Update On Iowa DOT & My Buddy's M35A2C

[Tim Powell]

Hey Crew!
Been quite busy working on letters and calls trying to help a Friend title his Military vehicle in Des Moines County Iowa. I believe some of you have helped by writing letters to our Iowa officials. I received a call last night from our Sheriff who informed me the "wheels of progress" are moving forward, even if ever so slowly. I've contacted 2 Senators, 2 Congressmen and several State Representatives. I've written over 250 e-mails to the State of Iowa and received help from folks I don't even know. Can't count the phone calls!
I'm a piss-poor looser (please excuse my language) and I will not give up this fight. It's not about my Buddy, it's about all of you. It's about our Freedom. It's about the American Flag. It's about sending Young Solders to die on the battle fields in these vehicles and then telling a retired Veteran he can't drive the same vehicle in a parade. Take his Grandchildren for a ride around town in an authentic Military vehicle? I will not stop until Iowa pulls it's head out of it's behind!
I am not finished. (to be continued)

[Tim Powell]

Hey Crew.
Quick update on my Buddy's truck & Iowa DOT. We finally got the the "Top Guy". Major Paul J. Steier, Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement Investigations, 6310 Southeast Convenience Blvd. Ankeny, IA 50021. The Des Moines County Sheriff has been our greatest partner in this fight! The last excuse we were given was "they are simply trying to keep imported military vehicles off the road"? (What-up-dog?)
I really think we are making ground if only by inches!

"It’s the unconquerable soul of man, not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory."
General Patton

[MikeOneSix]

The last excuse we were given was "they are simply trying to keep imported military vehicles off the road"? (What-up-dog?)

This both infuriates & concerns me for the following reason; The future of our hobby. When you think about it, there isn't a whole lot to choose from when it comes to vehicle types surplused out by Unc. Sam nowadays. CUCVs, 2.5 & 5 ton trucks and that's about it, really. All the real tactical stuff (HMMWVs for example) aren't surplused out but demilled instead at the tax payer's expence. What's out there isn't much and increases in value/price every year. Good for us bad for a newbie trying to get into the hobby. The MVs imported from Europe offered the MV buyer good value & quality for the dollar plus an opertunity to drive something unique that most haven't seen before in a size range suitable for most average practicle applications. If I was a paranoid man, I'd look at this as a long range goal to (slowly) remove MVs from not only the roads but the general public at large.
Matt

[Tim Powell]

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"
You hit the nail on the head with this quote!

[MikeOneSix]

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"
You hit the nail on the head with this quote!

Oh, thank you! Another favorite of mine is "There's always one more idiot then you accounted for"

My personal favorite although it doesn't get much "play" is this one: "I'll say one thing for those Dodge owners, they're handsome devils." This is best emoted when you're leaning on the fender of your favorite "M" .
Matt

[cuz]

You can liken this to Obama's getting the old cars off the road incentives. At both the state and local level there's only one way to get honest representation in government that speaks for your needs and wants. Don't vote for the one not supporting you and vote for a new one that does.

[MikeOneSix]

You can liken this to Obama's getting the old cars off the road incentives. At both the state and local level there's only one way to get honest representation in government that speaks for your needs and wants. Don't vote for the one not supporting you and vote for a new one that does.

I plan on it.... but I also believe in old Russian proverb: "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." I don't think this problem is just a few anti MV buracrats in DMVs here & there, I think it's endemic of the whole system.
Matt

[W_A_Watson_II]

Don't vote for the one not supporting you and vote for a new one that does.

Just as soon as the one that does steps ups and doesn't get shoot and buried by the Press and current Politicians.

[poor rich]

O.K. its time to see the big picture here. This same thing is going on in Wisconsin and several other states, and all at the same time!
This can only be as a result of 2 things.
1 - federal mandate, but that should result in the same thing happening in all 57 states ( I know there's 57 because the most intelligent man elected president said there is).
2-I've thought and thought, I hate speculating, I tell my customers all the time we can spend all day speculating or I can spend 5 minutes testing and know for sure, so Tim please if the opportunity presents its self the next time you talk to Mr. Steier please, please, PLEASE ask Mr. Steier what is the genesis? Where does the policy come from?

Rich

[Tim Powell]

Hey Crew.
I will not let this go you have my word! The questions will all be asked and I do expect answers. The Senators, Congerssmen and State Representatives amazingly are on OUR SIDE!! The DOT in Iowa will answer to them if not to me! I am truly amazed by the support we are getting! The support from all you-all as well!!
I took a road-trip yesterday and have another "treasure" to licence myself! More about that later. Gotta' send a couple of PM's first.
I promise you all I will pursue this until I get an answer. My Buddy is in a funk and I'm not going to quit until I get a ride in his rig!

