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So I brought my beloved black 1990 SPG in for its yearly MA state safety inspection the other day. When it was in I noticed one of the taillights was out, figures, so I wasn't too surprised when I got the big red R(ejected). What surprised me was the story I got from the mechanic.
Apparently as of this year, the state has decided to crack down on cars that perfectly functional but aesthetically displeasing (to whom?!). A bit of rust on the right front quarter panel, just over the wheel well, was designated a safety hazard (it has been there for two years - I just don't have the scratch to pay for the bodywork). Nevermind that back when my SPG had rust on the structural steel around the right inner driver, you know, a REAL safety hazard, my car passed inspection without a second look (but I had it repaired ANYWAY).
What's more, the SPG9 exhaust kit I had installed two years ago suddenly became illegal. Say what? It passed emissions the previous time it was tested, and its quieter than most OEM exhaust systems out there right now.
Everything else - you know, real safety issues like shocks, brakes, frame, etc. passed (minus one of my five brake lights being out).
So that's it. I'm probably looking at quite a few bucks to get my car street-legal in MA, including removing a perfectly good catback exhaust system. Putting the money issue aside, which is significant, something tells me that, in the words of a great role model of my generation, this aggression will not stand, man. Or should not, anyway. I'm considering selling my car to someone in another state with slightly saner DMV safety regs. Aside from a bad sunroof motor, the car runs great, turbo works great, been changing oil and coolant and plugs and cap and rotor religiously, fixed a small crank pulley oil leak, inner drivers with about 10k miles on them, pirellis and snow tires with MAYBE 3k apiece (less on the snow tires)...in short, I think I am a reasonably conscientious owner who's been told that because the state doesn't like the look and sound of my car it's a safety hazard. Has anyone had any experience like this before (especially in MA, the nanniest of nanny states)? Did I just end up with a two-bit jerk who failed my car for no good reason?
I'd hate to part with my SPG, but something about this tells me that, at the very least, it doesn't belong in this asshat state.
Thanks in advance
Bry M.
1990 SPG
posted by 66.105.190...
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