How to Build A Demolition Derby Car?

Introduction

     Demolition derbies began in the 1950's in Long Island by Larry Mendelsohn. Derby events are usually seen at local fairs where competitors take cars that are not in good enough shape to be driven on the road anymore and smash them into one another until only one competitor is left running. 

      Building a derby car takes a lot of planning and preparation to participate in big events, but it can be fun and rewarding. The first step is to choose the right car before you begin building a derby car. 

     Generally, the best cars are older and not road worthy. Ideally, demolition derby competitors prefer having a heavier car with a stronger frame.

How to strip out cars

     When stripping a derby car you should remove carpets, back seat, spare tire and any extra weight from the inside. This includes removing things such as roof panels, visors, dashboard, door panels and passenger front seat. 

How to attach bumpers

     Bumpers are recommended to be #9 wired to the front and back while remaining in their stock location. The stock location is the normal location the bumper would appear on the car. You can run the wire through the hood and core support as well as the trunk lid and taillight panel. 

How to PROTECT battery box

     The battery box must be securely bolted or welded to the passenger floor board. The car is allowed two batteries which must be covered with a rubber mat for safety reasons when inside the battery box.

How to Install roll cages

     It is recommended that cages or roll bars be installed inside of the car by welding or bolting bars behind the seat, across the doors, and to the dashboard. These will all connect to one another to help minimize damages. Also, these materials will provide extra safety if you flip over.

Where to locate gas tank

     You need to remove fuel tanks if they are located behind the rear axle. Fuel tanks that are located in front of the rear axle do not need to be removed. 

     Fuel tanks must be secured behind the front seat. It is required that fuel tanks be tightly secured using ratchet straps, chains, or bolts. However, fuel tanks can be mounted in the front portion of the truck box. 

     For safety purposes, fuel tanks should have some sort of coverage, for example a metal covering or rubber mat.

How to strengthen a car

      Reinforcing plates to different areas of the frame such as suspension points and engine mounts can help strengthen the car and frame. The plates are held onto the frame by welds. Factory body mounts may also be changed using hockey pucks, stack of washers, or other material. It is required when changing body mounts to use only half bolts.

How to weld doors and trunk

     For the safety of drivers, the driver's door may be welded without the inside body seam being welded. Each of the doors and trunk lids may be welded or chained in six places of your choice with a chain of ⅜ inch diameter thickness. An 8 inch by 8 inch hole must be cut in the center of the trunk if the lid cannot be opened due to welds or chains.

Tires

    Any ply rating rubber tires are allowed, but wheel weights must be taken off from both the inside and outside of the wheels.

Finishing touches

     Once you have completed building your car, you should paint your vehicle with bright colors so that it is easier for drivers to see each other. Many drivers paint numbers on the front passenger and driver side doors as well as the last name of the driver on the rear fenders.

Conclusion

     In conclusion, building and racing a demolition derby car can be a fun and exciting experience. It can be dangerous and cars can sometimes even catch on fire, so it's important to follow the rules in the safety manual. It's also important to build your car in a safe and smart way such as using a roll cage and putting the gas tank in a safe place.