[Shotimes] Re: (OT) "I Want to Pump Myself Up" an ode to NJ

[Donald Mallinson]

This story touched on something I think about every time I pull up to a 
gas station and have to look at the dash and hope there is a tell-tale 
there reminding me which side the gas filler is on. (No I am not totally 
without memory, but I have had a recent string of short-term vehicles 
and one that I rarely drive, all seem to have a different scheme for 
filler location).

Would it not be a good idea for the government to just dictate that all 
gas filler flaps be on the same side, in the same location?  This would 
be good for those of us (ME) that have trouble remembering which side 
the filler is on, but also for the future when it surely must be 
dictated if the hydrogen, or other exotic gasoline replacement becomes 
necessary, and automated fillers are mandated.

We are past the times when manufacturers cleverly hid the fillers (this 
made for fun games in the old full service days when I think my dad 
bought cars based on how sneaky the gas filler was hidden. Thus he could 
come to the rescue of attendants that didn't know the '58 pontiac had it 
behind the Left rear backup light!). so I don't think a case could be 
made for styling being the reason.  All seem to have them in approx. the 
same location on one side or the other.  Ford seems to like right, GM 
and DC seem to like left.  Can't we all just get along and save my few 
remaining memory cells for something other than where the gas filler 
is?  Till then, all gas gauges should have a tell-tale pointing to the 
side with the filler, just for me if nobody else, I will even pay for 
the $10 of paint it takes to add it to all the dash dials.

(the above is intended as humor with a touch or reality, I don't want to 
start the gas filler wars)  :)

Don Mallinson

Ron Porter wrote:

> NJ residents may like this, but it also applies to Oregon, and anyone 
> who must buy gas in either of those states!
>  
> http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-schaeffer090803.asp
>  
> Ron Porter