[poor rich]

Today I spent researching my states stupid military vehicle law, then I wrote an e-mail to my state rep. and state senator, I've decided to post it here first for input before sending it.

Senator Grothman, sir
Government has always repurposed or sold as surplus all manor of equipment and supplies including legal sales to civilians ether by direct sale or auction, or through agents such as Bannerman for example.
Military surplus often times is required by the government to be "de-miled" when sold if for no other reason than to prevent surplus from being mistaken as government property.

2009 WI act 135 unilaterally requires all surplus vehicles being registered and having already been registered in Wisconsin be issued military collector plates. To qualify for the new plates the vehicle must be in "original as issued" condition. For any vehicle that has been repurposed like mine it is not possible.

---1966 federal safety standards for motor vehicles---
Imported military vehicles do not meet these standards and most us military vehicles were exempt, the argument is therefore these vehicles are not safe.

My truck was built in 1954, twelve years before the standard existed and has ALL the same safety equipment as the civilian version of this truck.
After leaving federal service my truck was repurposed, repainted red and used by a S.E Wisconsin fire department, a larger engine was installed and the truck was converted to 12 volts from 24 volts. All black out lights were replaced with civilian style headlights, taillights and marker lights making my truck much safer, All while in the possession of a "government" entity before being sold to a civilian.

The "civilian" I bought the truck from, Kenneth Stelzel was a WWII, and Korean War veteran, a Marine and survivor of the Chosin Reservoir. He painted the truck the Marines version of O.D. Green and drove it in parades.
That truck, my truck was good enough for Kenneth Stelzel a gung-ho leather neck and Purple Heart Recipient.

I challenge the state of Wisconsin to repeal this law or find a better war veteran to defend its position.

My story is not unique, there are families and small businesses all over the state in the same position, either throw away something you've spent so much time and money on, or restore it back to what it was not suppose to be.

I am your constituent, an unwavering supporter of our great Scott Walker, a blue collar worker, a tax payer, a home owner, a flag waver, and owner of a 1954, 3/4 ton ,repurposed, rebuilt, repainted, and now according to the state of Wisconsin worthless, Dodge M37.

I am, Richard Young
321 S. Spring st.
Port Washington, WI.

[Cal_Gary]

Well after I get my VIN stamped on my data plate tomorrow and installed I'm going down to the Utah DMV to get Historic Military Vehicle plates. No inspection is required for HMV plates, just a VIN verification. Funny, I could just send the cash to CA for another year with no drama but I'm afraid if I get pulled over here in Utah they'll bust me (based on living in Utah for 18 months and still running CA plates). I'll let you know how it goes.
Gary

[Tanner]

poor rich...

So now the M37 is on the endangered species list in Wisconsin? Wow... another reason to avoid Wisconsin.

Or try listing it as a '1954 Dodge 3/4 ton pickup' & forget the word military.

Reality is this: the States can still override the rules from Washington on DOT interpretation of vehicles - sad, but true.
I didn't say that it was right. Good luck in your fight...

'Tanner'

[Tim Powell]

Proof Positive we need new leadership in Washington D.C.
With everything else that needs attention in this Country, I don't understand the worry over Military vehicles on the roads that were build to move our Soldiers across the Country in time of need.
It's ok for our Young Soldiers to die on the battle fields in these trucks but not drive one in a parade? Our fight continues in Iowa.
One day at a time Folks!

[MikeOneSix]

Proof Positive we need new leadership in Washington D.C.
With everything else that needs attention in this Country, I don't understand the worry over Military vehicles on the roads that were build to move our Soldiers across the Country in time of need.
It's ok for our Young Soldiers to die on the battle fields in these trucks but not drive one in a parade? Our fight continues in Iowa.
One day at a time Folks!

Tim
I think their "logic" is that it's Ok for the Gov't to have & use such vehicles but not you & me. Gawd forbid you should run over some soccer mom in her prius with your 5 ton Yet it's Ok for a whole host of unsafe vehicles to be aloud on our roads (we can all think of a few types). There are more then a few people out there who sincerely believe that if you "want to drive Military vehicles, you should go & join the military." they apply the same logic to reenactors. I think (just my humble opinion, here) it is a typical modern American attitude in that "if I have no interest in it, it should be restricted".
Matt