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May 2009

DRIVING FORCE

Click on image above to open the newsletter PDF.
 
 
Taking the Lead
 
California Lawmaker Assumes Leadership Post of State Auto Caucus
 
California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the SEMA-sponsored State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity since 2007.
 
Founded in 2005, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country and in the public’s eyes. Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
 
Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the assembly in 2006 and re-elected in 2008.
 
In a recent sit-down with the SAN, Duvall exclaimed, “Who knew that a guy who loves old cars and Harleys could have fun in politics?” He added, “We need to keep this alive for future generations.”
 
Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol.
 
In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the assembly to allow certified specialty-equipment and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years, he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new-vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.
 
“From pre-World War II classics to street rods to ’60s-era musclecars to late-model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the United States,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In his years of public service, Assemblymember Mike Duvall has a proven record of commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come. We look forward to his leadership of the caucus.”
 
Despite his busy legislative schedule, Duvall is the consummate car guy. “I love how hobbyists have a special bond with their first car or follow a specific make and model over the years,” said Duvall. He counts a ’52 Ford F-1 pickup, ’55 Ford Fairlane, ’60 Ford Stakebed and collection of Corvettes (’63 split-window, ’90 ZR1, ’93 and ’03) among his prized personal collection.
 
“I welcome the opportunity to serve as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus,” Duvall said. “The past leaders of the caucus, Assemblymember Bill Reilich of New York and Senator [John] Brueggeman of Montana, have set the bar very high. I will work with them and other caucus members to ensure that the automotive hobby is kept alive and well for future generations.”
 
“It is my goal to seek out other lawmakers to join us,” Duvall continued. “As a member of the California Assembly, I have been diligent in my efforts to work with fellow legislators to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. Those that don’t share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effects of many of the bills that are introduced each year. It is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, especially its chairman, to teach and inform. I’m excited by that challenge.”
 
 
 
CAUCUS CORNER
 
Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
 
Here is its newest member:
 
California State Senator Jeff Denham
 
 
 
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
 
California Street Racing: Existing law in California allows law enforcement to arrest and take into custody a person determined to have been engaged in street racing. The law also provides for the removal and seizure of the motor vehicle used in the contest. A vehicle impounded under these provisions is required to be impounded for not more than 30 days. New legislation being considered in the state would require vehicles to be inspected by the state police to determine whether the vehicle has been modified for speed enhancement beyond the manufacturer’s original equipment specifications. The bill would also require that an additional registration fee of $30 be collected for a motor vehicle so seized and that the motor vehicle be designated as speed enhanced on the certificate of registration for that motor vehicle. The SAN is working with the bill’s sponsor to mitigate the inadvertent effects of this bill on law-abiding motorists.
 
California “Gas Guzzlers”: In an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been reintroduced in California to authorize the establishment of a purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. Funds collected under the program would be used in part to fund rebates for vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars. If this effort is successful, the effects on consumers’ ability to purchase the vehicle of choice, not to mention vehicle safety, could be dramatic. The SAN is opposing the bill because it would make popular performance and luxury cars, as well as SUVs, light trucks and minivans, substantially more expensive to own. The measure also will not necessarily curtail greenhouse gas emissions, which depend on a host of other factors, such as total miles traveled.
 
Massachusetts Street Rods/Customs: Massachusetts has reintroduced SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicles they most closely resemble. Late last year, a similar measure was vetoed by Governor Deval Patrick. The SAN will work to uncover and mitigate any concerns raised by the governor and his administration so that the bill can be signed into law this year.
 
Oregon Aftermarket Parts: The SAN reached an agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on an alternative to legislation that originally sought to prohibit the sale and distribution of specialty-equipment motor-vehicle parts if alternatives are available that “decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.” Under the negotiated agreement, the new bill would only give the Department authority to adopt the present California certification process for aftermarket emissions-related parts, allowing parts manufacturers to meet one uniform standard, rather than a patchwork of multiple state standards. The amended legislation will also incorporate a California law that requires state regulators to develop a tire fuel-efficiency program for passenger-car and light-truck replacement tires. As in California, Oregon will include a SAN-drafted provision to exempt limited-production tires (15,000 or less annually), deep-tread snow tires, limited-use spares, motorcycle tires and tires manufactured for use on off-road vehicles.
 
Texas Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to create new vehicle registration and titling classifications for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles is being considered by the House Transportation Committee. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The measure also allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.
 
West Virginia Inoperable Vehicles: At the urging of SAN members in the state, West Virginia legislation has been amended in committee. The bill originally sought to redefine “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. Under the amendment, antique motor vehicles would be exempt from the scope of the measure, as would motor vehicles or parts that are obscured from view by means of blocking or screening behind natural objects, plantings, fences or other appropriate visual barriers.
 
