Hobbyists Hit the Jackpot
SEMA Replica Vehicle Bill Signed Into Law in Nevada
Car hobbyists scored another major victory when a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a statutory titling and registration class for replica vehicles was passed by the Nevada State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jim Gibbons. Under the law, replicas are defined as vehicles manufactured after 1968 to resemble vehicles manufactured before 1968. In addition, replicas will be exempted from all emissions-inspection requirements applicable to other vehicles in the state. Registration as a replica vehicle will be open to 100 such vehicles each year and use will be limited to occasional transportation and other hobby-related activities. Titles for these vehicles will list both the year of assembly and the model year that the body of the vehicle replicates. The law becomes effective July 1, 2007.
The new law, which gained the bipartisan support of the Nevada Legislature, is the product of consultation between SEMA, independent lobbying groups, Nevada businesses and hobbyist organizations. The measure was introduced by Nevada Assemblyman Kelvin Atkinson and co-sponsored by members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, Assemblymembers Mark Manendo, David Parks, Moises “Mo” Denis, Ellen Marie Koivisto and John Oceguera.
“We are extremely gratified that Nevada will join the growing list of states that recognize replicas as distinct classes of vehicles,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “We are especially indebted to state lawmakers for their continued efforts in coordinating the support of enthusiasts, lawmakers and state and local vehicle administrators.”
The new law recognizes the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist cars that are generally only used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades and tours. For many vehicle enthusiasts in Nevada and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This law represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations. These vehicles are the same crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events.
Nevada joins Arkansas and Virginia as states that have enacted similar laws in 2007. Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Rhode Island and Washington state enacted these laws in previous legislative sessions. SAN efforts are ongoing this year to work with the state legislatures in Florida, New York and Massachusetts on this initiative and to add states to that list in the coming legislative sessions.
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Arizona Emissions Inspection: Legislation that would, among other things, allow the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to adopt rules exempting new vehicles from the emissions-inspection program was approved by the state legislature. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature before becoming law. If adopted, the emissions exemption would apply to new vehicles for the period before the sixth registration year after the initial purchase or lease.
California Annual Inspection: SAN-opposed legislation to require annual smog-check inspections for vehicles 15 years old and older was approved by the California Assembly. The bill would also require that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. Pre-’76 motor vehicles would remain exempt under the bill. The measure will now be considered by the California Senate.
California Gas Guzzlers: In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation in California to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle. The bill was previously passed by the Assembly Transportation Committee.
Montana Exhaust Noise: SAN-sponsored legislation to permit vehicles with modified exhaust systems that do not emit an excess of 95 decibels as measured by SAE test standard J1169 was signed into law by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle, and the engine is revved to three-quarters of maximum-rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.
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 are the newest Caucus members:
California
Senator Dick Ackerman
Senator Ron Calderon
Assemblymember Martin Garrick
New York
Senator Thomas Libous
Assemblymember Mike Cole
Assemblymember James Conte
Assemblymember Janele Hyer-Spencer
Texas
Representative Allen Vaught
HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
Well Worth the Wait
1955 Chevrolet Sedan
Owner: Tim Simmons
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
I have always loved the look of the ’55 Chevy all the way back to the days when they were first introduced. Since then I’ve owned three. I bought this one right after college and my wedding in 1969 for $40. It was green, white and ugly, but I knew it was solid. Its transformation began with a 327-ci, 300-hp engine and a four-speed Muncie transmission. Not too long after that though, marriage turned into a family with three children, and the project turned into 35 years of storage and finding the money to complete it. After the kids grew up, it was time to finish my car.
In 2000, the car was stripped to bare metal with glass and sealed with epoxy primer. I towed it to a body shop in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and had them rework the body. I was pleased with the job they did and purchased all the required parts and trim needed to make it road-worthy.
I had it repainted in GM ’90 Bright Metallic Blue and then went to putting back all the trim and bumpers. For the interior, the shop and I came up with black rolled and pleated vinyl outlined in gold piping on the seats to match the gold metalflake steering wheel. I had to keep the steering wheel; my wife gave it to me as a birthday gift in 1965.
The brakes were upgraded to power discs, and the rally-style wheels were switched to 15-inch ones with Michelin extra-narrow whitewalls. I have a few other minor changes in store, but for now I just enjoy driving the car to cruise nights several times a week. It has certainly come a long way from its green and white beginnings, and so have I.
