Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: rpm on June 11, 2008, 09:30:35 PM
-
I feel so.... dirty.
This week I put my political views aside and prostituted myself for the greater good. I asked my State Representative (one of the most powerfull in Texas) to support legislation that would benefit me and all the owners of KEI Class vehicles in Texas. Mini trucks are currently illegal in Texas. Oklahoma has recently passed leglislation to make them street legal. Louisiana and Arizona both have bills pending.
My state rep is a Republican Phill King, that I have repetedly pointed out pointed out ethics violations. Now, I am forced to ask for his help.
My initial response was positive. Not a definite "no", but not a guaranteed "yes" either. There are several months untill the next legislature takes seat, but if what I was told holds true I and all the other owners in Texas stand a very good chance of getting street legal status for Japanese KEI trucks!
The 40MPG+ Performance of these 660cc engines deserves consideration for streetlegal status.
Hopefully, my research will pay off. Time will tell...
(http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7350/imgsuz1yn0.jpg)
All the KEI truck supporters should e-mail Rep. Phil King!
-
E-mail address DOT com for those that will actually E-mail him?
-
So much for standing on principal.
-
shame , such a shame...........
giving up american way of life, what all this troops, last 70 years, where fighting for?
shame
-
So much for standing on principal.
Hence the "I feel so dirty" quote.
-
Well, we are in a cooling period....maybe hell IS freezing over.
-
Those things are fun to bump off the road, or watch a strong wind blow them into ditches. :D
-
well, it's better than the fishes.
:cool:
-
Standing on principle? This guy is his representative in state government. RPM has an issue that he feels needs to be addressed in the state government and like him or not, it's this guy's job to "represent" him there. He didn't say he was voting for the guy.
-
See Rules #4, #5 (last warning for you)
-
Why are they illegal?
Im sure Laz would say they are violating your right to own and drive what you want
:lol
-
Standing on principle? This guy is his representative in state government. RPM has an issue that he feels needs to be addressed in the state government and like him or not, it's this guy's job to "represent" him there. He didn't say he was voting for the guy.
He's lucky just o get to meet and talk to his reps.
Here in Joisey you dont get to unless they are going door to door for an upcoming election of if your holding a checkbook and about to write a nice fat check for a campaign contribution.
-
See Rules #4, #5
The hypocrisy of using your elected representative for their intended purpose, regardless of your view of their politics or conduct? Should he choose not to be represented in his state's government during this guy's term in office? I can only assume you're grasping at straws on this one because you have some other bone to pick with RPM, because you're not making much sense here. Despite your eloquent "head up my rectum" explanation.
-
See Rules #4, #5
-
*singin* "Ahhhhh I need a Dirty Woman...."
:P
Mac
-
Well you certainly have me there, Flash.
-
*singin* "Ahhhhh I need a Dirty Woman...."
:P
Mac
Grrr Mac, now I can't get that song out of my head.
-
There is a company here that has a few of them and the postal service are trying them out for delivering packages to businesses around the city. If they dont find parking they can always pick it up and take it inside while delivering.
-
There is a company here that has a few of them and the postal service are trying them out for delivering packages to businesses around the city. If they dont find parking they can always pick it up and take it inside while delivering.
A true "pick-up" truck.
-
Good luck with this RPM. And also thanks for making east Texas a lil more like Japan with your sushi-mobile! It even has the steering wheel on the wrong side, RPM-san!
While you're at it get the frikkin' front license plate law done away with. It will improve gas mileage, however so slightly, and reduces the states' cost by 50%. They can charge the same for all I care. It's a win/win situ.
-
There is a company here that has a few of them and the postal service are trying them out for delivering packages to businesses around the city. If they dont find parking they can always pick it up and take it inside while delivering.
heh.
he's on a roll folks.
:D
-
Standing on principle? This guy is his representative in state government. RPM has an issue that he feels needs to be addressed in the state government and like him or not, it's this guy's job to "represent" him there. He didn't say he was voting for the guy.
I'm with SOB.