 
 
OFF-ROAD NEWS
 
President Obama signed into law a bill, which adds more than 2 million acres to the National Wilderness Preservation System, including lands in and around Joshua Tree National Park and the Eastern Sierras in California, Mt. Hood in Oregon and Zion National Park in Utah. No mechanized activity is permitted in “wilderness” areas. Some roads and trails were excluded from the wilderness designations and, therefore, remain available to off-roaders. Nevertheless, the SAN expressed regrets that lawmakers had moved too quickly since not all roads and trails received protection.
 
 
 
HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
 
Old Blue
 
1971 Buick Skylark
Owner: Joel Rothman
Culver City, California
 
My first memory of automobiles was my father’s ’32 Buick four-door sedan. I was able to stand on the front seat without my head hitting the roof.
 
Old Blue started life on the assembly line in Fremont, California, as a ’71 Buick Skylark Custom two-door hardtop. Through a succession of owners, the body color had changed from the original Sandpiper Beige to a bright Viper Blue. One of the previous owners removed the air conditioning and heating system. It was then that she acquired a four-barrel Edelbrock carburetor, Hotchkis front and rear suspension systems and chrome Cragar wheels with BFGoodrich tires.
 
I bought the car in October 2000 from a Pepperdine graduate student. Two days later, I had a 2½-inch custom dual exhaust system installed to give her the exact sound I wanted. Since then I have added the following: a new package tray; weather-stripping; a tilt-steering column; engine and transmission mounts; a late-model GM-HEI distributor; a right-side mirror; an 80-amp chrome alternator; a tachometer; water and voltage meters under the dash; a chrome radiator overflow tank; a painted and detailed engine bay; carpet in the trunk and spare tire area; and a custom-made tube grille.
 
In February 2002, I tracked down a complete ’71 Buick A/C system in a wrecking yard. I had it reconditioned and installed into Old Blue. I now have an A/C/heat/defrost system just like the day it left the factory in Fremont. I also had a custom sound system with four-way Kenwood speakers installed.
 
Next was a trip to the paint shop where they removed all the glass, bumpers, chrome and stainless trim. The emblems on the C-pillar, rear fenders and trunk lid were removed and holes were filled. Eight weeks later, it was completely painted with a two-stage urethane, basecoat/clearcoat Stratomist Blue (factory ’71 color). The re-chromed bumpers and stainless trim were all reinstalled, as well as all-new weatherstripping, sill plates, window felts, door handles, seat belts, etc.
 
The final stop was the upholsterers for an all-new interior, seats, panels, a headliner and carpet. The seats and panels were done in a beige ultra-soft vinyl with light blue stitching.
 
I enjoy driving and working on Old Blue. We spend a lot of time at car shows, and she’s got the trophies to prove it.
 
 
 
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
 
More Than Just Mustangs
 
The Valley Forge Mustang Club has a proud heritage of supporting the car hobby and local charities. Formed by a group of Mustang enthusiasts in 1981 and chartered by the Mustang Club of America, the club continues to grow and prosper almost three decades later.
 
The only requirement for membership is a love of Ford’s ponycar and a willingness to share that enthusiasm with others. Club meetings are held monthly, except for July and August when members gather together to caravan to car shows and cruise-ins.
 
Family participation has always been an important part of club events with younger Mustangers enjoying the annual picnic and the December Christmas party that Santa always puts on his address list.
 
The club holds out a helping hand to others by supporting the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and Alex’s Lemonade Show in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The Lord’s Pantry provides food and toiletries to needy families in the local area. Club members donate canned goods at each meeting and deliver turkeys at Thanksgiving time in the Mustang express.
 
A corral of ponies galloped to the Alex’s Lemonade Show to help raise money to fight childhood cancer. Valley Forge Mustang Club donated the dash plaques, and it warmed everyone’s heart to know that more than $11,000 was raised to help fight this terrible disease.
 
For more information, visit www.valleyforgemustang.org.
 
 
 
Newly Introduced Legislation
 
Note: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:
 
Emissions
 
Florida HB 1309/SB 1994: The Florida Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle would be required to develop a joint proposal on how to enforce Florida’s decision to adopt California emissions standards.
 
Illinois SB 1941: Would adopt the California Low Emissions Vehicle program.
 
Iowa HB 740: An interim study committee would be established to examine vehicle emissions standards and decide whether to adopt California emissions standards.
 
Massachusetts HB 713: Would require a label to be affixed to a vehicle in a clearly visible location that displays the vehicle’s emissions score.
 
Texas HB 2867: Would create a rebate program for those who purchase plug-in hybrid vehicles.
 
Exhaust
 
Massachusetts HB 3246: Would set procedures for testing exhaust noise levels for motorcycles. The testing would be in accordance with the standards set in SAE J192 by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
 
Massachusetts HB 3332: The sale and use of exhaust pipes that increase the sound of emissions above 82-dBA level would be prohibited.
 
