How to Install Redcat Part 04002 on Your RC Vehicle
By Redcat Racing | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Guias Práticos
A step-by-step guide to fitting the Redcat 04002 aluminum upper plate on TORNADO or VOLCANO EPX/EPX PRO vehicles, with checkpoints to avoid stripped screws and misalignment.
Quick answer
To install Redcat part 04002, remove the old upper plate, transfer any reusable hardware, and bolt the new purple aluminum plate in place using the original screw locations. Work slowly and check for free movement before tightening fully.
Why the 04002 upper plate is a straightforward swap
The 04002 is a single-piece aluminum upper plate listed for TORNADO EPX/EPX PRO and VOLCANO EPX/EPX PRO vehicles. Because it is a direct replacement for the stock top deck or center brace plate, you do not need to modify the chassis or drill new holes. The main challenge is keeping the plate aligned while you start the screws, so the steps below focus on sequence and screw tension.
When to replace the upper plate instead of repairing it
If your original plastic upper plate is cracked, stripped at the screw holes, or flexing enough to affect steering feel, the aluminum 04002 is a sensible upgrade. It adds rigidity, but it also transfers more impact force to the bulkheads and shock towers. Check those parts for cracks before you install the new plate, and replace anything that is already weakened.
Step-by-step installation
- Remove the old upper plate: Take out the screws holding the stock upper plate, top deck, or center brace plate. Keep the screws in a tray by location so you can reuse them in the same holes. If a screw feels tight or squeaks on the way out, stop and check for thread damage before forcing it.
- Inspect the mounting points: With the old plate off, look at the screw holes in the bulkheads and center brace. Clean out any dirt or stripped plastic, and replace damaged bulkheads before fitting the aluminum plate. A stripped hole will not hold torque with the new plate, so fix it now rather than after assembly.
- Test-fit the 04002 plate: Set the aluminum plate in place without screws. It should sit flat and line up with all mounting holes. If it rocks or a hole is offset, check that you have the plate oriented correctly and that no wires or servo leads are trapped underneath. Do not enlarge holes or bend the plate; a misaligned fit usually means something is trapped or the plate is flipped.
- Start all screws by hand: Thread each screw into its hole a few turns by hand before using a driver. This prevents cross-threading in the aluminum, which is softer than steel screws. If a screw will not start, back it out and try again; forcing it will damage the threads in the plate.
- Tighten in a cross pattern: Snug the screws in an X pattern, then torque them evenly. Stop when the plate is secure and the chassis has no flex at the mounting points. Do not overtighten, because aluminum threads strip more easily than plastic. Check that the steering and suspension move freely after tightening; binding means a screw is too tight or the plate is misaligned.
- Reconnect and test: Reattach any components you removed, such as the servo or ESC mount, then turn the steering by hand and check for interference. Run the vehicle slowly for the first minute to confirm nothing rubs or loosens. Recheck screw tension after the first run, since aluminum and plastic expand at different rates.
Product facts
- 04002: Redcat 04002 is a purple aluminum upper plate listed for TORNADO EPX/EPX PRO and VOLCANO EPX/EPX PRO vehicles. Confirm your model is one of these before ordering, because the plate is not listed for other platforms.
04002
