*This message was transferred with a trial version of CommuniGate(tm) Pro*
Thank you, John, for posting the letter and the great photo of the HMMWV in
question. Having the letter available helps clarify at least some of the
issues.
I see that AM General wrote to the Connecticut DMV in response to a "recent
telephone conversation". While not explicitly stated, it sounds like
someone in the Connecticut DMV started this by contacting AM General rather
than some effort by AMG directed to all the states.
Nothing in the letter gives a specific reason to deny registration. They
say they didn't intend for private use and they oppose it, but they only say
"...vehicle does not comply with FMVSS requirements for commercial
automobiles..." As several MV listers have noted, the requirements may only
apply to the manufacturer. Since the vehicle complied with requirements
when built for the Government, the manufacturer met its obligations. Since
you have an unrestricted Form 97, there may not be any obligation on your
part or on the part of the State of CT.
On the other hand, you may find "fine print" in the law giving the CT DMV
the power to deny registration to any vehicle due to special circumstances,
at the discretion of the Commissioner, or something similar. In that case,
a quick pre-emptive approach to the DMV Director by a well-connected lawyer
may be your best strategy rather than trying to slug it out with the staff.
You are fighting a fight for all of us. I am sure you will get lots of
advise, help, and support.
Best regards,
Chuck
chuck@olive-drab.com
www.olive-drab.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Brennan" <brennan1968@home.com>
To: "Military Vehicles List" <mil-veh@uller.skylee.com>
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2000 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: [MV] AM General is preventing HMMWV Registrations
> *This message was transferred with a trial version of CommuniGate(tm) Pro*
>
> This is definitely an interesting thread and I again thank you all for
your
> feedback. For those that question the existence of the AMG letter I have
> posted it to http://www7.50megs.com/rockhigh/M1038.html. You read
> it and you decide how to interpret it. I had also heard about the AMG
letter
> to its suppliers denying sales of parts to anyone who brought these
military
> vehicles. If anyone has a copy (or can get a copy) and scan it in I would
be
> most appreciative.
>
> You will only see my responses at night when I get home which is why you
> won't see my responses appear so quickly. It's a good thing that I don't
> get these at work, as I'd spend all my time reading them and responding.
>
> I was able to obtain via Lexis and the general Internet FMVSS codes 100 -
> 302. Obviously not all apply. I have over an inch thick of paper to
> review. There are many avenues on how to pursue this problem and as one
> gentleman put it it's a game of chess. One tactful move at a time. This
> will not be a quick resolution. I thoroughly want to understand what the
> FMVSS codes are and what applies to my 1993 M1038 and specifically what
> codes it does not meet. I want to be prepped to take the "stupid test." As
> of today I have only received a phone call from DMV. I have no intention
of
> surrendering my plates as of yet. I want an official letter written to me
> by CT DMV telling me why I have to surrender the plates. EXACTLY stating
> what codes it does not meet.
>
> Some are saying caveat emptor. That I should have known that this was an
> off-road use only vehicle. The seller didn't disclose it to me nor was it
> on my Form-97. I guess I could go after the seller and get my money back.
> That's not what I want to do. Each of us has a piece of history that we
are
> interested in and the HMMWV is what has my interest for numerous reasons.
I
> guess I could also turn around and sell it. Maybe even on eBay. I have no
> doubt someone would want it. But that's not what I want to do. I want to
> preserve this piece of history. I'll do that in my garage at the very
> least. I'd rather be able to take it out to a parade or on a nice sunny
day
> and even a crappy rainy or snowy day.
>
> John
>
>
>
>
> ===Mil-Veh is a member-supported mailing list===
> To unsubscribe, send e-mail to: <mil-veh-off@uller.skylee.com>
> To switch to the DIGEST mode, send e-mail to
<mil-veh-digest@uller.skylee.com>
> Send administrative queries to <mil-veh-request@uller.skylee.com>
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue Apr 04 2000 - 21:57:21 PDT