Demolition Derby

[Jesus H Chrysler]

Ok so this is way WAY off topic for this board, but I'm hoping a few members here may have some helpful experience in this situation.  My department has sponsored me in a local demolition derby.  They provided the retired car, I do everything else and drive it.  Last year was an abysmal failure due to crappy tires and a muddy field (NO traction!) so this year I'm addressing that.  I'm hoping someone may have a few tips and tricks for hooking up the old girl (within the rules) so i can give her the sendoff she deserves.

I know I know... Its a Ferd.  You wouldn't expect me to kill a Chrysler product now would you?

[HP_Cuda]

Well get some meaty tractor tires to get thru the mud.

Usually cruisers have the huge front push guard so you could reinforce that as most demo derbys end by taking out the radiator.

[RCCDrew]

Make sure there's no fuel cutoff in a crash or rollover.

[torredcuda]

I don`t know anything about prepping a car but check out these-
http://hartin.com/
http://we-crash.proboards.com/index.cgi/forums/prep-tips-and-tricks
http://cocline71.tripod.com/

[Barracudadan]

Check the other drivers for outstanding warrants to thin the field! 

[brads70]

I've never done it but buddies that do this cut the top of the rear frame rail so it folds up rather than down so you don't get stuck?

[72cudamaan]

Do you have a list of rules? Different areas have different rules to follow. Usually you use a good set of mud tires w/ tubes, move the
battery to inside the car, remove all trim, brace the door, box in the frame rails if legal (oh ya your a cop. it's all legal ) 
If you need more info let me know. A buddy of mine tours the midwest doing demo derby's.

[ViperMan]

Do you have a list of rules? Different areas have different rules to follow.

That was going to be my question.  On a budget, I'd think something like pumping a few cans of fix-a-flat into the tires, and then running in a bunch of threaded bolts for traction - like a poor-man's studded tire.  But I dunno what the rules allow.  The tractor tube tires seems like a good idea too, but I don't know what kind of money you have available (or who's providing it).

Of course, I have other questions, like, are you the only cop-car on the field?  'Cause if so, you might as well paint a giant bullseye on the side, 'cause EVERYONE's gonna be gunning for you!

Also, are the strobes and siren still operational?  'Cause I'd definitely run those just to distract/annoy people... 

[jordan]

Wear a neck brace of some sort.  It may make it harder to look around, but may be worth it.  You will be taking some good shots, and with a helmet on your head and an unexpected impact, it could cause a problem.  I have seen it before.  A dude goes out for the local fair demo derby, then comes to the hospital to get neck surgery the next day.  You will be repetitively crashing your car.  Safety first!  Good luck

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Tires a little undersize... so when the fenders/quarters come in they don't get cut as easy.

[moparmaniac59]

Drive backwards! That's my advice.  When I lived in northern VA, they had demolition derby up in Waynesboro and I used to go and watch. It was a ton of fun watching them bash up those old cars. I would enjoy the opportunity to smash up a Ford!!  Good luck!! 


                                                                           Matt B.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

Thanks for all the tips guys!  I had a set of killer tires in the pipeline.  A buddy of mine was going to get the "original" tires recapped with tractor tread.  The rules guy said no way.  Back to the drawing board...

Battery has to be moved, in a box etc.  Viperman, I can't do studded tires, but I CAN do tubes.  Dunno about the fix a flat?  And yes I will be the only cruiser.  My chief challenged the neighboring town but they didn't step up.     Well I'm the only one who stepped up here, so I guess I'm the crazy one lol.  I DO get to run the blue lights however, that should be a crowd pleaser. 

Andy, if I had more time I'd love to pick your buddys brain but I don't have the time this year.  Unfortunately I only get the car for the one derby then it gets junked.  Next year I'll have to buy my own and go on tour myself!