Good luck RPM. You're not asking for a favor. You are attempting to get a change made that benefits yourself and others. As a concerned citizen, it is your 'moral imperative ' to pursue such changes that would make things better. The way our system works is you go through the 'chain of command' of the representatives. That is his job.
-
I don't get the "sleeping with the enemy" thing either. Sounds like your principles haven't changed, unless you are against asking your legislators to legislate?
-
It just sounded like a catchy title.
-
RPM Sleeps With The Enemy
I thought you spent the night with Hilarie ... scared the crap outa me dude! :eek:
-
I feel so.... dirty.
Well where the hell is the camo wrap?
-
Will it take a fullsize gun rack? IIRC, the rear glass is pretty diminuitive.
-
Not sure why you would feel bad rpm. It is the responsibility of every citizen of this country of ours to voice thier concerns to our duly elected representatives. It is the only way to know if they are actually doing thier jobs.
Those who chose to keep quiet are one of the problems we have in our country today.
Good for you for using your voice.
-
two things... one, I don't care if he drives it on the street or not.. his choice.. none of my business.
Two.. I have written to the commies that run kalifornia on numerous occasions...
I can tell you what the result will be.. RPM is asking for more freedom. He is asking a republican so he will get a lot better result (on paper) than I get when I ask the commie democrats here for personal freedom (something that infuriates them) ...
They will probly say that they agree and are working on it.
In my case.. they always thank me for the letter and say that they are doing everything they can on the matter.. they then go on to list all the things they are doing and invariably... the things they want to do are the exact polar opposite of what I want.
lazs
-
If you were a Republican and queried your Democrat Rep. ...
Silence would be the best you could expect. Jack boots on your front porch from the Secret Party Police would be the most likely. :uhoh
-
thats not a minin truck...thats a souped up golf cart :aok
-
I think they should be accepted on a Federal level. USDOT...ALL states.
Why wouldn't you? The way gas prices are now, it would be in our best intrest to embrace smaller, more efficient vehicles. If fuel demand goes down, price will follow. Everyone driving Peterbuilts to work is why the prices are so high now.
The size should be a non-issue as well. Look at a VW Beetle, Mini, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent, etc etc.....all about the same size as a KEI.
RPM: Good luck and thank you for doing your part. <S>
I think those little trucks are cool. They are about the same size as my '73 Toyota HiLux truck. Easy to drive easy to park . Great on gas. :aok
-
I think they should be accepted on a Federal level. USDOT...ALL states.
Why wouldn't you? They way gas prices are now, it would be in our best intrest to embrace smaller, more efficient vehicles. If fuel demand goes down, price will follow. Everyone driving Peterbuilts to work is why the prices are so high now.
The size should be a non-issue as well. Look at a VW Beetle, Mini, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent, etc etc.....all about the same size as a KEI.
RPM: Good luck and thank you for doing your part. <S>
They look like neat little vehicles...I wish they were domestic. I think only some safety concerns are why they do not get approved but no doubt this can be overcome. They can be registered here in AZ rather easily.( I became curious and did some homework). You can even buy left hand drive trucks and A/C!
-
I think they should be accepted on a Federal level. USDOT...ALL states.
Why wouldn't you? The way gas prices are now, it would be in our best intrest to embrace smaller, more efficient vehicles. If fuel demand goes down, price will follow. Everyone driving Peterbuilts to work is why the prices are so high now.
The size should be a non-issue as well. Look at a VW Beetle, Mini, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent, etc etc.....all about the same size as a KEI.
RPM: Good luck and thank you for doing your part. <S>
Most of the vehicles you listed would run circles around the KEI. The Mini has the added benefit of getting over 40MPH on the highway and over 30 in town as well. I am not quoting the EPA numbers which have been mysteriously dumbed down for some reason.
Regardless, if that is what you want, then why not?
-
While you're at it get the frikkin' front license plate law done away with.
Yeah BABY!!!!! Then I can put my nifty rebel flag plate on the front I`ve been holding onto.
