dm440c
Feature Winner
derby drivers against drama- there's no crying in demo derby!
Posts: 2,824
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Post by dm440c on Oct 10, 2013 10:42:45 GMT -5
Just make sure you don't meet an over built car that runs good. I've spent most of the past 20+ years competing against stronger cars, it's nothing new to me. I'm fully expecting to do it again this weekend and again two weeks after that. As long as my car runs well I've still got a chance to compete.
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improse
Feature Winner
Posts: 1,203
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Post by improse on Oct 10, 2013 11:13:04 GMT -5
My advice to all rookies,DO NOT use your frontend to a$$end a car.When going in reverse look forward to make sure nobody is following you to junk the front.This picture below is a prime example.Kid used his front on my rear,I followed him all the way to the wall and park it.Thank god the promotor sent us both to the feature cause of the hit.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2013 23:17:24 GMT -5
Pay attention to the details cause the small chit is what usually takes you out... Don't come off the line 100 mph cause usually you dont make a second hit... Put your head on a swivel cause the ones your not paying attention to will hurt the worst... Paint??? Hell it came from factory with that option... Have a good fitting light weight helmet... And if you can't weld don't try find someone who can...
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Post by derbydude on Oct 11, 2013 8:27:09 GMT -5
Gotta learn sometime, but there are places to practice and places to let someone who knows what they are doing weld (cage, spiders, bumper mounts, etc.).
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2013 9:19:02 GMT -5
And my best investment is/was a neck brace
Sent from my XT907 using proboards
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Post by CHUNKY MONKEY 13 on Oct 11, 2013 9:35:52 GMT -5
plus 1 on a neck brace best 20 bucks iv spent for demo stuff
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Post by amkear613 on Oct 11, 2013 12:04:47 GMT -5
I would have fallen into this category of rookies except my free cars ran like shit. in the end the goal was just to make it to the track running. I had to redo my brakes five times. they kept blowing and donor lines were no good either found out on the track! my car didnt have reverse till the morning of the derby. My brothers car starter shorted out right before the derby. It was just hell. the old shocks on the cars made them sit low so my front frame has no issues but the core support ended up on the intake. I'm glad to have gotten rid of the curse but... I'm ready to get competitive, its just my nature. Thanks guys for helping me make new priorities!
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Post by smashedsober on Oct 11, 2013 22:18:15 GMT -5
Ran my first derby in 12 years this year. My mistakes to fix for next time in approximate order -
1. More power/speed
2. Keep bumper on
3. Washers on body mounts
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Post by amkear613 on Oct 12, 2013 18:22:55 GMT -5
Ran my first derby in 12 years this year. My mistakes to fix for next time in approximate order - 1. More power/speed 2. Keep bumper on 3. Washers on body mounts Washers on bodymounts was my mistake too ripped the core support off by pulling them cheap suckers right outof the frame
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Post by moparjim on Oct 13, 2013 12:00:29 GMT -5
Mount ignition/start toggles/switches up on the dash bar so you can be on the lookout. It drives me crazy when I see somebody take a huge hit they didn't see coming because they are hunched over trying to start their car.
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Post by White Trash #8 on Oct 13, 2013 14:34:39 GMT -5
Buy a new battery every year, or make a 100% sure the one you have is in tip top shape. I am always amazed at how many people are rushing to jump start their car before their heat or feature. Other than safety items, its the most over looked items.
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Post by zjm1000 on Oct 14, 2013 13:17:29 GMT -5
I would definitely not call my self a veteran yet.. I started 10 years ago when i was 18 because i thought it sounded cool. Never was a car person, or a racing person, but i had a free car, so i jumped in. Things that have eliminated me/our cars in the beginning: wiring, batteries, clogged carbs, just like this post says. Learned more about cars as the years have passed, and now the things that are eliminating me are breaking axles, driveshafts, lost steering.. Unless you win or give up, something is always going to break.
There are a lot of things you can control and some things you can't, and id much rather lose because someone put several good hits on me than because someone stepped on my switch getting into the car. I credit this site and its members for keeping me in the sport, and the advice located here. Without a strong community that supports each other, the sport would die.
The advice in this post is what I share with every person that asks me about building their first derby car. My advice to add is to wear long sleeves and pants and boots, ive been doused in hot steam a few times and you will be glad you had long sleeves on, even if its 90+ outside
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2013 13:21:34 GMT -5
I had a long sleeve with the sleeves pushed up, my rad house blew, and shot water all over, so I pushed my sleeves down
Sent from my XT907 using proboards
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Post by goines2 on Oct 18, 2013 3:40:40 GMT -5
One of the MAIN things that I see that ISN'T addressed by rookies and veterans alike is MAKE SURE YOUR BRAKES WORK.... WELL! This is a subject that is very often overlooked and really isn't discussed on here much. It doesn't matter how well your car runs, or how "hard" it is. If you cannot stop it will be DAMN hard to do well. If you cant stop chances are you will end up on top of the wall and have a BAD day.
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Post by shr283r on Oct 18, 2013 9:01:33 GMT -5
I'm a rookie myself, ran trucks for 5 years, and 2013 is my first year for cars. I have however been around the sport buiding cars with my dad, and doing engine work since I was 15. (28 now). The little advise I have is don't believe everything you hear, half is bullshit, and another 1/4 is not totally accurate. Do your research, nothing better then self involved r&d. And in this sport and most other situations is don't be afraid to try, if you are not trying something new, old, or whatever, you will be left in the past. There will always be someone with something new that works better. Last but not least overkill is under rated, especially when it comes to safety.
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