Thoughts

"CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)" (ccpbb) 12/15/2015 at 05:16 • Filed to: None

2

14

As the president of quite possibly one of the few Top Gear Clubs, we all unanimously decided to collectively use our minimum wage high school salaries to buy a salvage title’d RWD car for drifting at Sonoma raceway. Thoughts?

Obviously I’m not going to register it or insure it. Too expensive. So we’re going to trailer it around (California does not require tags/insurance for Dollies) with a Buddy’s Jeep. We have a private enclosed backyard we can store it in. We're planning on finding a really beat up 240sx (as long the frame is straight) with a SR20 or LS1 swap. We then plan to drift it under TG Club and expand from there.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 07:02

0

DO IT! Buy lots of tires.

Montalvo > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 07:23

0

Pretty much all of the 240sx have the drift tax added onto them so most of them are overpriced even the REALLY ratty ones. A beat up fox body mustang is one of the cheapest ways into a v-8 with a manual if that’s what you are looking for. Late 80’s to early 90’s is definitely the range of something that would be perfect for this though.

Montalvo > Montalvo 12/15/2015 at 07:26

0

Oh yeah be sure to check your local salvage auctions too you might be able to grab something you didn’t expect would be available. You can get some really good stuff for cheap since roadworthiness isn’t really needed here.

haveacarortwoorthree2 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 08:59

1

This is awesome! I don’t want to rain on your parade, but here are some things to think about. Whose name is the title going to be in? What happens when someone crashes/damages the car? Or gets hurt in the car? What happens when one of your friends gets pissed at another one and wants to get paid for all the work he/she has done on the car? Or claims an ownership interest in the car? What happens when your buddy is trailering it someplace and someone runs a red light, smashes into the trailer, somehow knocks the car off, and the car starts down the street on its own until it runs into another car (true story, btw!)?

One idea: hopefully one of your friends has a lawyer parent that can form an LLC to hold ownership of the car.

Good luck, and have fun!

Aaron M - MasoFiST > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 09:04

1

Couple thoughts:

You’ll need a cage to participate in most events, count that into your costs. Also remember things like helmets, which are also required at most events.

Even if the car isn’t tagged for road use, some tracks require you to have track insurance. I don’t know whether this follows the car or the driver.

Related to abovementioned non-car costs (and the car costs, fuel, etc.), it may be in your best interest to write up a contract with your club members regarding sharing costs and/or legal responsibility (someone is going to need to have the title in their name, even if the car isn’t tagged). If written well, it can also ensure that this becomes a tradition for your club that can continue even after you and other current members graduate/move/join the army/whatever.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 09:08

0

I’d recommend a cheap Miata as an autocross beater since that’s easier for everyone to share

d15b > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 09:54

0

1. Safety first. - Can’t stress that enough. Mechanically sound car. Roll Cage. Open face helmets.

2. Friendship first. - I have seen a lot of good friendships go down the tube due to stresses of a car club. Have fun!

3. Planning for the worst - Think about all the worst shit that could happen. Plan for that. Sign waivers. What about insurance. Basically, cover your ass!

It is good to see kids from back home (I’m a Bay Area native) doing big thangs!

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > d15b 12/15/2015 at 10:13

1

Roll cage is a must, and Snell helmets/fire suits will be used.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 12/15/2015 at 10:14

1

We all decided against a Miata yesterday.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > haveacarortwoorthree2 12/15/2015 at 10:15

0

That's a good idea. I'll probably draw something up....

d15b > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 11:43

0

Nice. :]

d15b > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/15/2015 at 11:43

0

Probably monthly dues to help pay for the fun.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Aaron M - MasoFiST 12/15/2015 at 11:51

0

Well, I'm going to have to write one of those as a few of us are seniors...

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > d15b 12/15/2015 at 12:51

1

Monthly...maybe not. But definitely a very meticulous chart in order to split up all the expenses in order to maintain equal ownership.