticks. After placing, squeegee out the water and let it dry. For vinyl wraps, small cuts and heat will be your friend on corners. Trim excess vinyl carefully. 💦
- Sealing Your Work: If you painted or added decals, a final coat of polycarbonate clear spray (matte or gloss) will protect everything from scratches. For wrapped shells, adding a tiny dab of clear epoxy at corners can secure vinyl edges (optional). 🛡️
Avoid These Mistakes: Don’t rush drying times (especially paint and epoxy). Always cover electronics (receiver board) if painting near them. And never plug lights or electronics into a battery with connectors reversed – double-check connections. ❌
By taking your time with each step and following the kit instructions, even beginners can achieve clean, professional-looking results. As one pro tip: keep a small hobby knife handy to trim stray paint film or vinyl. A fine paintbrush and model finishing kit (like sanding sticks) also come in handy for touch-ups. 🔪
Accessory Comparison 📊🔍
Here’s a quick table to compare the main appearance-customizing accessories, what they do, and key features:
| Accessory | Purpose | Key Features & Types |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shell | Base for new look/shape | Lightweight polycarbonate; comes clear (to paint) or pre-printed. Styles: touring, truck, monster, etc. 🛡️ |
| LED Light Kit | Add lights for realism/fun | Includes headlights, taillights, roof bars, underglow. Plug-and-play sets with LED wires and controller. 💡 |
| Decals/Stickers | Graphics & logos (details) | Vinyl or waterslide stickers: flames, sponsor logos, numbers. Easy to apply on painted bodies. 🏷️ |
| Wheels & Tires | Style and traction | Chrome or painted rims, colored alloys, beadlocks. Tires for off-road vs on-road. Wheel hex size must match car. 🛞 |
| Paint & Wrap | Color and finish | RC-specific spray paints (polycarbonate) or adhesive vinyl wraps. Finishes: gloss, matte, metallic, carbon fiber texture, etc. 🎨 |
This table summarizes how each item contributes to your RC’s appearance and the options to look for when shopping. 📈
Showcase Ideas and Final Tips 📸🏆
After installing your accessories, don’t just let the car sit on the shelf – show it off! Take pictures under good light or even a dark room (for lights on), and share on social media. Many RC hobbyists post their builds on Instagram, Reddit (r/rccars), and RC forums. Tagging your photos with #RCCustom or #RCCar can attract attention and feedback. 📱
As the scene evolves, you’ll see new themes: maybe future RCs in 2025 will have ultra-realistic scale details or holographic wraps. Keep an eye on hobby blogs and shows. Building your dream RC car appearance is part of the fun – let your creativity drive you. 🚀
In conclusion, customizing your RC’s appearance is satisfying and easy with the right accessories. Popular upgrades include custom body shells and paints, LED light kits, detailed decals, eye-catching wheels, and colorful paints or wraps. Each accessory plays a role: the body shell gives the main canvas, lights add flair, and wheels/tires finalize the style. Remember to plan your build, prepare surfaces, and take your time applying parts. The result will be a unique RC car that’s yours in every way. Happy customizing! 🎉
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a shell that fits and suits your style; prep and paint or wrap it carefully. 🛡️
- Lights can transform the look – plug in a LED kit so your car glows at night. 💡
- Decals add small details easily (think logos, stripes). 🏷️
- New wheels/tires give an instant makeover (chrome rims, colored wheels). 🛞
- Vinyl wraps offer endless colors/textures beyond paint. 🌈
Experiment, share your designs with friends, and enjoy driving a car that reflects your personality. With the 2025 lineup of accessories, the sky’s the limit for making a show-stopping RC car. 🌟