Step 2 - KNOW YOUR RULES! You don't want to be doing something that you will get disqualified for, rules are getting a lot more strict.
Step 3 - If allowed, weld the trunk and all doors solid. It will help. Also, weld angle iron on the hood, one on the fender and one on the hood. Drill holes in them so you can put bolts through them to keep your hood closed. A picture will be added soon for more explanation.
Step 4 - Cut a hole in the floor directly above the shift linkage and use threaded ready rod for a shifter. This will also help, but make sure you have brackets in place so it doesn't switch gears when you get hit. This happened to me, even though I had brackets, they broke off, so weld them instead of screwing them in.
Step 5 - Have a strong battery box and gas tank box. Plastic milk crates work, but aren't exactly safe. I use a solid wood battery box, bolted to the floor. I also use a solid wood gas tank box. I have this on a stand that my dad built, which lifts it off the floor so it won't move around so much.
Step 6 - If allowed, run safety bars. Run one behind the seat from door to door and on the dash from door to door. Also, run angle iron on the windshield to help keep the roof from collapsing when the back end folds up.
Step 7 - If allowed, bolt chains to the bumper shocks. This way if the bumper comes off the shocks, the chains will hold it on. Take a look at my car on the home page, the back bumper is broken off the frame completely but is still hooked on to the shocks with the chains.
Step 8 - Cut the front sway bar out, as shown here.
Step 10 - Run ready rod or bolts or whatever behind the radiator. Make sure you cover them with duct tape or hose. This will help prevent the radiator from pushing back too far. Also, put an old ac radiator in front of your radiator and punch holes in it. This will make the rad cooler and protect it at the same time.
