So, theres this Demolition Derby thing....

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... And myself and 2-3 other mates would really like to do it. Problem is, we really don't know where to start.

The first issue would be getting hold of someone who actually has the regs for the cars. An online search came up inconclusive. Is there like a "Standard" or baseline?

How much does it usually cost to buy/build a Derby car?

Are there any cars specifically which are good?

Anyone done this before and have tips?
 
Ermmm... What does your mom think?

She says as long as I don't drive (Which was my plan) she really doesn't care. I'm more of the manager/paint-er/paperwork-type person.

The driver's parents were around when we talked about it, and seemed content with the errrm... Safety precautions that they take.
 
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So yes. It didnt work...

Edit:
Ah, got it. Thanks!

Any strong opinions or concerns regarding safety?
 
What's wrong with driving races? If you get hurt, you get hurt, that's racing. And its def. more cooler to say "broke my arm when i got t-boned and flipped" then "i fell of my bike" :lol:

BTT: There are autocross races and dem. derbys. at autocross you can build a car and use it longer then one race because there are not many crashes. If you would really do dem. derby it could get expensive if you want to do it once a week, you need a new car every time with a rollcage and all the stuff
 
OH no, not once a week. Thats silly. In the summer they have one in each county fair. Im about a 30 minute drive from 4 different counties and their demolition derby's.

One of my mates does Autocross. Thats fun and all, but this is... different. I think.
 
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Well the only problem I see with going 4 times during the summer is having sufficient funds. I don't know if you're looking to win or just have fun but this can be pretty pricy. I'm guessing $100-500 for each car you get alone. You can probably reuse the gas tank you have to buy but that's a couple hundred. Also you have a shop and all necessary tools to work on these things? And you need to get them caged too. At least I think you do...
 
The plan was to use just one car (Like most do around here). One of our fathers is a welder, and could do the cage for us, provided we front the pipes and a diagram.
The shop isn't really a concern- another father is the Head Mechanic/Administrator for the High School bus system. He has the skill and shop.

We would LIKE to do all 4. If we go to the first one and get trashed, tough luck. Is a win in the cards? I'd like to think so. But I doubt it.
Additionally, theres several weeks in between each one, which would allow some time for repairs.
 
I would just get a beater car that can actually run, rollcage, remove lights, etc.
Something big, like an American sedan.
 
Fox body Mustangs are notorious for not dying in demo derbies. I'd knab one and get to work.
 
Friends & I are going to do the same thing.

These are the rules for our local derby. Though, yours will probably be different. It's run annually every year, last weekend of August.
http://www.saru.ca/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2012_derby_rules.pdf

They won't allow door bars here (Which I don't like), there's also no welding of bumpers (Another dumb rule IMO). But eh, if you don't like the rules run somewhere else I suppose. Few things you will need to buy will be a boat gas tank, and some metal for the crossbar behind the seats & grater blades for the doorbars.. If you want you can cut the roof sign out of metal too, or wood. And find some old pipe for the headers if you want to run 'em out the hood. For your case though you probably don't car. Just whatever works for you. I know we're like that right now. First time thing & all.

Car wise, depend if they have classes or not. E.G. compacts/4 cylinder, full-size, pickups ect. Obviously compacts are going to be the easiest to obtain, and probably the cheapest - It won't be as much fun as the full-size V8's.! Prices will probably be between $100 - $700 depending on the car, again. Obviously any pre-1978 Chrysler, pre-'79 Fords and pre-'77 GM cars will be the best. Any '77+ GM car will bend down in the rear (where most of the hitting is done, 'ya know?). That is, unless you pre-bend the frame, cut pieces out of the frame or add leaf springs. A lot more work unfortunately. '80s Fords such as Crown Vics are good, and '80s Dodges like the Diplomat, Gran Fury ect. are good.

There's more, maybe I'll write some more later. Or let you ask any questions you have after reading this. :)👍

EDIT: Nothing better to do right now, so I'll continue...

Once the car is purchased (You won't need the papers for it, so if there's a car without regee then it's no big deal.) Gut it, remove all trim, hubcaps, everything. drop the tank, install the new one, weld up the bumpers, trunk, doors (Or chain them if you have no welder). Bolt on the doorbars or fill the door(s) with cement. Weld bars or steel mesh across the windshield. Cut holes in the trunk for inspection, cut holes in hood for fires and/or headers for the engine. etcetera. Until all the requirements are fulfilled. Afterwards the paint, roof sign and all the fun stuff can be made & painted up.

So, cars done! Anything else? Yes sir! -Many derbies have entry fees, our particular one in Salmon Arm's $90. A car trailer will be required for carrying the car + any welders, tools, spare parts, tires and radiators you bring along. So make sure someone has a trailer + vehicle that can town all the weight. 👍

Pretty much the quick overview off of the top of my head. Anymore questions just ask.

Also; Here's one of my favourite Youtube channels. They're all about derbyin' & there's a lot to learn from them! http://www.youtube.com/user/demolitionmissions?feature=results_main
 
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Okay Hawkeye you seem to have your stuff together. So next is a car. I suggest an 60's-70's GM car or a Chrysler Imperial. Those seem to be the best bets and what you'll see at the demos mostly. Also a wagon would be a really smart choice.
 
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