Build a DIY RC Car with Steering Under $20

In this video tutorial we build a basic Remote-controlled Car out of PVC with steering on a budget. This DIY RC Car build is technically the heavily-improved version of the first RC Car I made in a popular video from 2019. A handful of you in that video had good suggestions as to what to improve on the car, so I took note and came out with a completely new Radio-controlled car by my design!
The car operates on these $5 40mHz toy-grade radio communication boards giving it an operating range of 10-20m, has 4 channels of control, and uses a 6V battery pack that'll last the car up to 2.5 hours of run time.
The DIY RC Car chassis/frame is fully handmade out of PVC.
The car achieves a speed of up to ~2.5m/s and is belt-driven by a 180 brushed motor with its 3 pulley wheels, implementing one for added torque and also features the homemade Self-centering steering mechanism unit that returns the wheels back to neutral position every time.
➡️ Before MAKING, please WATCH the previous video about its DIY Steering mechanism: • How to make RC Car Ste...
Previous DIY RC Car (easy) from 2019: • How to make a Simple R...
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TS80P Smart Soldering Iron by Miniware - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
For more details about the TS80P - www.miniware.com.cn/product/t... Miniware's official site to see the full selection of the quality tools they offer - www.miniware.com.cn/
👕 Grab my exclusive Merch here! - max-imagination-merch.printif...
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👉 Visit my online Storefront: sites.google.com/view/maximag...
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☕ Buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/MaxImagi...
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Instagram: @max.imagination - max.imagina...
Instructables page: www.instructables.com/member/...
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Car's Blueprints - drive.google.com/file/d/1-hGo...
Circuit diagrams - drive.google.com/drive/folder...
Disclaimer: Amazon purchase links below are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you extra to buy through those and I just get a tiny commission. Thank you!
Materials and parts needed for this project with links (Cost = $20 USD only including parts used)
RC 40mHz Tx and Rx boards - amzn.to/3VeS5SW
Drive motor 180-type - amzn.to/3JjdJPn
Pulley wheels, Rubber belt/band, and car wheels from Gear Kit - amzn.to/3IeMR35
(x3) Dual AA battery holder trays - amzn.to/3Uizhhl
(x6) AA Alkaline Batteries - amzn.to/3Zqk29t
ON/OFF Rocker switch 3A - amzn.to/3iqzJg1
(x4) Momentary pushbutton switches - amzn.to/3AVJlpH
Micro slide switch SPDT - amzn.to/3Fdfewh
330 Ohm resistor + LED from Kit - amzn.to/3XIlOlR
(x2) Perf Prototyping boards + Soldering Lead, pin headers and more in kit - amzn.to/3ieX2cI
Bicycle steel spoke - amzn.to/3UdEZ40
Lollipop stick tube - amzn.to/3EPIuIn
Ballpoint pen tubes (Be careful with ink!) - amzn.to/3u9PVVI
M3 Bolts and nuts kit - amzn.to/3GZHELS
(x2) Micro screws for drive motor (taken from old laptop)
Car's wheels 2.8" (Slightly bigger) - amzn.to/423WkBN
PVC Drain pipe - Hardware Store
🪛🔧🔨 Tools and extra supplies I used:
➡️ Soldering Iron (Kit) - amzn.to/3X6L5Wq
➡️ Drill - amzn.to/3EDe0u8
➡️ X-Acto Hobby Knife - amzn.to/3XbL7ML
➡️ Screwdriver kit - amzn.to/3V6vgNX
Music credits:
Music from #uppbeat
Other keywords:
make rc car at home, diy rc car parts, diy rc car from scratch, diy rc car frame, diy rc car drivetrain, diy rc car controller.
#diyrccar #maximagination #remotecontrol

[@keanu1727]

He is the only guy to rival the Indian guy on KZbin.

[@leonardsimasiku234]

Last

[@Respet1011]

Ya

[@bardeswati68]

Hey dude, which one (btw I'm Indian)

[@yashrajsrgm]

​@@bardeswati68 maybe he's talking about mini gear

[@ravangerfreefire4837]

Damn he's right

[@clark9369]

Im trying to build projects like these to impressive my parents.. one day they will be proud of me

[@MaxImagination]

You can do it!

[@NerfandStuff1243]

Be proud of yourself my friend, they don't approve of you cuz they don't approve of themselves. Im proud of you thank you for persueing intellectual endeavors. Have fun!

[@manuelottati68]

This car is better than many toy cars they sell, it is more durable, and the best thing is that if it stops working, as the mechanism is not so complicated, it can be easily repaired.

