Everyone Thanks!
First, this is the most "chat" I have ever done in a forum of this type. Didn't want to start a war, but I appreciate the point of view that each of you have. When building a new car for a new type of racing, I want the best information out there from guys that have "been there and done that" and each of you fit the bill perfectly.
Secondly, I will try and restrict the length of my chute anchor point to as close to the body as possible. My main tube that everything attaches to is a 1 1/2" tubing with .120 wall.....should I go thicker? It attaches to what was my trailer hitch made out of 1 1/2" 1/4" wall square tubing (about 8" long), welded to my rear crossmember with heavy wall 1" square tubing supports going out approximately 6" on each side. I have 1 1/2" X .120" wall square tubing coming out of the hitch recepticle and it drops down 90 degrees and wraps around the 1 1/2" X .120" wall round tubing that exits aproximately 1/2" below the bottom of the rear of the body, in the center. My chute anchor point is approximately 5" from the rear of my body and goes up 4" from the centerline of the main tubing, made like a 4 sided pyramid with 3/16" plate on all 4 sides,that come to a point, with piece of .120" thick tubing at the end with brass bushings that the 3/4" clevis mount goes through. I believe that it is plenty strong, and gives a good straight shot over the horizontal wheel in the back, so shouldn't get caught up in anything. With regard on whether to mount the anchor on top or on the bottom of the main tube it looks like the best point is on the top, so it doesn't get caught under the axle....better to wrap it around the cage. I guess I will have to get some spin practice....on the salt to see how it feels. I am always concerned about a tire catching and the car going over, but with new tires (Mickey Thompson 30X18 on the rear and 4 Ply Funny Car M & H's on the front) on steel rims, I think that tire problems should be remote. I appreciate the wisdom of each of you and your willingness to help this newby!
Thirdly, I will have Bob Stroud take my information and make a judgement on the length of the tether and the chute size. I am going to be running D/SR to begin with, but I am building my car to run AA down the road. This year is a learning year for me and I want to get in as many runs as possible pending any engine/chassis problems and/or changes.
This is a great forum and learning experience. I look forward to meeting each of you this year. Can you give me Jon Amo's address? Thank You.