Tips for keeping the trucks clean
 

Has anyone come up with some good ideas about how to keep a monster truck clean (or at least cleaner). I have seen some trucks that have a lexan shield on the bottom to keep dirt out. Has anyone done this on a E/T-Maxx? I just built a brushless E-Maxx that I'm calling SoldierMaxx. Now that I've spent so much time building it (with the new Fastlane Machine -FLM- chassis and T-Bonz CVDs) I don't want to dirty it up again. My original E-Maxx was pretty dirty when I dissassembled it to build SoldierMaxx. Any ideas welcome.

OldSoldier

Spraying WD40 on some parts, like the chassis and arms, is a good way to stop dirt from sticking to it.

lol i've noticed that is helps the dirt stick better lol, really, on more of dust gravel and sand. but its the best thing to clean it with.

but dont feel like doing that all the time COMPRESSED AIR works magic also:)

Yea, about 135 PSI always does the trick :D.

You can get a fairly cheap 2 gallon air compressor for about $50-$75 on ebay. It will be the oiless type for that price, so it's looud, but it sure beats trying to use canned air (at $4 a pop), or passing out from blowing on it. :005:

Now thats funny:027: :027:

Thanks for the tips. I'm also thinking of trying clear packing tape on the bottom to help keep the dirt out. I was walking the store floor at Target yesterday looking for something that might help when the idea hit me. I'll let you know how it goes.

I've also found that paint brushes are good for brushing dirt off the trucks.

The other idea I had was cutting some of that blue tarp you can get at home depot to cover the bottom sections, but I cant think of a good way to attach it. Since the blue tarp stuff is slippery, it may even help when bottoming out going over the rough stuff. I already have the RPM skid plate covers and shock sox made from balloons. Thats probably as good as it gets.

OldSoldier

you could just leave it on the shelf :032:

I use compressed air too.... after every use.. I set it to 150 psi... and it is pretty clean... .. removes grease and everything...

wow! I didn't know compressed air would even blow off crease or oil! Just got my bonus check...may have to stop by Harbor Freight Tools on the way home :018:
OldSoldier

or use my strageity and take the elctronics off and dip it in a tub of water

Sounds like begging for rusty parts. Not to mention the greases and oils you want would be washed away! Like inside the bearings...A little lube is smart..

squee i dont rewally see any problem in that unless, e-maxxdriver doesn't dry, it and re-lube everything that needs to be lubed. (WD-40), (diff oil)

That would require a good bit of work...Might as well just clean it while its down doing that I would think...Anyway, that would be kinda tiresome if you do it after every run...That is what were talking about here...

ya your right, for a nice clean look for once and a while is fine. but i guess the easiest and labour free way to clean your truck is to pump up some air in the compressor and spray away!

Just bought a compressor from Lowes...135max psi, 1.5 Gallon tank, wheels, storage compartment. Harbor Feight tools has a 5gallon (twin 2.5gallon tanks) one for $89. Its even an oil-based compressor which I'm told is better.... but I opted for the wheels and storage compartment even though it has a smaller capacity (tank)....

continuation... of post. I just returned from the dusty track and I'm beginning to think the twin 2.5 gallon compressor will be better. I'm finding that the 1.5 has to recharge constantly while I'm blasting my truck with air through a thin nozzle. I always have to stop and wait for the compressor to chatch up. :-(

OldSoldier

My cars get very dusty when I run them around where I live, and on the BMX track, so after most runs I get a medium size paintbrush, and spend a couple of mins going over the car with it. Gets the bulk of it off.

It won't do anything to stuff that sticks to it though, like grease/oil/wet mud etc.

I don't mind dirt and dust.. I just hate that greasy mud/clay, it's hard to get rid of.. I just use a brush and an air compressor... just use a pressure washer.. haha j/k

Update on the air compressor for those who are interested.... I found the 1.5 gallon tank to be too small. I am retuning the first compressor and just bought one from Target of all places (after checking Lowes and Home Depot). It has a 6 gallon tank, all the accessories, and its on wheels. It was listed as $119 but it must have been on sale because it rang up for about $89 or so. I have not tried it yet.
OldSoldier

edit:
specs are as follows: 2.1 CFM@90 PSI and 3.4 CFM@40psi 125psi Max. Has regulator valve so the pressure in the tank can be higher than the pressure used at the output.

Is your new compressor oil-based as well? I know those are better from everything I've seen. The oil-less ones tend to get VERY hot.

I'm sure you'll like that 6 gallon unit. I have a 2 gallon (I think) and it usually gets the job done, but if the job is too big, I have to wait until it fills back up. How big is this unit? One thing I like about mine is that it is small and fits nice and neat into a small cubby I have.

89 isn't to bad. I was thinking about getting one to take to the track or something...I still prefer my 120 gallon :p

Its about the size of a footlocker if you discount the handle. This one is not oil-based. I'm sure it would be better (like the one from Harbor Freight Tools) but I prefer the wheels to make it a little more portable if I need to move it around the garage.

OK. Now you're just showing off! ;)

OldSoldier: Is the 6 gallon one that heavy that it needs wheels? Must have a bigger motor/compressor as well...

I think the wheels are more of a convenience thing...remember, I'm and OLD soldier...bad back ya know...:005: