SEMA Action Network Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 SEMA Action NetworkDriving Force - August 2006 Old Cars Get New LifeStates Line Up to Pass Pro-Hobby Antique LegislationLawmakers across the country are again showing their support for the antique automobile hobby by enacting new laws to reduce the burden of owning and registering these vintage vehicles. These measures, which range from one-time registration fees to expanding existing "limited use" restrictions, further on-going efforts to highlight the importance and historic significance of the antique auto hobby."Legislators everywhere continue to recognize the immeasurable amount of time, money and effort automotive hobbyists invest in their cars. These new laws represent a continued commitment to the hobby," said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. "These SAN-supported initiatives not only encourage increased participation in the auto hobby but also will ensure that the hobby will be enjoyed by future generations."One such measure in South Carolina to provide an exemption from property taxes for motor vehicles licensed and registered as antiques was signed into law by Governor Mark Sanford. The new law defines an "antique" as every motor vehicle which is "over 25-years old, is owned solely as a collector's item and is used for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, but in no event used for general transportation."Another initiative to provide for a one-time registration fee of $50 for vehicles at least 60 years old was passed by the Maryland State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Bob Ehrlich. Under the measure, the one-time registration is not transferable to a subsequent owner.Pro-hobby legislation has also been enacted in West Virginia through a measure that would amend the state's current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their use on Friday evenings. Under the previous West Virginia law, use of antique vehicles was strictly limited to club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, testing, obtaining repairs and for recreational purposes only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. A similar law was passed in Tennessee which would allow registered antique vehicles to be used for "general transportation purposes" on Saturdays and Sundays.In another positive move for hobbyists, lawmakers in Kansas decided to extend the state's antique vehicle provisions to qualifying military vehicles. Signed into law by Governor Kathleen Sebelius, the measure defines an "antique military vehicle" as a vehicle, regardless of the vehicle's size or weight, which was manufactured for use in any country's military forces and is maintained to represent its military design. In Kansas, "antique" vehicles must be more than 35-years old, and propelled by a motor using petroleum fuel, steam or electricity or any combination of these three. All antiques are afforded a one-time registration fee of $40.In addition to seeing these pro-hobby bills signed into law, enthusiasts were also successful in defeating harmful proposals directly targeting antique vehicles. Enthusiasts in Illinois defeated two measures which would have further restricted the ability of vehicle hobbyists to maintain inoperable vehicles on private property as the bills were not acted upon prior to the adjournment of the legislature. The first bill would have removed historic vehicles over 25 years old from a list exempting them from inoperable vehicle ordinances. While the second bill would have changed the definition of "inoperable motor vehicle" to include those which, for a period of at least 7 days, had the engine, wheels, or other parts removed, altered, or damaged so that the vehicle was incapable of being driven under its own power. The current law allows 6 months as opposed to 7 days.Hobbyists in West Virginia defeated a harmful measure that would have redefined "abandoned motor vehicles" to include vehicles or vehicle parts which are either unlicensed or inoperable, or both, are not in an enclosed building and have remained on private property for more than 30 days.Ohio enthusiasts were also successful in stalling consideration of a bill that would further restrict the ability of state vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. The bill would have provided authority to townships to remove inoperable vehicles deemed to be "junk," including collector cars, from private property."The SAN is truly grateful to all the car clubs and individual enthusiasts who contacted their elected officials on these important issues," said Jason Tolleson, director of the SEMA Action Network. "Their tireless efforts reflect the continued commitment to preserve the antique auto hobby."For more information on these and other legislative proposals, visit www.semasan.com.=====Caucus CornerEnthusiasts Have a Friend in the Empire StateWith the growth of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus to nearly 140 members, state lawmakers from around the country continue to show their dedication and love for everything automotive by listing their names among their fellow car-loving colleagues. One such lawmaker is New York State Assemblyman Bill Reilich.Assemblyman Reilich joined the Caucus in February and has immediately shown his willingness to get involved in keeping the laws in New York fair and hobby-friendly. Recently, Reilich's quick response helped delay action on a bill that threatened to ban brush and grille guards on all motor vehicles in New York state that use public roadways."Assemblyman Reilich understood that this proposed ban relies heavily on unsubstantiated claims that grille guards, among other things, obstruct airbag sensors," said SEMA Vice President, Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "The measure also ignores an existing federal prohibition against selling or installing equipment that would take a vehicle out of compliance with federal safety standards that cover occupant crash protection. Our friend Bill Reilich is leading the charge in the New York Legislature to ensure that the hobbyist point of view is considered in this debate."Reilich has also indicated a desire to serve on the Assembly's Transportation Committee in order to help safeguard the rights of motor vehicle enthusiasts. His current advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses benefit the many industry members who cater to this growing crowd. As one can imagine, being a full-time legislator keeps Assem-blyman Reilich very busy. Despite his busy schedule, he still finds time to fit in all the "car stuff," adding touches to his Cadillac XLR and constantly working on and refining his '57 Chevy. As a self-described Chip Foose and "Overhaulin'" fan, Reilich recently added a set of Foose wheels to his car.Q: Tell us a little bit more about your vehicles and your personal interest in the hobby. My love of automobiles was inherited from my father. Although he never worked on cars, especially to the extent I always have, he would always end up at the car dealership looking at the newest models and almost every year ended up with the latest model. Cars and my love of them goes way back to my early days of my pedal car. I think nearly every car enthusiast can remember that first day they were hooked.I can remember approaching the legal age to drive when I would spend much of my time imagining what my first car would be. That first car was actually a gift from my brother. It was a '64 Plymouth Valiant that required a great deal of work due to the rust and age of the vehicle. That car, however, inspired me and also provided me the opportunity to learn both mechanical repairs and body work. I not only worked with fiberglass as I placed a huge hood scoop on the hood, I also learned how to paint a car. I finished the Valiant using a technique popular at the time called "spider webbing" which involved layering silver over the black paint.Q: Many would say that America has a love affair with the automobile. People have tinkered with, restyled, restored and modified their vehicles since the car was invented. However, it has become increasingly difficult for hobbyists to pursue these interests. Why do you think it is important to protect the automotive hobby in light of efforts to limit what people can do with their cars? I believe that car enthusiasts realize that modifying newer vehicles and restoring older ones is a hobby that can be enjoyed by both the young and the old. This not only allows us to express our personalities through our vehicles, but allows us to regain our past, just as I was able to do by obtaining a 73 Mustang Mach 1. The Mustang was a car I used to dream about while in high school, but at that time was well beyond what I could afford.Protecting the rights of hobbyists to restore or enhance their vehicles will ensure that future generations will be able to fulfill their own car dreams.Q: As a Caucus member, is there any proactive legislation you would like to see introduced to protect the rights of hobbyists?As a New York State Legislator, I have been diligent in my efforts to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. When researching bills dealing with vehicle modification, I am careful to share with my colleagues the whole and accurate picture regarding the proposed legislation. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the true affect of many of the bills. I am committed to my fellow auto enthusiasts and the hobby we enjoy. As I look toward the start of our 2007 legislative session in Albany, I will become a member of the Transportation Committee. This will allow me to be aware of new legislation well before it would come to the entire body for a vote. I look forward to continuing my work with the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus as a member of the New York State legislature so that I can ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard.Q: What advice do you have for those involved in the hobby who may want to take an active role in protecting their rights as auto enthusiasts?America's love affair with the automobile started long, long ago and will continue as each young child dreams of their first car. America's appetite for obtaining a vehicle is as significant as the desire to own a home. It is a slice of the American Dream and the automobile is deeply embedded in our American culture. My advice would be for hobbyists to stay informed and engage their lawmakers on the issues that matter most to them.From state laws to city ordinances, it is important that individuals get involved so they can educate elected officials on the impact these laws may have on this great hobby of ours.For more information on the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, including a complete listing of its members, visit www.semasan.com.=====Hey, That's My Car!Show Stopper'67 CamaroOwner: Steve McDonoughPembroke, MassachusettsI met Peter Newell of Competition Specialties at a local car show and was quite impressed with his paint work. I thought about asking Peter to add some flames to my '67 Camaro. However, after a visit to his shop I knew that it wastime to turn that Camaro into something special.First to be upgraded was the drive train. I had a typical small block, but this car deserved more. So we threw in a fuel injected 502 big block. Next was the suspension. We felt the leaf springs belonged on a Dart...not a Camaro. We scrapped them for a ladder bar set up. The body also got the special treatment as we molded in some C-5 door handles and tail lights. I always loved the look of the '59 Chevy dash so we incorporated that into the interior with a custom console that flows into the back, and around the back seats (all steel). Finally we were back to the paint which is why I originally approached Peter. We went with House Of Kolor 3-stage Tangerine with a signature "Peter Newell" flame job.Rest assured this is no trailer queen. I've put over 10,000 miles on it since the project was completed. Special thanks to Competition Specialties and DMCRacing.com for an amazing job. Not only did I become a new customer, but I found a great friend in Peter. We are now in the process of thinking about what to do with some of the other toys in the garage.SPECS:Drivetrain: 500HP 502ciTCI Turbo 400 transmissionChrome Tunnel Ram Fuel InjectionSuspension: Custom DMC Racing ladder-bar rear suspension Air Ride air suspension front and rear Willwood polished six-piston brake systemWheels/Tires: Colorado Customs 18-inch wheels BF Goodrich KDW Other Fun Stuff: Vintage Air Heat/AC Dakota Digital gaugesThanks to all who have sent in or e-mailed us photos. Please continue to send us photos of your trail rides, restorations in progress, rod runs, car shows, charity events and drag races. Kindly submit pictures to: The Driving Force, SEMA, 1575 South Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. You also may send high-resolution digital pictures (minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch; minimum 5 inches wide) by e-mail to carrw@sema.org. =====Read All About It!Thousands Learn About SAN During Annual Tour With amazing weather and even more spectacular vehicles on display, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) joined with long haulers and local spectators alike in the annual Hot Rod magazine Power Tour. Starting in Orlando, Florida and winding its way up to Englishtown, New Jersey, the event brought together car enthusiasts young and old and vehicles of all makes and models."I would personally like to thank all of the enthusiasts who signed up for SAN while on the Power Tour," said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. "Each day of the tour, I had the opportunity to meet with countless individuals who understand the importance of becoming involved in influencing the laws that impact our hobby."In addition to signing up new SAN members, SEMA staff were also on hand to photograph and distribute more than 370 press releases to local newspapers, promoting the SAN's participation in the event.Editor's note: For you long haulers out there who had your cars featured in your local papers, please send a copy to:SEMA Action Network1317 F Street, NW,Suite 500Washington, D.C. 20004=====On The Road AgainWe invite you to stop by and meet with Jason Tolleson, director of the SEMA Action Network, at this event in August:August 18-20, Berlin, ConnecticutEastern States NationalsInformation: www.rightcoastcars.com or 800/753-3978=====We Get LettersDear Editor:My name is John Wyatt and I own and operate a motorsports track(Muddrags Of San Antonio) that races 4x4 trucks and highly modifiedvehicles. I was reading the article about your assistance with the land useissue in Minnesota. Even though this may not have affected me locally, Itruly appreciate the SEMA Action Network taking a positive stand andsupporting this section of the automotive industry and this group of truckowners. If there is ever any such activity or anything like this that wouldeffect Texas, please let me know and I will be more than happy to help inany way that I can. It is really reassuring to know that there is a grouplike the SEMA Action Network to keep a watchful eye out for proposedlegislation like this. It is much better to stop legislation such as thisbefore it becomes a law than try to change them or worse yet, to try to livewith them.Thank you,John WyattSan Antonio, TXDear John:Thank you for your letter about the land use bill in Minnesota. Ifenacted, the measure would have severely limited 4x4 truck access in thestate. Such a proposal would not only have impacted local riders, but otherenthusiasts who pass through the state in search of off-road recreationalopportunities. In addition, should the bill have been enacted, other statesmay have also attempted to further restrict off-road access in their states.I agree that it is vital that we all stay informed about the differentlegislative proposals regardless of what state you may live in or what typeof vehicle you may drive. There are far too many threats, and opportunities,that face this hobby to stand by and allow proposals to move through thelegislative process without input from the enthusiast community. Iappreciate your continued support!Jason TollesonEditor, Driving Force=====AUGUST 2006 SAN CLUB EVENTSARIZONAAugust 5-7, PrescottCar Show and Swap MeetSponsor: Prescott Antique Auto ClubInformation: ware@cableone.net or 928/778-5386CALIFORNIAJuly 31-August 3, TruckeeNational Solid Axle Corvette Club ConventionSponsor: SACCInformation: www.solidaxle.org or 916/991-7040August 6, Long BeachCadillac Concours D'EleganceSponsor: Cadillac Club International ConsortiumInformation: 951/845-5916August 12, Long Beach1956 Golden Anniversary ShowSponsor: L.A. Classic Chevy ClubInformation: www.golden567shows.com or 714/375-0889August 19, Atascadero17th Annual Atascadero Lake Car ShowSponsor: Mid-State CruizersInformation: www.midstatecruizers.org or 805/461-1282August 25-27, Pleasanton20th Havoline West Coast NationalsSponsor: GoodguysInformation: www.good-guys.com or925/838-9876August 27, Chatsworth41st Annual Parts ExchangeSponsor: San Fernando Valley Chapterof the MTFCAInformation: 661/296-3668August 31-September 2, SunnyvaleAACA National MeetSponsor: AACA, Foothills RegionInformation: www.aaca.org or 717/534-1910COLORADOAugust 26, BrightonOld Car Council of Colorado Annual Swap MeetSponsor: Old Car Council of ColoradoInformation: 303/426-8843CONNECTICUTAugust 18-20, BerlinEastern States NationalsSponsor: Right Coast Assn.Information: www.rightcoastcars.com or800/753-3978August 20, Goshen31st Annual Auto Show and Swap MeetSponsor: Litchfield Hills Historical Auto ClubInformation: 860/485-9159ILLINOISAugust 6, Chicago3rd Annual Classic Car Show Benefiting Arthritis Foundation, Greater ChicagoInformation: mpoland@arthritis.org or 312/372-2080August 13, GenevaAll-Pontiac Car ShowSponsor: Cruisin Tigers GTO ClubInformation: www.cruisintigersgto.comAugust 20, Olney20th Anniversary White Squirrel Cruisers Car ShowSponsor: White Squirrel CruisersInformation: rlh@omegabbs.com or 618/843-8822August 24-26, RockfordAACA Central Division National Fall MeetSponsor: Blackhawk Region AACAInformation: 815/275-4292August 25-27, Springfield27th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Hot Rod Super NationalsInformation: www.familyevents.com or317/236-6522INDIANAAugust 18-20, Indianapolis13th Annual Toyo Tires Import and Truck BashInformation: www.familyevents.com or317/236-6522IOWAAugust 6, Boone41st Annual Swap Meet and Car ShowSponsor: Tall Corn Region, AACAInformation: 515/432-2540KENTUCKYAugust 3-6, Louisville37th Annual Street Rod NationalsSponsor: National Street Rod Assn.Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030MASSACHUSETTSAugust 20, MedwayMass Cruisers 15th Annual Car ShowSponsor: Mass CruisersInformation: www.masscruisers.com or781/986-4259MICHIGANAugust 10-12, Detroit1956 Chevy 50th Anniversary CelebrationInformation: www.classicchevy.com or321/358-9703MINNESOTAAugust 4, White Bear LakeWhite Bear Dodge Nite ShowSponsor: Midwest MoparsInformation: 763/755-6119August 6-9, Bloomington/Minneapolis26th International Late Great Chevy ConventionSponsor: Gopher State Late Great ChevysInformation: www.lategreatchevy.com or321/385-9703MISSOURIAugust 2-6, Springfield32nd Classic Chevy International ConventionSponsor: Classic Chevy Club of SpringfieldInformation: www.classicchevy.com or800/456-1957MONTANAAugust 11-13, PolsonValley Cruisers Car ShowSponsor: Valley CruisersInformation: 406/644-2339NEBRASKA24th Annual Pontiac, GMC, Oakland ShowSponsor: Nebraskaland Chapter, POCIInformation: joeandrachel@cox.net or402/679-1781NEVADAAugust 3-5, RenoHot August Nights/41st Annual Reno Classic Car & Parts Swap MeetInformation: www.renoswapmeet.com or916/933-0949NEW JERSEYAugust 13, Wayne15th Annual Car ShowSponsor: Tri-County CruisersInformation: cwegman@wegmanassociates.com or 973/862-0288August 25-27, ParsippanyEast Coast GTOAA Pontiac Car ShowSponsor: Garden State GTOsInformation: www.garden-state-gtos.org or 201/405-1158NEW MEXICOAugust 21, AlbuquerqueMake-A-Wish Car ShowSponsor: Rio Grande Corvette ClubInformation: stardustboxers@comcast.net or 505/831-3723NEW YORKAugust 6, Rochester46th Annual Car Show, Car Corral, andFlea MarketSponsor: Genesee Valley Antique Car SocietyInformation: www.gvacs.com or 585/624-1071August 13, Saugerties49th Annual Car ShowSponsor: Saugerties Antique Auto ClubInformation: 845/331-4450August 20, Sylvan Beach30th Annual Antique Car ShowSponsor: Mohican Model A Ford ClubInformation: www.28-31ford.orgOHIOAugust 4-6, Norwalk15th Anniversary Tri-Power Pontiac NationalsInformation: www.pontiacnationals.com or 419/663-7383August 6, CroftonHartford Fair Car ShowInformation: www.hartfordfair.com or614/562-3762August 12, ColumbusClassic Car Cruise-In Chicken and Corn RoastSponsor: Aladdin Car ClubInformation: 614/475-2609August 12, Newark3rd Annual Courage ClassicInformation: 710/345-7030PENNSYLVANIAAugust 4-6, CarlisleCarlisle All-Truck NationalsInformation: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/243-7855August 5, Pennypacker Mills Historic Site Pennypacker Mills British Car DaySponsor: Delaware Valley Classic MG ChapterInformation: www.dvcmg.com or 610/831-1531August 13, Harrisburg18th Annual M.D.A. Car ShowSponsor: Special Interest Auto Unit,Tall Cedars of LebanonInformation: 717/469-0065August 18-20, Bloomsburg19th Annual Toyo Tires Summer4-Wheel JamboreeInformation: www.familyevents.com or317/236-6522August 19, PerkaskieUnder the Stars Antique, Classic, andCustom Car ShowInformation: 215/257-5706August 25-27, MacungieWOTSRA Rod and Custom JamboreeSponsor: Wheels of Time Street Rod Assn.Information: www.wheelsoftime.org or610/845-7177August 25-27, CarlisleCorvettes at CarlisleInformation: www.carlisleevents.com or717/243-7855TENNESSEEAugust 1-5, KingsportProfessional Car Society's 30th Anniversary International MeetInformation: fdpetke@chartertn.net or 423/288-3454TEXASAugust 12-13, Fort WorthYellow Rose ClassicSponsor: North Texas Mustang ClubInformation: www.ntmc.org/yellowrose or817/595-6900VERMONTAugust 5-6, Essex Junction12th Annual Bond Auto Parts 4-Wheel JamboreeInformation: www.familyevents.com or317/236-6522VIRGINIAAugust 25-27, RichmondRichmond NationalsSponsor: National Street Rod Assn.Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030August 18-20, Spokane5th Great Northwest NationalsSponsor: GoodguysInformation: www.good-guys.com or925/838-9876WEST VIRGINIAAugust 5, Meadow BridgeHomecoming Car ShowSponsor: Rustbucket Rebels Car ClubInformation: www.rustbucketrebels.com or 304/237-5864WISCONSINAugust 5, Green Bay14th Annual Denil-Wall Oldsmobile ShowSponsor: Oldsmobile Club of WisconsinInformation: 920/465-1502August 13, LebanonBuick-Pontiac-Oldsmobile Car ShowSponsor: Southern Ohio Buckeye Chapter, POCIInformation: www.sobcpoci.com or 937/746-5916August 13, WaukeshaWaukesha Old Car Club ShowSponsor: Waukesha Old Car ClubInformation: www.waukeshaoldcarclub.comAugust 18-20, Waukesha17th Great Lakes NationalsSponsor: GoodguysInformation: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876Check out these early September 2006 eventsKANSASSeptember 1-3, Kansas City5th Midwestern NationalsSponsor: Goodguys Information: www.good-guys.com or925/838-9876NORTH CAROLINASeptember 2, Spencer10th Annual All Mopar ShowSponsor: Carolina Region PlymouthOwners ClubInformation: uncuncc26@aol.com or 828/245-7220TENNESSEESeptember 2-3, Millington3rd Annual All Star EventInformation: 901/377-5575=====Newly Introduced LegislationNote: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introducedand are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:INOPERABLE VEHICLESPennsylvania HB 2741: Adds second class cities to those cities that providefor reports and the removal of abandoned vehicles. A second class city has apopulation between 500,000 and 999,999 people and must elect to become asecond class city. WINDOW TINTINGDelaware HB 453: Makes it illegal for a dealer to sell a motorvehicle with tinted windows that are in violation of Delaware law.=====Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!Put SAN on Your Mailing List!We'd like to know what's going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you're involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what's going on and what's important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list. Send correspondence to: Jason Tolleson, SEMA, 1317 F Street, N.W.,Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail at jasont@sema.org.============================== We hope that the information contained in The Driving Force is useful and informative. We encourage our readers, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and car clubs to disseminate this information in newsletters and in meetings. If material from The Driving Force is used in your publications or in meetings, however, we do ask that you attribute the information to SEMA. Thank you and enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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