I think that there would be a lot of value in taking some old junkers off
the road.  Car & Driver had an article on this a few months ago, and IIRC
they found that this would be a lot cheaper method of cleaning up the air
than any possible improvements to new cars, because of the huge amount of
tailpipe pollutants which are produced by poorly maintained older cars.

The problem is how to do it in a reasonable manner.

Car & Driver's recommendation was to institute mobile sniffer units, to
track down those vehicles which are producing a lot of pollution.  The
owners could be given the choice of bringing it up to the standard it had
when new, or turning it in for a scrapping fee.  They wouldn't be cruising
the back roads in Idaho, but would be looking in the cities where the
problem is concentrated.

It sounds like the government is going to take a simpler approach, which is
typical, but will make it a lot harder on hobbyists.  If you are going to
write your congress critter about this, I would recommend proposing an
alternative, rather than just opposing the plan.

Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Rico Sapolich said -

In a message dated 12/20/01 1:09:21 AM, goodolevolk@YAHOO.COM writes:

<<  This section 803 scrappage funding is a misguided attempt to improve the
  overall fuel economy of the country1s vehicle fleet and represents a
  significant threat to our hobby and industry. >>

What odd convolutions those who worship the "invisible guiding hand" of a
free economy will use to validate government intervention into its workings.
At least when such an invasion fattens the purses of those first in line at
the feeding trough.  Under the guise of saving the environment, they have
found a way to help the progeny of Henry Ford and his fellow club members
sell more cars.

Is less energy, because that is what we are really talking about here,
consumed to manufacture and use a new car or to restore and use an old car?
<SNIP>

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