Author Topic: looking to get started  (Read 18403 times)

Offline jason29a

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looking to get started
« on: February 23, 2015, 05:24:43 PM »
Hi.. I'm 43 years old and I have been racing circle track for 22 years. Sprints, late models, dirt and pavement etc. I've said for years that maybe I'd like to do a little drag racing, but I just kinda put it in the back of my mind and thought it would go away. But after seeing some FED videos its not going away at all. So I'm here looking for some insight on where to get started. I have a complete fabrication and engine background building cars and components. But totally new to this and need a little help, such as chassis companies etc?

Thank you,
Jason

Offline LZ

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2015, 06:57:04 PM »
Hi Jason:
Welcome, you have friends here that share your sickness.. ;)
Larry you have a com padre.. 8)

I have a fever. and the only prescription, is more Cowbell Front Engine Dragster.


 Luke
"I am not a number.... I am a free man."

Offline novacain

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2015, 07:32:56 PM »
Welcome to the club Jason. I got my first FED at 49, wish I would have done this 20 years ago.  Your in the right place there is a lot of good info on here.

Offline dwrfab

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2015, 07:35:55 PM »
Please check out  www.donrossfab.com  I have several components for feds.
   Don Ross
My life is my wife and building dragsters and parts.  My web site is www.donrossfab.com

Offline GlennLever

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2015, 08:22:38 PM »
Make good use of Roo Man as a resource.
Glenn R. Lever
Rochester, New York 14617-2012
My Cars https://www.lever-family-racing.com/

Offline George

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2015, 08:26:56 PM »
Welcome !!


And you should checkout Neil & Parks . http://neilparks.com/
« Last Edit: February 24, 2015, 03:54:56 AM by George »

Offline Van

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2015, 09:37:35 PM »
The biggest difference you will notice, is that the car you load up to go home with after a day of racing will usually look the same as when you got to the track with it.

Offline ricci32

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2015, 04:11:04 AM »
Jason Im 49 and have a very similar background I race dirt modifieds most of my life there was no drag racing in my area growing up but several things happened to switch my interest as I got older most of my crew had kids and family interest ,my father passed away 7 years ago  him and I did everything together and I have to admit the 7 day a week every night race all  summer took its tole on my marriage. But a chance trip to a nostalgia drag event and meeting a few interesting people on line led me down this vintage FED road a few years ago and I have never looked back lot of great helpful people im from ny and now make the pilgramige to the west cost every year   the California hot rod reunion is off the hook more front engine dragsters in one place anywhere on earth imgoing to the mach meet next week and have a friend racing there. Keep in touch if you building or buying a car I have made lots of contacts. I now have two cars  and cant wait for this racing season. Good luck you are hooked again. 

Offline ricci32

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2015, 04:14:42 AM »
David Beard at dragstersupply.com Has become a great friend and build some fantastic nostalgia cars , sells chassis kits and dragster componants. Take a look at his site .
 

Offline dusterdave173

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2015, 04:53:55 AM »
That FED on Ebay this week that is advertised with two bodies--One of our club members--killer car needs nothing but engine--Mr Beal--call him--it is a great car ready to rock--he is an older gentleman and his Ebay ad skills are not so hot but that car is a peach for the $$ He is super honest and has driven one of these ever since the start--will be very helpful.
I built my car from scratch--very rewarding but starting with a roller is lot quicker
These are the most fun you will ever have--Good Luck!
I have always had a fascination with fast cars at the expense of more normal character development

Offline wideopen231

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2015, 03:26:00 PM »
Welcome to the crazy folks club. You will be told how crazy it is to build a FED mostly by cookie cutter guys. Hopefully will be driving my first FED at 49(as of JAN). completely built by me and Daves right rewarding but long process. Hoping to be making shots mjd season or sooner and I started 4 years ago.

 
Relecting obama is like shooting right foot because it did not hurt enough when you shot left foot

Offline Oldschool

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2015, 03:52:26 PM »
I to raced dirt for almost 25 years,again L.M. ,mod and sprint car. The expense and amount of help you need,I decided to do some drag racing. My very first drag car was a 125" Altered with a 505 BB Chevy. Holy cow that was a ride. Now I have a FED and very excited to feel that ride. I just love it and not tearing up a bunch of stuff. One thing that help is I was use to speed,but the acceleration is serious stuff.
Good luck and just have fun. Also do not have to worry about fights in the pits .
It is not the years in your life
But the life in your years

Offline wideopen231

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2015, 06:16:42 PM »
Wait! They have racing that is not dragracing?
Relecting obama is like shooting right foot because it did not hurt enough when you shot left foot

Offline jason29a

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2015, 09:16:51 PM »
Thank you to everyone for the help and making me feel welcome.

Offline ss4

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Re: looking to get started
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2015, 08:10:34 AM »
Welcome as well Jason,

sounds like we have similar roots (age as well). I have been burning dirt circles since 2001, Street stock, modified and late model.  I had the same fire of running a front engine dragster.  I built mine as well, same base chassis and DusterDave.   absolutely love it.  Albeit it is not the same as circles but in the fed it is a blast, I don't think I would say the same with a door car (done that as well).  I think the sweetest part is the fact the these dragster are not cookie cutters and can be done anyway you want to.  always keep safety in mind but don't get buffaloed by "experts" in the only way to do it is the way I say. 
if you need to Hate target Laziness