From: noel shelley (noel@shelley1722.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: Sat Sep 11 2004 - 11:05:05 PDT
Dear David ,
You say, " However, it seems that private ownership of
military vehicles in the US is doomed. "
and
"Kiss your MVs goodbye boys, the dopes
among us will undo our hobby."
To you and the List I would counsel, what worries me more is the lack of
knowledge
shown by some when it comes to maintenance and repairs , not to mention the
specialist tools and equipment needed.
In the military these vehicles were maintained and repaired by trained men
, in fully equipped workshops , with
the backing of " The Organisation " and all recorded,
In commercial operation these matters are overseen by the DOT/MOT , but for
the hobbyist, proof of competence
,suitable equipment and being able to show proper records following an
accident to a court would be difficult for many .
The lawyers and press would have a field day !
They may well not stop us owning Mil Vehs by statute , but cost .
ANY CHANGE AT ALL to the vehicle from standard spec MUST be disclosed to
the insurers , who may then want an engineers report ! I know I`ve been
there !
Changes to the steering , brakes , suspension , wheels , tyres or body all
have an impact on the safety and more importantly the stability of the
vehicle .
There was a vogue for extended rear spring hangers , by some , awhile back .
This simple mod had dire consequences for the braking and handling , never
mind the U/Js .
In this litigious society that we all now live in ,a lack of competency ,
proper records , equipment , or a failure to disclose a seemingly minor
modification could see you broke and homeless .
That a man on the net told you -------- is fine !
All that counts now is CAN YOU PROVE he was right?
Best wishes Noel
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