Inspection
 
Massachusetts HB 4089: The first three years of a vehicle’s life would be exempt from emissions- and maintenance-inspection programs.
 
Pennsylvania HB 1000: Hybrid electric vehicles with a city fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg or better would be exempt from emissions inspections.
 
Insurance
 
Massachusetts HB 1037: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs would conduct a study on the benefits of allowing drivers to pay for insurance on a “pay-as-you-drive” or “cost-per-mile” basis.
 
Miscellaneous
 
Louisiana HB 55: Would prohibit the installation of sound-amplification systems on the exterior of a vehicle.
 
Massachusetts SB 955: Vehicle owners would be allowed to install an airbag on/off switch for both the driver and passenger side of a vehicle.
 
Massachusetts HB 3250: A vehicle would be prohibited from operating any sound-amplification system, which can be heard outside the vehicle from 50 feet away.
 
South Carolina SB 524/HB 3675: Would create a concurrent resolution expressing the long-held belief of the South Carolina General Assembly that NASCAR is an integral and vital part of the state and its economy. Also recognizes the Darlington Raceway as one of the state’s treasured attractions.
 
Salvage
 
Idaho HB 247: Metal recyclers or salvage yards who purchase vehicles would be required to keep on file a photocopy or electronic scan image of the vehicle’s title.
 
Street Racing
 
New York SB 3007: Increases penalty for a second street-racing conviction within one year, from six months in jail to one year.
 
Texas HB 2839: Would increase the penalty for subsequent street-racing convictions to include the suspension of a driver’s license for up to two years. Vehicles could also be impounded for up to 15 days.
 
Taxes
 
Missouri HB 1014: The use of a GPS to monitor mileage in order to impose any mileage tax in the state would be prohibited.
 
Oregon HB 3086: A tax credit would be created for vehicle owners whose engines have been damaged because of fuel that contained at least 10% ethanol. The tax credit covers repairs up to $1,000 per vehicle.
 
West Virginia HB 3072: Would create a credit for the taxes imposed on the purchase of a new vehicle.
 
Tires
 
Maine HB 726: Would establish a tire deposit to be paid when a tire is purchased. The deposit would be refunded when the tire is returned to a municipal recycling center or authorized tire dealer.
 
Massachusetts SB 384: Would create a $2 per tire deposit fee, which would be refunded when a tire is returned to a tire retailer.
 
 
 
EVENTS
 
Alaska
 
May 30, Moose Pass
1st Annual “Name It” Moose Pass Benefit Car Show
Information: http://midnightsunsra.org/pdf/mossepass.pdf
 
Arizona
 
May 1–2, Tucson
35th Annual Rodders Days
Sponsor: Tucson Street Rod Association
Information: www.tucsonstreetrodassociation.com or 520/784-0766
 
California
 
May 1, Yucaipa
Family Classic Car Cruise Night
Sponsor: Past Pleasures Car Club
Information: www.pastpleasurescarclub.com or 909/797-5701
 
May 9, Fremont
Spring Fever Car Show
Information: www.nilesmerchants.com/home.html or 510/792-8023
 
May 17, Riverside
Mopars at CSDR Car Show & Swap Meet
Sponsor: Inland Mopars
Information: www.inlandmoparscarclub.com or 909/981-0477
 
May 22–25, Barstow
Hi Desert Round-Up
Sponsor: California Association of 4WD Clubs
Information: www.cal4wheel.com
 
May 24, Fallbrook
44th Annual Fallbrook Vintage Car Show
Sponsor: Fallbrook Vintage Car Club
Information: http://fallbrookvintagecarclub.com/documents/2009RegistrationForm.pdf or 760/723-8286
 
May 30–31, Pleasanton
16th Summer Get-Together
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
 
Colorado
 
May 30, Greenwood Village
The 5th Annual Buick–Pontiac–Oldsmobile–Cadillac Show & Shine 2009
Sponsor: The Colorado Chapters of the Oldsmobile Club of America & The Pontiac-Oakland Club International
Information: www.rockymtnoldsclub.org/files/2009_showform.doc.pdf
 
Idaho
 
May 2, Malad
2009 Malad Classic Car Show
Information: http://shopmalad.com/malad_car_show.aspx or 208/541-8746
 
Indiana
 
May 3, Raub
Spring Fling Car-Bike Show
Sponsor: The Boyz Car Club
Information: www.theboyzcarclub.com or 815/429-3838
 
May 15–17, Nashville
32nd Shelby Spring Fling
Sponsor: Indiana Shelby American Auto Club
Information: www.indianasaac.com/SF/home.htm or 812/988-7146
 