:rock :devil
-
Most of the vehicles you listed would run circles around the KEI. The Mini has the added benefit of getting over 40MPH on the highway and over 30 in town as well. I am not quoting the EPA numbers which have been mysteriously dumbed down for some reason.
Regardless, if that is what you want, then why not?
Yes but the KEI is a truck that would be far more usable than the vehicles mentioned above for I bet half the price of the mini and would make an excellent farm vehicle. Ignore the liberals on these boards RPM, hard times call for hard choices and the price of gas aint coming down anytime soon.
-
You are correct, the KEI is more utilitarian than the cars and it is cheaper.
It is all trade-offs and priorities for any vehicle anyone decides on.
-
I think only some safety concerns are why they do not get approved but no doubt this can be overcome.
What baffles me is how they can mandate seatbelts, airbags, safety seats, and bumpers in the name of safety and protecting the occupants, but still allow motorcycles and bicycles to share the same road.
I ride a motorcycle and I'm not proposing that they ban them, for sure. I wear a helmet ( and still would, even if it wasn't mandated.. I've heard enough things bounce off my helmet to know I don't want them tearing into flesh ) but I don't feel helmets should be required.
-
What baffles me is how they can mandate seatbelts, airbags, safety seats, and bumpers in the name of safety and protecting the occupants, but still allow motorcycles and bicycles to share the same road.
I ride a motorcycle and I'm not proposing that they ban them, for sure. I wear a helmet ( and still would, even if it wasn't mandated.. I've heard enough things bounce off my helmet to know I don't want them tearing into flesh ) but I don't feel helmets should be required.
Amen, brotha
-
but I don't feel helmets should be required.
They ain't here in Idaho. I still wear one most of the time.
-
Ignore the liberals on these boards RPM,
Oh man, I love irony.
-
Maybe RPM is a little more conservative than you give him credit for.
-
Most of the vehicles you listed would run circles around the KEI. The Mini has the added benefit of getting over 40MPH on the highway and over 30 in town as well. I am not quoting the EPA numbers which have been mysteriously dumbed down for some reason.
Regardless, if that is what you want, then why not?
1. The top speed is governed down by US regulation because it is considered an off-highway utility vehicle. Governors MUST be installed for legal sale in the US. A quick search on the net reveals 105kph (65mph) as an un-governed top speed on some of these minitrucks. As well as up to 45mpg. If DOT approved them, the restriction (gov.) would be eliminated.
2. If you can find a used, low-mile 4WD Mini with a dump bed for $2000 or less, please post a link to the ad here, we would all love to see it. :D
3. You nailed it with your last statement "if that is what you want". These would be perfect for running errands, picking up parts/supplies, etc.
-
For those of you interested in KEI trucks here is the BBS I hang out on. Lots of good info and links.
http://www.minitrucktalk.com/ (http://www.minitrucktalk.com/)
A request, please don't go all petaboard on them. They're actually a good bunch of guys.
My Suzi will run over 70mph if I hammer on it, but I'm leary of driving redline all the time. Normally I run between 55-60mph on the street. It's really great for delivery work (I take groceries to Senior Citizens who can't come shop) and the $18 fillup ain't bad either. Last fillup on the Dodge was $94.
Lazs, I completely understand where you are coming from. Normally I get the same form letter you get, but from the other guys.
-
I bought a Daihatsu 2 cylinder minivan in Okinawa in 1975. I loved that thing. I could get 5 guys and 10 scuba tanks in it believe it or not. I burned a hole in one of the cylinders and it was a breeze to replace. Here's to hoping we see more like it in the US. :aok
<edit>
burned a hole in one of the pistons rather
-
I take groceries to Senior Citizens who can't come shop
Liberal hippie peacenik! ;)
-
Yeah BABY!!!!! Then I can put my nifty rebel flag plate on the front I`ve been holding onto.
:rock :devil
That hasn't stopped my sister in law with her Jeep Wrangler.
-
Ya know Diablo, I may be wrong but, didn't Texas already do away with the front plate law?
I seem to remember something about it 5-6 years ago.