UNDER THE HOOD: 327 300-hp V8, four-speed Muncie transmission, Hurst shifter
OUTSIDE: 15-inch Michelin extra-narrow whitewalls; paint is ’90 GM Bright Metallic Blue
INSIDE: Seats are bench, black-rolled and pleated with gold-colored piping
...And in Local News
Thousands Learn About SAN During Annual Tour
With thousands of spectacular vehicles on display, the SEMA Action Network joined with long haulers and local spectators alike in the annual Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Starting in Cleveland, Ohio, and winding its way through the Midwest to Little Rock, Arkansas, 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 the 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 500 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 Network
1317 F St., NW, Ste. 500
Washington, D.C. 20004
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Massachusetts Club Does Its SHARE
The Bristol County Street Rod Association of Massachusettes, a SAN-member club of about 40 people, has been around since 1974. The club hosts fun-filled events with free food on Memorial Day weekend to jump-start the cruising year, and the Labor Day Lay-Back, an event where everyone can wind down as the hot summer days come to an end. The club uses these events to support local charities and community programs. One such organization is the Society for Human Advancement through Rehabilitation Engineering (SHARE).
The Bristol County Street Rod Association, along with SHARE, started a car show 13 years ago to help raise funds for people with various disabilities, including cerebral palsy; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease; multiple sclerosis; and accident or stroke-related conditions. The organization relies upon volunteers and donations, such as the funds from this auto show. This year, the show will be held on August 12 and all makes and models are welcome to attend.
For more information about the Bristol County Street Rod Association, the SHARE Foundation and their event, please contact, “Woody” Woodward at 508/222-7518.
Attention Car Clubs: Please send information and photos about your club’s activities to SEMA Action Network at san@sema.org.
EVENTS
CALIFORNIA
July 4, Rancho Cucamonga
4th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Southern California
Chevelle Camino Club
Information: www.socalchevellecaminoclub.org
July 10–14, Burbank
31st Annual Professional Car Society Meet
Sponsor: Professional Car Society
Information: 818/558-5701
July 20–22, Santa Maria
Annual Cruise and Barbecue Weekend
Sponsor: Bent Axles Street Rod Inc.
Information: 805/937-2391
COLORADO
June 29–July 1, Grand Junction
17th Annual Mopar Magic Weekend
Sponsor: Mopars Unlimited Colorado
Information: www.moparclubco.com or 970/434-7756
July 20–24, Salida
14th Annual Rocky Mountain Rendezvous
Information: www.rmihr.org or 303/838-8505
CONNECTICUT
June 30–July 1, Uncasville
Elite Dream Machines Car Show and
Rock ’n’ Roll Weekend
Information: 508/428-8055
July 8, Guilford
Corvette Show & Swap
Sponsor: Club Corvette of Connecticut
Information: 203/865-3456
July 8, Simsbury
6th Annual Valley Classic Wheels Car Show
Sponsor: Valley Classic Wheels Car Club
Information: www.valleyclassicwheels.com or 860/658-7122
July 22, Durham
29th Annual Time Machines Car Show
Sponsor: T-birds of Connecticut
Information: www.tbirdsofconn.org/timemach.html
ILLINOIS
July 4, Effingham
Firecracker Car Show
Sponsor: Classic Pony Car Club
Information: www.classicponycarclub.com or 217/536-5162
July 16, Union Grove
CGH Drag Day/Car Show
Sponsor: Chicago Gearheads
Information: 630/918-5552
July 17–21, Chicago
WPC Club National Meet
Sponsor: Northern Illinois Region WPC Club
Information: www.chryslerclub.org
IOWA
July 3, Williamsburg
Always on the Square Classic Show
Information: Mary at 319/668-1651
July 6–8, Des Moines
16th Annual Heartland Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
KANSAS
July 21–22, Great Bend
Shelby Owners of America Performance Show
Information: www.shelbyowners.net
KENTUCKY
July 17–22, Bowling Green
2007 Oldsmobile Nationals
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of America
Information: www.oldsclub.org
MAINE
July 7–8, Owls Head
Fabulous ’50s, ’60s, & ’70s Show
Information: www.owlshead.org
MARYLAND
July 8, Brookeville
16th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: National Capital Early Ford V8 Club
Information: 410/560-0237
July 8, Glen Burnie
17th Christmas in July Annual Toy Run 2006
Sponsor: Lost in the 50’s Car Club
Information: 410/224-6406
July 29, Capitol Raceway
Muscle Car Mania
Sponsor: Maryland Camaro Club and Corvette Club of America
Information: www.mdcamaroclub.com/image/DragRace1.pdf
MASSACHUSETTS
July 8, Dedham
36th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Bay State Antique Auto Club
Information: 781/326-2008
