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BlueFirePony
01-01-2009, 12:22 PM
Just got this info from SEMA - what do you guys think?

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Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.

The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.

Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!
Call: 202-225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/
Talking Points
Feel free to use any of the statements below as a starting point for your message to Speaker Pelosi.

I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a “Cash for Clunkers” provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a "minimal" payment to purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country’s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being improved.


I work for [company name] located in [city and state]. My company is part of the specialty automotive industry, an industry which enables consumers to enhance their vehicle’s appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and safety. “Cash for Clunkers” programs deny our small businesses the availability of older cars necessary to develop and market their products and services. The programs will hurt my company and our customers.


“Cash for Clunkers” programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.


Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.


“Cash for Clunkers” programs will reduce the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.


“Cash for Clunkers” ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.


We hope we can count on you to reject “Cash for Clunkers.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.
If you choose to send a message to Speaker Pelosi, please send a copy of your message to SEMA also:
E-mail: briand@sema.org
Fax: 202/783-6024

jeffburch
01-02-2009, 08:41 AM
Collectors should love this. Would this drive the value of certain make/models up?
NOS manufactured such as YearOne may say they hate this but in the end I bet will have more business.
I don't think this will really effect the market of old cars that are worthy of restoring/collecting. Maybe get some old LTD's and K cars off the road.

jb

AI#97
01-02-2009, 09:02 AM
Collectors should love this. Would this drive the value of certain make/models up?
NOS manufactured such as YearOne may say they hate this but in the end I bet will have more business.
I don't think this will really effect the market of old cars that are worthy of restoring/collecting. Maybe get some old LTD's and K cars off the road.

jb

Read the rules for the TX program and it's a joke. You only get the credit if you buy a 2 year old or newer car. Most people can't afford the newer car and that is why they drive an old POS. The program doesn't really do squat for the general public because of the requirements to buy something they usually can't afford anyway....isn't that how we got into the mortgage crap?! :roll:

Adam Ginsberg
01-02-2009, 09:09 AM
The question, Jeff, is what's considered "worthy of restoring/collecting"?

K-cars....eh, no. ;)

Unfortunately, there are people out there with collectable cars (eye of the beholder, no doubt) that don't know what they have, and would take them in to be crushed. Some folks like the old Ford LTD's.

Crushing cars instead of putting them in a salvage yard for people to pull parts from just flat out sucks. Back when Ray was 16, the electric window regulator on his 1st gen Probe died. Ford wanted $700 for new parts. Went to a salvage yard, and bought the regulator, a side view mirror (correct color, too!), and the power lock switches for $40.

I loved/still love going through a salvage yard. It's a shame my kids couldn't go with me (everyone has to be 18 to enter) - Seth hated waiting in the car.

AI#97
01-02-2009, 10:13 AM
The question, Jeff, is what's considered "worthy of restoring/collecting"?

K-cars....eh, no. ;)



there are a couple of 86-87' k-based Shelby's I wouldn't mind having...say an 87' GLHS Charger for instance... 2350lbs and about 350hp would be insane!