-
No, it's just very vague. I know people that get tickets on it all the time. Something about "displaying of the front license plate" but it doesn't really stipulate exactly how the plate is to be displayed. Just another source of income for the Socialists, errr, the state government in Austin. I got ticketed on it about 10 years ago but not since. Cops seemed to like me for some reason.
-
Well, let me whip Austin into shape with my little diddy first, then I'll get cracking on your deal. ;)
-
Sweet! Give 'em hell!
-
1. The top speed is governed down by US regulation because it is considered an off-highway utility vehicle. Governors MUST be installed for legal sale in the US. A quick search on the net reveals 105kph (65mph) as an un-governed top speed on some of these minitrucks. As well as up to 45mpg. If DOT approved them, the restriction (gov.) would be eliminated.
2. If you can find a used, low-mile 4WD Mini with a dump bed for $2000 or less, please post a link to the ad here, we would all love to see it. :D
3. You nailed it with your last statement "if that is what you want". These would be perfect for running errands, picking up parts/supplies, etc.
My comment about the other vehicles was just that. A comment. I was not nor am not trying to sway rpm at all. It is his decision to make, not mine. Persoanlly, I really do not care for the KEI as it simply does not fit what I need in a vehicle. A plain Mini actually comes closer to what I need.
Just FYI, Mini is coming out with a 4WD version of their car. Not sure why anyone would want such a thing though. Seems to defeat the purpose of such a small car.
The governor is probably a good thing for the KEI. It would seem to serve to protect the engine from being blown up. I just cannot see this vehicle as a good commuter vehicle where you have to drive on the freeway for the builk of the commute.
If I need to haul something, I just head to the Home Depot or Lowes and rent their truck to do the hauling with. Those are my circumstances and may not be applicable to others.
-
Well, let me whip Austin into shape with my little diddy first, then I'll get cracking on your deal. ;)
That'd help me out. :) I'll be damned if I'm drilling holes into the bodykit. Right now the license plate just sits on the dash, wedged against the front windshield.
-
my opinion on your choice RPM is that you have picked a vehicle that is dangerous and pretty much worthless... that will get about ten percent or less better mileage than some safer and more practical vehicle.
That it will be unreliable if pushed to operate in US traffic and cause some problems for other drivers but...
I support your right to drive it on the road. I don't think the insurance companies would like it tho.. would their lobbyists work toward full body armor for you or just a helmet or.. just a seatbelt?
Our seatbelt and helmet laws have nothing to do with our democrat liberal politicians desire to save our lives and everything to do with insurance companies giving to their war chests.
The insurance companies wont want the thing on the road so it won't happen most likely unless they figure that the amount of em is so small it won't bite into their profit.
Things like the old Issetta egg car with a BMW motorcycle engine are still legal but they slipped in back when we were free.. before insurance companies made us wear seatbelts and helmets and well.. before cell phones and such.
Now.. there are laws against cell phones.. soon... against eating in cars.. next.. talking in em or listening to the radio... It's a brave new world.
I have to say tho RPM.. you are pretty much right with your title to this thread.. but for a different reason... you are being hoisted on your own socialist petard. Some lack of freedom finally got your attention...
Now it is "unfair". when it is you.
I have to ask.. why should you be able to drive that deathtrap and I be forced to wear a helmet on my motorcycle and seatbelts in a car that would crush ten of yours without giving me a hangnail?
lazs
-
I have to ask.. why should you be able to drive that deathtrap and I be forced to wear a helmet on my motorcycle and seatbelts in a car that would crush ten of yours without giving me a hangnail?
lazs
If RPM were asking for a 'special use' permit so that only he could operate the vehicle, I would agree with you. However, since it is a pursuit to change the law so that anybody under its juristiction would have that ability, then the argument doesn't apply.
Besides, if you're allowed to ride a motorcycle with just a helmet, why do I have to spend $600 on an airbag option when I can run over a dozen bikes and never set it off?
