SECRETS OF SEMAR
Keeping Your Girl (Or How To Budget Your Ride)
By Dan Semar
Posted on Jan 3, 2006

If there’s one topic that I know about, it’s this one. I think I’ve done ok having built three cars while keeping the same girl and even marrying her Were there some disputable times? Of course there were, but with a little compromise and pampering everything turned out ok. Building a car is a dedicated job — physically, mentally, and monetarily. It can even sometimes be emotional (if the lady doesn’t always get what she wants). This is where you have to balance that fine line. If you ever hear the line, “You care more about that car than me,” run to the nearest cliff and jump. You’re in deep trouble!

Setting A Budget
If your lady friend is a live-in or is soon-to-be, the best thing to do is set a budget that allows you to not only buy things for your car but for her as well. The worst thing that you can do is spend every last dime of your paycheck on your car to leave her paying for every dinner and beer you drink on the weekend — it’s just not a pretty situation when this happens.
The one thing that everyone should let sink into his or her minds is that building a ride takes time. Not only the labor, but the money — unless you’re Chip Foose along with the A-Team, which you’re most likely not. It’s so hard to set aside a specific amount of money per paycheck to buy parts for your car. It would be so much easier to just buy everything right now and put it on that credit card. This is one thing that you never want to get into the habit of doing. I haven’t fallen victim to the credit card max out bonanza, but I’ve known and witnessed friends do it. Don’t get caught up in a massive load of credit card debt at a young age — it will only hurt you in the future when you go to buy your next car or even a house.

Throwing every dollar you make into your car to get no return or investment will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Building a car is a hobby and should be fun. Remember that.

Coordinate
Dispensing your time amongst work, the lady, and your car will allow you to accomplish your goals and to keep everyone happy. First off, you need the job in order to make money for the car and to keep your lady happy. You need a lady to bandage those busted knuckles when you slip the wrench, and because we don’t function worth a crap without them. Set a night or two aside each week just for the lady (or ladies, depending on what type of guy you are). This way, she knows that those are the nights you’ll be hanging out with her, then she can’t throw a fit when you have to drive two hours away to pick up some parts you ordered on a night that The OC is on.

Now, if something comes up on a night that your suppose to hang out with the lady, make sure that she hasn’t made plans before you ditch her to do car stuff. If this ever has to happen, make sure that you refer to one of the few tips in this month’s sidebar.

Getting Sponsors
You’re probably wondering what getting a sponsorship has to do with budgeting your ride? A lot, actually. How about half-off, or even free, products!?!? Now, let me set one thing straight: Sponsorships are not completely free. Some people think that companies are going to give them their products for free and that’s it. This is not true. Having a sponsorship is like having a part time job with that company. This means less time with the lady, but more cash to spend on her to make up for it. Companies are not going to give their products to any Joe Schmoe — you have to be willing to showcase their products and give them maximum exposure. Some companies may require you to attend a set amount of shows and provide proof of your attendance. You may even be eligible to be in their booth at shows.

The best thing you can do for a sponsor is get magazine coverage. Having a spread in a magazine is a free advertisement for your sponsors, but you have to make sure their logo is on your car and visible from all angles to be shot. Many companies will ask for you to place their logo on your front bumper corners or on top of the windshield — this is called “prime real estate”. These are the most visible locations when photographed from the front or side (which most cars are).

Now, before you go out and try to get a sponsor, you have to have something to show for. Companies are not going to give you product for your stock beater that Mom and Dad bought you for your 16th birthday. You have to have a foundation built and something to show for. You have to prove to these companies that you are serious and are not out to just get free parts. If you’re that type of person, don’t waste your time — you will be “Black Listed” in the industry.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your budget planned in no time...  <<