Difalco now offers replacement shells/bodies.
Vendors: Slot Car Corner, Ebay, Pacific Slot Car Raceway (aka shopscr), e-Slotcar (aka PCH Parts Express).
Cost: $12-17
Benefit: These are slightly thicker than Parma shells (similar to a Koford) and resist damage from drops better. They are designed for all Difalcos and thus are already trimmed; however some Dremel fine-tuning may be needed depending on the controller model you have.
Colors: At first only clear was availabe; many others now available. Custom designs can be created using Lexan paint available at Hobbytown in the RC body area (lightly paint on the inside).
Potentiometer/Rheostat values for reference (for HD30s)
Brake:25 ohm Sensitivity:50 ohm Traction:100ohm
The stock pots *are wirewound, not plastic-substrate, and hence longer lasting and more precise than plastic. However as many of you know eventually dust or mild corrosion builds up and makes them wonky. In general you can prevent problems by spraying contact cleaner in the small indents below the solder tabs, then rotating the shaft rapidly for at least 20 times. A few years back I had to take my sensitivity pot apart to clean the resistor coil with a toothbrush. This requires careful de-soldering from the PCB and even more careful prying out the retaining tabs. However, if you ever do this, you may want to drill one to two 3/32 or 7/16 holes in the can to make it easier to spray the coils.
Amazon has replacement heavy duty pots: (not with Prime free delivery)
OHMITE RES50RE RHEOSTAT, WIREWOUND, 50 OHM, 12.5W $51 - Sensitivity
OHMITE RES25RE RHEOSTAT, WIREWOUND, 25 OHM, 12.5W $36 - Brake
REPLACEMENT PARTS