[@MaxImagination]

Totally! Thanks for your comment.

[@macombermr]

Super cool, Max! Great build. Excellent tutorial.

[@GrandadsOtherChannel]

Brilliant video, Max. Great step-by-step guidance using basic components. Excellent 😊👍

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot, James! I appreciate hearing that 😁

[@deepakmudgal3683]

​@@MaxImaginationremot control car kisi bhi remot se control ho sakta hai kya

[@comradediplomatrehoboth4we935]

what type of spring did you use

[@RealMicx]

Looks great, me and my dad will build it, because we don’t have enough money to go rc racing because my dad used to build rcs, and my dad said I have to figure it out myself and he will help me build it like I think it should be, this will really help, love the video!

[@MaxImagination]

I'm really glad to hear my video helped you... Thanks for your kind comment! 👍

[@RealMicx]

No problem you deserve it.

[@CraftChannelYT]

Great project Max! Congratulations.

[@MaxImagination]

Hey! Thank you! 😀

[@Zhinoi]

Perfect timing. I was just working on a build with your return to center steering method

[@MaxImagination]

Sweet. So cool to hear!

[@spezzington]

I was going down the PicoW route for DIY build for my printed 1:32 scale cars but liking this a whole lot more. Nice work!

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching!

[@xavierkranendonk]

its so nice that you should make a kit that everybody can buy and build and all the parts come in a box with build instructions 😀

[@MaxImagination]

Would be my dream type of product! Maybe one day I'll have such a kit...

[@_latestcars_203]

That was so clean

[@ElectroCode]

Finally came across a great diy / creative project ... I do enjoy the simplecity and cleanliness of this project ... This guy never dissapoint to provide with us his good content!! Loved it!!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you so much!

[@slenderman8665]

Max hats off 🙇🏼‍♂️ This is extraordinarily cool

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! 😀

[@aizismail2462]

Very inspirational, great job with the project!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@BrightUgbesia-ww4py]

Nice video I was really inspired by you . Cause I've stuck with my own project but thanks step by step guidance I was able pass the difficult stage

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you found my video helpful! Thanks.

[@shabith7084]

Clean and crisp explaination

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your positive feedback!

[@bruce3360]

Great job Max!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you!

[@crappylittleelf4205]

Thats amazing, I always wanted to get into something like that, but bigger for kids in my neighborhood to ride! But I have no time to spend years learning, and no clue where to start. My sister has cancer, and she's always wanted her own car, but can't drive because of some other health issues. I promised her I would make a small car for her one day. Its sill a wish I hold onto but struggling with my own mental have failed to complete. Your awesome man, really, I am sure you work hard on all your videos, amazing.

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your appreciation! Some great channels to watch when starting electronics would be GreatScott and AllAboutElectronics. Cheers.

[@kamalgw2559]

This guy is just like me. Take a idea and make it a reality. That is a true DIY projects. Looking forward to more great videos keep it up

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot! 😃🙌🏻

[@MechAero_Labs]

Incredible 🎉,this is amazing ❤❤

[@user-fl3yd3hs8k]

I love this.

[@tiagodesteffani]

Awesome project, congratulations for the job, you are the guy 😁🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you, Tiago! I appreciate your support 😁🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@bentstrider]

Nice. I could probably incorporate this into a $2 1-24 scale Audi R8 model I wanted to convert to RC. Perfect option to not blow the budget❤❤

[@MaxImagination]

Glad my video has helped... Happy making!

[@anonymousperson45152]

Really creative project, mesmerizing work! Congrats bro.

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sabirnini4251]

this is sick

[@maheshagodekere]

Awesome Max!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you for commenting!

[@ramboahoe]

Great job

[@med5241]

Very nice work, great thanks

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@gregseljestad2793]

Very good. Enjoyed the diy base.

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@diymaster101]

Very good work max 👏🏾

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@rakesharamaiah2737]

Nice video with details, thanks for sharing components and schematic details, most videos don't show schematic,

[@MaxImagination]

I appreciate that! Glad you found my video and info helpful... Stay tuned for the upcoming project!

[@AyaadhAmeen]

Luv this guy 😇

[@AdilIqbal5]

Awesome bro..I also made this type of car 🚗 when I was in middle school..It's really Awesome 👌🏻

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you, Adil! Oh cool, one of the cars we all at least have had fun with as boys 👍

[@avigyanmallickstd-iiib4226]

Make a remotecontrolhelicopter

[@jarrelljones7584]

Where did you find the pvc so thin

[@aqeelbajwa137]

Fantastic 🎉

[@joehughes5888]

Great job. I'm going to try this with the kid's 👍

[@MaxImagination]

Enjoy! Thanks for your comment.

