How to 3D Print an RC Car Shell: Filament, Orientation, Supports & Painting Tips

3D Printed Toyota 4Runner

This page explains how to 3D print a Toyota 4Runner RC car shell using consumer-grade 3D printers. It covers filament selection, slicer settings, print orientation, support strategy, and post-processing to achieve a strong, paint-ready RC body suitable for real driving.

Filament Type for a 3D Printed RC Shell

The shell does not experience high loads, so it can be printed using common filaments such as PLA. Stronger materials can also be used, but for RC body shells, the primary focus is surface quality, color, and overall appearance.

Parts to Print

The shell consists of the following parts:

  • Rear body
  • Front body
  • Windshield
  • Rear hatch window
  • Side windows
  • Rear windows
  • Grille
  • Door handles
  • Hatch handle
  • Headlights
  • Taillights

These parts together form the complete Toyota 4Runner RC car shell.

Color Recommendations

It is recommended to print the front and rear body parts in the same color.
Smaller details—such as windows, lights, handles, and the grille—can be printed in a different color or multiple colors to improve realism and reduce painting effort.

How to Join the Parts?

All parts should be glued together after printing.

Recommended adhesives:

Both options work well with PLA and PETG. Lightly sanding the contact surfaces before gluing improves adhesion.

How to 3D Print the Rear Body of the 4Runner RC Shell?

  1. Open File Rear.STL or Rear.3MF
  2. Rotate the part 45° on the Y-axis, with the rear (tail) facing upward.
  3. Enable support material and use an organic (tree) support pattern.
  4. Enable a brim with zero separation gap to improve bed adhesion.
  5. If post-processing (sanding) is planned, set perimeters to 5–6 walls. Otherwise, 2–3 perimeters are sufficient.
  6. Enforce supports under the bottom surfaces of the body part to prevent sagging.
  7. Slice and review the toolpath before printing.
  8. Be patient—this print can take 24 hours or longer, depending on layer height, infill, and print speed.

How to 3D Print the Front Body of the 4Runner RC Shell?

  1. Open File Front.STL or Front.3MF
  2. Rotate the part 60° on the Y-axis, with the front (grill) facing upward.
  3. Enable support material and use an organic (tree) or snug support pattern.
  4. Enforce supports under the bottom surfaces of the body part to prevent sagging.

  5. Slice and review the toolpath before printing.
  6. Print!

How to 3D Print the rest of the elements?

All the previous tips apply, but here are a few specific settings for the smaller components:

  • Windows: Print vertically (45–65° angle) for better transparency and smoother curves.
  • Stability: Use Snug supports and a Brim to prevent tall, thin parts from wobbling.
  • Aesthetics: This is where color choice matters most—take your time selecting filaments for the lights, handles, and trim!

 

FAQ:

Can I 3D print an RC car?

Yes, but with some additional components. While the main chassis, suspension, gears, and body are designed to be 3D printed, certain mechanical components- like motors, electronics, bearings, and screws- must be sourced separately. You can find a complete list of everything you'll need in our Component List (BOM). 

What filament works best for RC car shells?

Since the shell isn't a high-stress component, standard PLA is a great choice for printing. While you could opt for high-strength filaments, RC bodies usually prioritize a smooth finish, vibrant color, and realistic scale over raw structural durability.

Do I need supports for the 4Runner shell?

Yes. Tree (Organic) supports are generally recommended, as they use less filament and reduce print time. However, it’s always a good idea to preview different support patterns in your slicer to see which offers the best stability for your specific setup.

What is the 45 degree rule in 3D printing?

In 3D printing, the 45-degree rule is a simple rule that helps you know when a print needs extra support. It means that if a part sticks out too much, the print might need support, but if it stays around 45 degrees, it can usually print all by itself, and often the print quality will be better.

Should I paint before or after assembly?

I recommend assembling the main body shell first (front + rear), then sanding and painting it as a single unit. However, keep smaller components such as windows, windshields, and door handles separate. Paint those individually and glue them on last to ensure a clean, professional look.

Can I print this on a small bed printer?

Can I print this on a small-bed printer? Unfortunately, no. The 4Runner body shell requires a larger build volume. The dimensions are:

    • Width (X): 203 mm
    • Depth (Y): 157 mm
    • Height (Z): 214 mm

Please ensure your printer's build plate and maximum height can accommodate these dimensions before starting.

 

Ready to build the full chassis? Check out the MadBaxRC 4Runner.