HPI Baja Shell Prep Help

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jackobyte

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I've just gotten myself a new Baja shell and as i've never preped one before i'm after some pointers.

Its got two side pods/nose cone and the main top peice.
I've started to cut it out from the mould using a stanley type blade, is this the way its done as its taken me an age so far to do both pods and the nose cone, i've slipped a couple of times with the knife :( but i'm hoping the scratches will either not be seen once sprayed or they're hidden from slight.

Don't want to spoil the main body and will prob need a new shell if i keep trying without some pointers. :helpsmilie::helpsmilie:
 
sack the blade mate that could get ugly and a trip to a+e, i used some little curved scissors and then foot file to smooth the edges, when i painted mine lime green i backed it with white this made the green look more solid and harder to scratch from the inside, i got a proline undershell on mine that do,s away with the side pods and the undertray and keeps a lot of grass and dirt out would,nt be without one now well worth buying.
 
Cheers Paul, i 've been told to use a hot blade :confused: not sure on that 1 though.

I'm thinkin of doning it in British Racin Green with White stripe up the centre to go with my white wheel beads.
I've put some plastic inside the chassis sides which will stop some grass, i'll look into the undertray me thinks, good idea. :cool2:
 
I agree with Pablo , I got some small curved manicure scissors which were great for cutting out. Though I did find that scoring with a sharp blade then tearing gave good results in certain places too.

If possible mate, try and make some covers to cover the holes at the front of the pods as these suck in a STUPID amount of crap !!
Search for a thread I think was called "desert rat pods mod" which does the same thing on a desert rat shell pods. WELL worth while !!:clown:
 
Looks like i'm buying me some small scissors tomorrow then. :)

I've got an rear under-tray protector which wraps up/around the sides, the side pods attach to it so there's about 1/2 inch recess so it should keep the crap out.

If the weather turns out ok on Sunday you never know i might pop over if you lot are out, with permission from swmbo first of course. :clown:
 
Scissors are no doubt the safest method.........I myself prefer a good sharp blade.......stanley knife or pencil style hobby knife.

That's all I have ever used and I haven't botched one yet........done about 50+ shells of all descriptions over the last 20 odd years.
 
Use a dremel,wash the body good with soap and water,make sure its good and clean.Tape off the areas that you want your design(takes some thinking)I used an air brush,spray cans work too.Put on light coats so that it primed with color then add more till your happy with the color.Spray dark colors first then finish with light colors(takes more thinking).Think about it 50 times only can do it once.Take your time,don't rush the drying time of the paint.Should turn out good
 
I use the lexan specific curved scissors and they work a charm. Finish the rough stuff with a dremel or a file.

Make sure you wash the shell with warm soapy water and dry off well before painting.



Chris
 
You guys must have so much fun when you hang out together. I wish i were in the U.K.




Chris

I like sarcasm and degoritory remarks aimed at Jacko but he knows I'm only serious.
But looking at things in the big picture,he's one of the good guys and a good friend(can I have that tenner now?) and its just part of our wit to pull each other to bits.:)
J.
 
You need to bait that hook with something more tasty before i bite matey. :clown:


Shell is cut out (bloody nightmare, get the proper tools make time), paint arrived today, great service, ordered it friday and got it satuday. :cool2::)

I'll put some pics up soon, but hoping to take it for a run tomorrow.
 
You need to bait that hook with something more tasty before i bite matey. :clown:


Shell is cut out (bloody nightmare, get the proper tools make time), paint arrived today, great service, ordered it friday and got it satuday. :cool2::)

I'll put some pics up soon, but hoping to take it for a run tomorrow.

you comin otterspool with james?????????????
 
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