Hello Everyone......I believe an update on my progress is in order. Let me
start off by giving my reason to continue this thread. Politics is the
strongest tool used in our society to control things. When ordinances and codes
become imposed broadly without any regard for, in this case, historical
automobiles; something must be done to revise these ordinances to correct the problem.
Many, many antique automobiles are lost every day due to this particular
ordinance. I'm talking across the country here.....not just in my little
township. If we simply do nothing....we are letting a faulty piece of legislation
infect our hobby. Infections must be treated and irradicated. Since I only
received 1 negative comment on carrying on the discussion and numerous positive
ones, I will proceed with this Very Important experience I am going through.
Many of you have, or may encounter this harrowing experience at some point in
your future. If I can do my part at altering even one destructive bill, aimed
either inadverntly or not at the old car hobby, I will feel that I have done
my part. Well, I went down to the code enforcement office today. The
secretary at the desk made an attempt to put me off by appearing not to know
anything....Let's hope this was an act. She informed me that the inspector who wrote
up the complaint was on vacation until August 3....exactly 10 days after the
complaint was received and the limit to correct the violations. Once she
realized my persistance with this matter, she managed to find 1 code inspector in
the building to talk to me. After explaining that I am a car collector and
feel that the hobby itself serves the community in many ways....what with tax
dollars from the purchase of parts, fuel, inspections, license tags, insurance.
Added to this is the support of local business during the filming of several
movies and commercials which have put a few of my cars to use over the years.
I showed this inspector pictures of my cars and was very polite. He seemed
willing to cooperate and gave me an extension which can continue to be revised
as I make progress complying. My file was pulled up on the computer together
with images of my yard. I was told that I must not work on these vehicles out
in the open (in my own yard), but must do so within an enclosed
garage....(Yeah Right! try enforcing that one!) I just listened and said that I
understood. I mentioned the 4 inoperable vehicles directly across the street from this
office and was told that this person was in compliance. Apparently this
person must know the right people. I know for a fact that none of these vehicles
run. What I am going to tell all of you now is not a throwing in of the
towel, but the first step in acquiring some leverage as I march toward my goal. I
have decided to sell off 3 non Forwardlook vehicles and dismantle one
Forwardlook parts car, and another parts car of a different make. The time factor is
not on my side to hold on to these. Frankly, someone else will hopefullly
give them the attention that they deserve. They will be put on ebay this Sunday.
The 57 Plymouth Conv. will of course, be put back on the ground, with a
recharged battery and a new cover. Ultimately, this car will be garaged.....but,
first things first. The FL parts car is a 58 Plymouth Belvedere 2 door
hdtp.....but only really a shell which I am in need of the floor structures and
trunk pans. The driveline in this car is oddly a '58 325 Dodge. My mission,
once I get these affairs in order will be to write to my parish councilman,
possibly with some local antique auto club support; to try to compromise this
ordinance. What would be wrong with requiring a privacy fence to eliminate
potential eyesores. How about allowing cover its or similar structures to satisfy
the enclosed garage mandate. The most important message to send to the council
will be that this bill in its current form is destructive to the preservasion
of antique/special interest autos. Persistance hopefully will pay off. More
to come............George.....the American : )
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