Tips - DIY Shock Covers

 

Make your own shock covers

This is an old, tried and true modification, but for those of you out there who have not tried it, its well worth the time.

Ripping it up in the dirt with an RC monster is a hoot, no doubt about it. Downside is, well, the DIRT.  Crud-covered shocks can be a big problem, as the dirt will start wearing out seals and scratching shafts. Before you know it, you got yourselfs some leaks going on there.

There are some excellent shock covers available from RC shops and sites, but if you want to save a penny or two, you might want to try and make your own covers. Its EASY.

First off, buy a bag of balloons. As in party-balloons. The ones you want are those long thin ones. Got em? OK then, lets get to work.

 

 

> Step 1: Remove the spring & spring retainers from the shocks.
> Step 2: Inflate the balloon
> Step 3: Cut the "nozzle section" off the balloon (don't cut too much at this point)
> Step 4: While widening the balloon opening with your fingers, drop the shock spring into the balloon	.
> Step 5: Allow the spring to fully extend inside the balloon.
> Step 6: With the spring fully extended inside the balloon, trim end of balloon, leaving about 2-3 cm beyond the end of the spring.
> Step 7: Roll remainder of ballon "lip" inside the sping, then install the upper spring retainer.
> Step 8: Cut small hole in end of balloon, big enough to poke the shock shaft though.
> Step 9: Slide covered spring on to shock, install lower shock retainer.
> Step 10: Git out there and get em dirty!