July 22, Bridgewater
25th Annual Rod Run
Sponsor: South Shore Street Rods
MICHIGAN
July 1, Algonac
20th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Spare Parts Car Club
Information: 810/765-3473
July 6–7, Detroit
Car Show
Information: 313/834-5601
July 13, Ann Arbor
The Rolling Sculpture Car Show
Information: 734/668-7112
July 21–22, Belleville
Dearborn ’07 Swap Meet and Corral
Sponsor: Ford & Mercury Restorers Club of America
Information: 248/328-9113
MINNESOTA
July 4, Stewartville
Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Stewie Cruisers
Information: www.stewiecruisers.com or 507/273-2127
July 13–15, St. Cloud
4th Annual Bad Boyz Car Show
Information: www.badboyzcarshow.com or 320/252-5498
July 15, Perham
Annual Sweet 16 Car Show
Sponsor: Perham Area Cruisers
Information: 218/758-6956
July 20–22, St. Paul
2007 Car Craft Summer Nationals
Sponsor: Family Events
Information: www.familyevents.com
July 22, Bemidji
24th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet
Sponsor: Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club
Information: 218/333-3916
MISSOURI
July 14, Licking
Route 63 Car Show
Sponsor: Route 63 Car Club
Information: 573/674-8203
NEBRASKA
June 29–July 1, Lincoln
2007 O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom
Magazine’s Americruise
Sponsor: Family Events
Information: www.familyevents.com
NEVADA
July 27, Reno
Charity Show-N-Shine
Sponsor: Classic Chevys of Reno
Information: www.classicchevyclubreno.com or 775/827-7268
NEW MEXICO
July 21, Belen
2nd Annual Belen Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Classic Chevy Club of Albuquerque
Information: 505/385-1410
NEW YORK
July 14, Kingston
25th Annual Vintage Car Show
Sponsor: Hudson Valley Mustang Association
Information: 845/473-7329
July 15, Blenheim-Gilboa
Antique Auto Show
Sponsor: Schoharie Valley Region AACA
Information: 518/234-7495
July 20–22, Syracuse
Syracuse Nationals
Sponsor: Right Coast Association
Information: www.rightcoastcars.com or 800/753-3978
OHIO
July 4, Xenia
42nd Anniversary Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: Greene County Antique &
Classic Car Club
Information: 937/372-3405
July 6–7, Dublin
25th Annual Arthritis Foundation Classic
Auto Show and Cruise-In
Information: www.arthritisautoshow.com or 614/876-8200
July 13–15, Columbus
10th Goodguys Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
July 14, Wyandot County Fairgrounds
4th Annual Danny Garza
Memorial Fundraiser Show
Information: 419/273-2957
July 19–22, Perrysburg
44th Central Meet
Sponsor: VCCA
Information: 419/475-5737
July 28, Delaware
14th Annual Blast from the Past
Sponsor: Vintage Auto Club
of Delaware, Ohio
Information: 740/363-3545
PENNSYLVANIA
July 6–8, Carlisle
Carlisle All Chrysler Nationals
Information: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/243-7855
July 12–15, Hershey
Atlantic North Central National Meet
Sponsor: VCCA
Information: 570/897-6151
July 13–15, Bloomsburg
20th Annual Summer 4-Wheel
Jamboree Nationals
Information: www.familyevents.com or 317/236-6522
TENNESSEE
June 29–July 1, Nashville
2nd Nashville Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: www.good-guys.com
July 14–15, Paris
Tennessee Kruzin Nationals
Information: www.bluegrasscarevents.org
TEXAS
June 28–July 2, Dallas
Lone Star Nationals
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of America
Information: www.oldsclub.org or 517/663-1811
July 16–19, San Antonio
19th Annual Chevrolet Nomad
Association Convention
Sponsor: Chevrolet Nomad Association
Information: 785/472-5457
UTAH
July 6–8, Tooele
SAAC-32
Sponsor: Shelby American Automobile Club
Information: www.saac.com
July 21, Spring City
Spring City Car Show
Sponsor: Sanpete Cruisers
Information: 435/436-8310
July 27–29, Salina
4th Annual Blast from the Past Car Show
Sponsor: Forever Young Car Club
Information: 877/473-8368
VERMONT
July 20-22, Stratton
New England Concours d’Elegance
Sponsor: Hemmings
Information: www.hemmings.com/concours
WASHINGTON
July 7–8, Westport
Annual Super Cruzz Show and Shine
Information: 360/268-1280
July 27–29, Puyallup
20th Pacific Northwest Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
July 25–29, Seattle
2007 Buick Club of America National Meet
Sponsor: Buick Club of America
Information: www.buickclub.org
WEST VIRGINIA
July 14, Capon Bridge
4th Annual Bash at the Bridge Car,
Truck and Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: USMCF-MAIA
Information: www.musclecarfederation.com or 304/856-3446
WISCONSIN
July 12–15, Iola
Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin
Information: wioldsclub@wi.rr.com
July 13–15, West Allis
Milwaukee Nationals
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030
Early August 2007 Events
KENTUCKY
August 2–5, Louisville
Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: NSRA
Information: www.nsra-usa.com