Danchee Ridgerock Rock Crawler Body Clip Upgrade

The Danchee Ridgerock RC Crawler is a popular choice among RC off-road rock crawler enthusiasts for its rugged design and impressive performance at an entry-level price point. Yet, like many RC vehicles, it has room for improvement, especially in small but crucial components like body clips. These clips hold the body shell securely to the chassis, and upgrading them can significantly improve durability and convenience. Replacing the stock metal cotter pin clips with more durable and easier-to-use 3D printed body clips offers a practical and customizable solution that can enhance your Ridgerock experience.

Why Upgrade Your Body Clips?

Body clips might seem like minor parts, but they play a vital role in keeping your RC crawler’s body secure during rough rides. The stock clips that come with the Danchee Ridgerock Crawler are functional, but they are a pain to use, easy to lose, prone to popping off during crashes, and, before long, the body will tear out at those holes. Here are some reasons to consider upgrading:

• Improved durability: 3D printed clips hold the body more securely and won't tear out. The force is spread along the length of the body edge rather than a few small holes.
• Custom fit: The clips were custom-designed to fit the Ridgerock Danchee.
• Ease of use: The 3D printed design removes the need to use the original cotter pin metal clips. The snap-on design makes it easier to remove and attach the body to replace the battery or service the truck.

• Cost-effective: Printing your own clips is cheaper than buying them. It also extends the life of the plastic body.

   

Choosing the Right Material for 3D Printing

The choice of filament or resin for printing body clips affects their strength and flexibility. Here are common materials used:

Recommended materials

• PCTG: This is what I used and is similar to PETG, but offers better flex resistance, which means that it should last longer in this application.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Suitable for these body clips. Offers better flexibility and impact resistance than PLA.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or ASA: Strong and heat-resistant but requires a heated bed and ventilation.
• Nylon: Highly durable and flexible, ideal for parts that undergo stress, but prone to warping.

Not Recommended

• PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PLA+: Deflects from heat, so not suitable for outdoor use. Can degrade after a few years.

   

For body clips, PCTG and PETG are the best choices because they are the easiest to print, and balance strength and flexibility, reducing the chance of breaking during use.

3D Printed Body Clip Design

The design for these 3D printed body clips was done in Onshape. The snap features were designed with PCTG/PETG material in mind. If a stiffer or more flexible material is used, the snap retention may change.

3D printed body clip, interior clip side.

3D printed body clip, exterior.

I first designed the important features of the Danchee Ridgerock frame that the body clips can attach to. I left out features, like the tubular rail, that weren't important.

Danchee Ridgerock frame attachment features.

Then I imported the part as a "derived part" into a new part studio and started designing the body clip. The Danchee Ridgerock frame features were used as reference, and could easily be hidden when not needed.

Body clip with Danchee Ridgerock frame.

Top down view.

Internal isometric-ish view.

Printing and Post-Processing Tips

To get the best results from your 3D printed clips, follow these practical tips:

• Layer height: I printed these at 0.2mm, and they work great. Recommend using 0.2mm or smaller.
• Wall Thickness: Used 6 walls for added strength and basically 100% infill.
• Infill: Set infill to 15%. The 6 layer walls will effectively make it 100% infill to increase strength.
• Print orientation: Position clips to minimize stress along layer lines. The legs of the snaps will be subject to the most stress and should be horizontal, such that the layer lines go along the length of the snaps. 
• Use a brim for additional bed adhesion. 
• Post-processing:
  • Remove any excess material or brim.
  • Check the holes for cleanliness and relative roundness.
  • Drill out the screw holes with the correct size drill to clean them and size them for the PT (plastic threading) screws.

• Test fit: Always test clips on your Ridgerock before final use to ensure proper fit and function.

   

Hardware

Qty 10 PT (Plastic threading) 2.5mm x 10mm screws are needed to attach the 3D printed clips to the lexan body. Bambu Maker Supply sells these in packs of 20.

Installing Your 3D Printed Body Clips

Replacing the stock clips with your 3D printed versions is straightforward:

1. Remove the existing metal cotter pin style clips.
2. Remove the body.
3. Remove the foam donut from the body mounts.
4. Align the new 3D printed clips with the existing holes in the body.
5. Using the 3D printed body clip as a guide, drill holes in the body for the PT screws to pass through.
   1. For 2.5mm PT screws, use a 2mm drill bit (5/64in). Drill all the way through the 3D printed clip to clean out the holes to the right size. 
   2. For 3mm PT screws, use a 2.5mm drill bit (3/32in is close enough). Drill all the way through the 3D printed clip to clean out the holes to the right size. 
6. Thread the PT screws into the holes and tighten.
7. Place the frame on the body and line up the body clips with the attachment features on the frame. Push the body clips onto the frame until they snap securely in place.

8. Check that the body shell is secure and that the clips hold firmly during movement.

    

To remove the body, grab the ends of the clip and pull horizontally away from the frame, until the clips snap off. You can also reach under the frame with a finger, press the snaps outwards to help release them even easier.

Benefits Experienced by RC Enthusiasts

Switching to 3D printed body clips has several advantages:

• Reduced clip loss: No cotter pin style body clips to lose. Custom clips fit snugly and are less likely to fall off during rough terrain runs.
• Easier to remove body. 
• Less damage to body attachment points: 3D printed clips distribute the load along the edge of the body and reduce stress on the body, extending its lifespan.
• Personal satisfaction: Printing your own parts adds a rewarding DIY aspect to your hobby.

• Quick replacements: If a clip breaks, you can print a new one immediately without waiting for shipping.

   

Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Danchee Ridgerock

Upgrading your Danchee Ridgerock RC Crawler with 3D printed body clips is a practical way to improve durability, convenience, and personalization. With the right materials and design, these small parts can make a big difference in your RC experience. Whether you print your own clips or download ready-made designs, this upgrade is accessible and rewarding for hobbyists of all skill levels.