May 2009

 

 

 

 

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

Here is its newest member:

 

California State Senator Jeff Denham

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

May 30, Moose Pass

1st Annual “Name It” Moose Pass Benefit Car Show

Information: http://midnightsunsra.org/pdf/mossepass.pdf

 

 

May 1–2, Tucson

35th Annual Rodders Days

Sponsor: Tucson Street Rod Association

Information: www.tucsonstreetrodassociation.com or 520/784-0766

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

May 2, Malad

2009 Malad Classic Car Show

Information: http://shopmalad.com/malad_car_show.aspx or 208/541-8746

 

 

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

 

 

May 3, Louisburg

13th Annual Cruise the Burg Show & Shine

Information: 913/219-3818 or 913/837-5255

 

 

May 14–17, Ocean City

Cruisin’ Ocean City

Information: www.oceancitycarshows.com/cruisin.php or 410/798-6304

 

 

May 3, Fitchburg

4th Annual Superintendent’s Dust Off Car Show

Information: 978/345-9200 x 3750

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

May 29–31, Lincoln

Hot Rod Super Nationals

Information: www.hotrodsupernationals.net/event/106 or 317/236-6515

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

May 15–17, Lima

Spring 4 Wheel Jamboree Nationals

Information: www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/95 or 317/236-6515

 

 

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

 

 

May 1–3, Knoxville

Street Rod Nationals South

Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030

 

 

May 15–16, Orem

22nd Annual Auto & Motorcycle Expo

Information: www.uvu.edu/autoexpo or 801/863-8563

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

May 1–2, Red Deer

40th Annual Red Deer Swap Meet

Sponsor: Central Alberta Vintage Auto Club

Information: swapmeetbarb@shaw.ca

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

June 7, Fremont

19th Annual Mopar Rally

Sponsor: Mopar Alley

Information: www.moparalley.org/index.php?q=node/130 or 510/656-2366

 

 

June 5–7, Loveland

12th Colorado Nationals

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876

 

 

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

 

 

June 5–7, Indianapolis

30th All-Ford Car Show

Sponsor: Mustang Club of Indianapolis

Information: www.indymustangclub.com/racetoindy or 317/244-2933

 

 

June 5–7, Carlisle

Carlisle All-Ford Nationals

Information: www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/ford-nationals/index.asp or 717/243-7855

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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.