[@MarkMarvin1983]

It would be great to have a FPV camera and goggles. Plus the range could be made to go further. All in all very cool!!

[@MaxImagination]

Would be cool of course, but I didn't want to increase the cost of a project that's intended for budget-level makers. Though I would be happy to do a video of where I make a FPV RC Drift car in the future. Thanks!

[@AlbertJoseph-gm2de]

👍👍 I always love all your inventions

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@kev1n0alex]

Just discovered the channel, such a good one!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you for joining!

[@johnmichaels4330]

Another great video.

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching, John! If you enjoyed this video, then you may like my latest one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i52TmWiDlsqim8k

[@billyfoster3223]

Great work and car! Cheers! 😀👍🛠️

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@db345t]

great video, I 3d print and am going to use the blue print to create a fast print easy assemble version.

[@spezzington]

Same here. I have a range of 1:32 resin printable models. First one is the Ford Transit Mk1! (UK 😅)

[@BuildCreation]

Nice Work Man! Especially Chassis work!

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot, man! 😀

[@Technocrafts]

Wow!! That’s amazing 😍😍

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you, buddy! 😃✌🏻

[@dpmymix7159]

I liked it!. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@dinismaia]

Nice project 😃 simple and with some quality rc toy. I think it is a good base to upgrade but the goal is doing it cheaper. 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👏👏👏

[@MaxImagination]

Many thanks for your comment!

[@Cafe_Mikrochip]

Thank you, i will make it too

[@astr0yt344]

Amazing creation max🎉

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you, Astr0! 😃

[@unknownworld6171]

Yoooo you are soo coooool I always wanted to make my rc car but I don't know where to buy the stuffs . You are great bro. I hope you were my friend

[@MaxImagination]

You can do it! Thanks for your comments!

[@RTP_LION]

I'm watching from sri lanka and highly satisfied with the content keep up the great work dude

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks so much! Will do! :)))

[@kristoffermulbjerg6848]

Pretty cool design🔥

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks, Kristoffer! 🙂

[@fartlordGD]

I will build this with my dad, this is very cool

[@MaxImagination]

Great! Happy making!

[@slyasastech]

Superb

[@haithamramadan6020]

awesome thoughts & brilliant excution for under 20$, keep it up mate 👊👊

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Mr_KPs]

Bro, I am very inspired by your idea Thank you very much

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@loveyourselfnottoomuchtho7287]

Im tryna do this and put a Lexus LS400 shell on it I hope it comes out good looking 💯🔥💪🏻Thanks for the video this really helps‼️

[@MaxImagination]

Sounds cool! Good luck with your project 🙌 Thanks for your comment!

[@S.ElectroMech]

Cograts bro for your video,you are so creative!!!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@11_Bravo_Dad]

Dude, amazing.

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a ton!

[@kaniel9957]

VERY GOOD

[@wardogdauwdd3020]

Nice a cheap RC car video this helps with my project for class I have to take a item from a video game and see how viable to make one in real life my is the little robot from rainbow 6 and cods rcxd and this helps me alot

[@Christ-1]

Nice work!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers! Stay tuned for the next project 😁

[@madkvideo]

Excellent video! I'll make one!

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your comment. Happy making! 👍

[@intiyazsyed9662]

Amazing 🎉

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ke9777]

It seems simple but it's not, thank you for making it seems so easy, you did it like a walk in the park! Yet, talking about improvement, I guess it's time to work on the radio control, making it more like the 'gun' style, you know, pull the trigger for speed and wheel for left and right.

[@MaxImagination]

I guess you can say I made a simple project but with more experience under the belt, using better materials and making techniques to make it a longer-lasting car, while still trying to make it easier for others. In the future I will consider making an improved version with proportional control! Cheers.

[@user-up2fg6do1c]

Your so amazing bro.❤

[@sponce500]

Excellent

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Stay tuned for the upcoming RC car video. Cheers!

[@AlbertJoseph-gm2de]

cool car

[@Shandarexperiment143]

Nice 👍

[@shashanknayak7834]

Love it

[@WriteitUp.]

Cool! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for the next one.

[@zanelile8192]

I am interested in building a very simple RCB, controllable for say 300ft. plus I want to add a release mechanism to drop my fish bait when it gets to where I want it. It will just be for fishing so not a fancy one. Thanks a lot.

