[Tigers] Cash for Clunkers

[Thomas Witt]

Yep, same thing over at FordPinto.Com .  As best I can tell SEMA is concern 
that once there is a mass removal of older cars that the driving force 
behind "old car restoration" (the cars themselves)  the need for products 
sold by SEMA members will diminish.

 At least as it relates to California and the smog laws here the effect 
would seem to be minimal.  As one who frequents wrecking yards 1975 and 
older cars (the California "no smog" cut off year) represent maybe 2%-3% of 
the cars available. Most cars newer than this are not considered collector 
cars. So, anything newer would have to comply with smog laws and who really 
is selling "performance" stuff that doesn't have smog law ramifications for 
newer cars?

They make the statement, "The programs also risk destroying classic, 
historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage."  What post 
1975 cars have any notoriety??? The Buick Grand National, Shelby Turbo 2.2 
Chryslers.  Maybe a few more, but the vast majority of older cars are just 
that - old cars. They have no historical value, would eventually wind up in 
a junk yard anyway and in the yard actually become a condensed source of 
parts.

Finally California already offers a clunker car buy out.  The car has to be:
  1.. Is drivable and complete. Must be able to start, restart, move 
forward, and move backward.
  2.. Is free of liens.
  3.. Is currently registered and has been registered for the last two years 
in specific counties only and of certain years:
South Coast AQMD:

  a.. $1000 for 1981 and older vehicles
  b.. $500 for 1982 - 1984 vehicles
Bay Area AQMD

  a.. $750 for 1987 and older vehicles
So, if the California Clunker Car deal is any model there is a lot more to 
it that one thinks.

Anyway, I'm not a "Green Guy" and I'm not against SEMA.  But, I do think you 
need to fight your battles properly.  From my perspective it seems like more 
panic than needed.  If I'm missing something, let me know. I'm willing to 
listen.
Tom 


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