-
Lazs, what I am trying to make legal is limited use similar to what Oklahoma allows. No freeways. As far as safe to drive, it's as safe or safer than the original VW Beetle or Chevy Luv. It's definitely safer than a motorcycle. There is no such thing as a totally safe vehicle. The speed governor is nothing more than a plate mounted on the gear shift that blocks 3-5th gear. 2 screws to remove it.
There are a lot of uses for these. While you guys are thinking urban, I am thinking rural. I've had dozens of local ranchers ask me about them for feeding cattle and hauling small loads.
Here is the Oklahoma law:
http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents...2R/SB/1998.pdf (http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents...2R/SB/1998.pdf)
-
Ya, looks like the back would hold at least a couple of bales of hay. I think it would be a handy farm vehicle.
-
I think they are legal here in Alabama but I will check on that. I have a friend of mine who is traveling all over the southern US setting up dealerships for those vehicles.
-
I have seen the KEI in California here and they look good , great inner city hualer . Good luck to your efforts
-
apdrone and RPM... I agree with both of you...
You should be able to drive your almost a car RPM.. it is only dangerous to you and whoever rides in it with you... I would have no objection.. you don't even need doors so far as I am concerned much less seatbelts.
Drone can get the "airbag delete" option on his car so far as I am concerned also. He should tell passengers or even.. have a plaque in the car warning that it has no airbags but... I would never force him to have airbags.
That is the difference... you guys seem to not care about anyones freedom but your own. When your own politicians who caused the problem in the first place... the ones you voted in with a self rightious smug attitude of social concience.. when they forbid you to do something YOU find important....
Well then.. they hell with the social reasons.. let's get an exemption for me! everyone else can still be pushed around and told what is best for em by you and your politicians... But for you... You will run to a republican to get back some freedom that you were never even aware that you gave away in the first place.
lazs
-
To all the haters: Like it or not, the small vehicle revolution is coming. Look around. Most SUVs and huge trucks (mostly diesels) are dropping in value daily as gas prices rise.
Small vehicles are not for everyone. If you pull trailors, have a large family, etc. then obviously you need a large vehicle.....just accept the fact that you are going to pay more and more from now on to operate it.
But why bash someone for seeking a small, efficient vehicle that suits his/her purpose?
Call a minitruck dangerous? :rolleyes: Hah. Dangerous is the idiot driving a Hummer/Kenworth yacking on a cellphone. Dangerous is the dolt driving a Suburban/Peterbuilt sending a text message.
Minitrucks are far safer than motorcycles. It's a no-brainer. You have some steel around you and a seatbelt. On a motorcycle you have some denim.....maybe some leather.
I ride motorcycles and have for years. It is my preferred mode of transport. I ride knowing that there are idiots all around me who do not see me and are trying their best to kill me. It is with that mindset I stay safe, watch others and remain highly alert in dangerous situations. It would be the same way driving a mini vehicle.
The dangerous ones are the fools driving oversized/bloated vehicles with a false sense of security who don't pay attention.
One fortunate side effect of high fuel prices is the decline in SUVs and large trucks. I say good riddance. I hate it for the people who really NEED a large vehicle (and know how to drive them!) . But no sympathy for those who bought a Freightliner to run errands in and drive back and forth to work. Those are the people who are killing our highway safety statistics and costing everyone by needlessly devouring fuel.
-
roundeye.. Of course..
I have no problem with you riding a motorcycle in swim trunks only if that is what you wish to do.. I don't care if RPM drives his deathtrap on the roads.. he pays regestration fees and gas tax. He doesn't need seatbelts or 5 mph bumpers or a helmet or seatbelts or airbags or even doors for all I care.
I am consistent in this. So long as the only person you will harm is yourself then it should be your choice.
I have a motorcycle.. I would probly ride it more if not for the idiotic helmet laws. I have older cars because of the idiotic seat belt laws. I have to break the law to ride in a modern vehicle (unless it is a limmo or a taxi or a school bus or...)
I just find the whole being hoisted on your own petard thing amusing. I just find the whole "freedom according to your needs at the time" thing amusing.
lazs