[@MaxImagination]

Sounds petty cool! Good luck with your RC boat! Don't let it get pulled in my any massive fish! ;-) Cheers.

[@gooierhorizon6766]

Love your vids Max but could you show us how to use the KY-008 Laser sensor Module

[@GONE4GOOD79]

AWESOME ! ...

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AnLe-yg9ln]

Good video,thank you

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@vuspchanel1525]

Amazing

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RussellDuffer]

I would put some white leds in front and red leds in back, wired to be lit when the power is on, so I could tell at a glance if I'd switched it off or not.

[@MaxImagination]

Good tip! Thanks

[@user-sn7wd6bx6t]

Great video! Really enjoyed the content. One suggestion for even better performance would be to consider using a rechargeable battery, like the 18650mAh. It can provide a longer-lasting experience and save on the hassle of constantly replacing batteries. Keep up the good work!

[@MaxImagination]

I added alkaline batteries to make it more affordable for others to make the car. Not everyone these days can build one of these RC cars with lithium batteries under $20 total. Thanks for your kind comment!

[@DanielsGaming1]

Underrated

[@nuzhathnaaz7154]

Wow man your going to be the next elon musk I am not joking 🔥🔥🔥

[@ThinkTankTheory]

don't insult him like that

[@DoItYourself-DIY]

Good rc car

[@Danie1Montana777]

Ever since I was a kid I liked messing with this remote control cars opening them and do something different on them 😅😁😋

[@user-oe3wz9io4q]

Nice

[@sharifsk0722]

One subscriber from India ❤

[@MaxImagination]

Glad to have you here! Cheers!

[@Goodcar383]

I'm your biggest fan

[@harigameryt8544]

Thanks bro ❤️ 🙏🏿

[@MaxImagination]

No problem! 🙂

[@garveyclayton8392]

You could use two phone batteries for less weight and more power. It is something I do to mine home-made rc cars and they work.

[@MaxImagination]

Good tip!

[@gogotrololo]

Bro! You call this toy grade, but I'll fight anyone who says it's not hobby-quality! The league of scratch builders would love this haha

[@MaxImagination]

Haha, thanks a lot! I'm glad you think so!

[@jacobplays3414]

Thank you so much for inspirinf me

[@MaxImagination]

It's my pleasure!

[@Mr.GeniusCreation]

Amazing video Max 😃 You always come up with new methods of making Would like to share it with my subs 😁

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot, Sahil! Your kind gesture would make my day. Thanks :)

[@dvnoytekvlog6634]

Thank you idol, I want try. GOD bless 🙏👍.

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your comment 😊

[@dvnoytekvlog6634]

I watching every new upload idol, I'm from the Philippines. Thank you 🙏👍

[@koteswararaovankudoth2719]

you helped me with blue prints thank you bro it was very important for my project i am in 8th grade thank you very much

[@MaxImagination]

Glad I could help! Good luck with your future projects!

[@jonujangid3J]

It look like factory made, really you work is very impressive specially for chassis, next time please try to make 4wd rc drift car

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks, Jonu! I appreciate that. Will write that down 👍

[@wirecaneverything217]

Nice project! :)

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joshuaaranguren1020]

a belt drive motor rc sweet 🙌🏽⚡️🏎️

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your comment, man! 😀

[@joshuaaranguren1020]

@@MaxImagination no problem 😉

[@lildj0308x]

Wow great work

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! 👍

[@lildj0308x]

@@MaxImagination hi I do work like this but mine alwats use get spoilt fast pls can i jave ur email

[@heartpain1999]

Awesome video my friend. 🍟🍟🍟🍦🍦🍦

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for the visit!

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

A battery charging circuit for a smartphone battery would be a nice option for the next iteration.

[@MaxImagination]

Will keep this in mind when I make an upgraded version of this car :)

[@cenreaper9127]

You can use DC motor from shaving machine,9V 600mA battery and relay to make the car more capable and faster.

[@MaxImagination]

Yes, that could be done if one wants to. Good idea!

[@jorgecastorena5762]

nice job

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@turbles454]

gonna 3D print the parts to make an abundance of them.

[@mikebolt9753]

Great video

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jadsaade]

@@MaxImagination bro i think i got your adress isn't it Print Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors ZIP Code 37217 Post Office City: Nashville, TN (View All Cities) Neighborhood: South Hermitage|Antioch County: Davidson County Timezone: Central (3:13am) Area code: 615 (Area Code Map) Coordinates: 36.11, -86.66 ZIP (~5 mile radius) ??? dont worry im in the middle east but come on