Kansas
 
May 3, Louisburg
13th Annual Cruise the Burg Show & Shine
Information: 913/219-3818 or 913/837-5255
 
Maryland
 
May 14–17, Ocean City
Cruisin’ Ocean City
Information: www.oceancitycarshows.com/cruisin.php or 410/798-6304
 
Massachusetts
 
May 3, Fitchburg
4th Annual Superintendent’s Dust Off Car Show
Information: 978/345-9200 x 3750
 
Michigan
 
May 16, Bay City
5th Annual Blessing of the Wheels
Information: 989/894-0832
 
May 31–June 1, Dearborn
34th Annual Show & Go
Sponsor: Shelby American Automobile Club of Motor City
Information: www.saac-mcr.com/ec/showgo or 248/879-0835
 
Missouri
 
May 2–3, Springfield
4 Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Information: www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/94 or 317/236-6515
 
May 22–24, Springfield
Mid-America Street Rod Nationals
Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030
 
Nebraska
 
May 29–31, Lincoln
Hot Rod Super Nationals
Information: www.hotrodsupernationals.net/event/106 or 317/236-6515
 
Nevada
 
May 17, Minden
2nd Annual Friendship Day
Sponsor: The Inliners Club of Northern Nevada, Horseless Carriage Club of America-Nevada Chapter, Carson-Tahoe Region of AACA
Information: 775/267-3086 or 775/265-1683
 
May 23–24, North Las Vegas
10th Annual Gasoline Alley Birthday Bash
Information: www.birthdaybash.net/main.html or 702/371-7469
 
New Mexico
 
May 17, Albuquerque
25th Annual Albuquerque Museum/Council of Car Clubs Car Show
Sponsor: New Mexico Council of Car Clubs
Information: www.nmcarcouncil.org or 505/271-2864
 
Ohio
 
May 15–17, Lima
Spring 4 Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Information: www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/95 or 317/236-6515
 
Pennsylvania
 
May 9–10, Carlisle
Carlisle Performance & Style
Information: www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/performance-style or 717/243-7855
 
May 15–17, Carlisle
Carlisle Import-Kit/Replicar Nationals
Information: www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/import/index.asp or 717/243-7855
 
May 17, Pittsburgh
37th Annual Cops and Rodders Rod Run
Sponsor: Vintage Tin of Western Pennsylvania
Information: 412/833-7050
 
Tennessee
 
May 1–3, Knoxville
Street Rod Nationals South
Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030
 
Utah
 
May 15–16, Orem
22nd Annual Auto & Motorcycle Expo
Information: www.uvu.edu/autoexpo or 801/863-8563
 
Wisconsin
 
May 16, Hartford
Spring Dust-Off & Get-Together
Sponsor: Olds Club of Wisconsin
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/ocw/events_page.htm or 262/966-3702
 
Wyoming
 
May 23–25, Casper
Cruizin’ With the Oldies
Sponsor: Oil Capitol Auto Club
Information: www.ocac.cc/MemorialWeekend/MW2009/2009Index.htm or 307/265-7314
 
Alberta, Canada
 
May 1–2, Red Deer
40th Annual Red Deer Swap Meet
Sponsor: Central Alberta Vintage Auto Club
Information: swapmeetbarb@shaw.ca
 
British Columbia, Canada
 
May 23–24, Parksville
Pacific Can-Am Zone 2009 Northwest Overdrive
Sponsor: Studebaker Drivers Club Vancouver Island Chapter
Information: http://sdcvi.shawwebspace.ca/pages/view/overdrive_2009_information_page or 250/656-6030
 
 
Early June 2009 Events
 
California
 
June 7, Fremont
19th Annual Mopar Rally
Sponsor: Mopar Alley
Information: www.moparalley.org/index.php?q=node/130 or 510/656-2366
 
Colorado
 
June 5–7, Loveland
12th Colorado Nationals
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
 
Connecticut
 
June 7, Windsor Locks
23rd Annual Car Show and Aircraft Exhibit
Sponsor: Connecticut Council of Car Clubs
Information: www.ctccc.net/2009show.php or 860/623-3906
 
Indiana
 
June 5–7, Indianapolis
30th All-Ford Car Show
Sponsor: Mustang Club of Indianapolis
Information: www.indymustangclub.com/racetoindy or 317/244-2933
 
Pennsylvania
 
June 5–7, Carlisle
Carlisle All-Ford Nationals
Information: www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/ford-nationals/index.asp or 717/243-7855
 
Ontario, Canada
 
June 6, Toronto
7th Annual CCFBG Show & Shine
Sponsor: Camaro Country F-Body Group
Information: http://www.ccfbg.com
 
Hot Rod Power Tour
June 6–12, Madison, WI to Bristol, TN
Information: http://hotrod.com
 
 
 
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: SEMA Action Network, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail to san@sema.org