I haven't gotten into one of these in a LONG time but the car is packed and ready for the Tarheel HPDE this weekend, and this is like a big ol' lob, too close to the net to pass up...
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">\"Instruments\" I know as defined in the GCR Glossary are as you described, but the use of \"gauges and instruments\" in the ITCS stongly implies that the defintion of \"instrument\" as a switch as well as a gauge was the intent of this rule. [Why if \"instrument is simply defined as a gauge would the writers say \"gauges and gauges\"(I beleieve we have argued this before.)</font>
It makes not a whit of difference what the ITCS 'implies' - the definition is clearly stated. You could just as easily - and accurately - have said...
...but the use of "gauges and instruments" in the ITCS stongly implies that the defintion of "instrument" as a carrot as well as a gauge was the intent of this rule.
If we've argued this before, you've been wrong before.
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">But a more defining point would be that alterations are permitted by the installation of safety equipment, and if one installs a releaseable steering wheel (a safety item) more than likely his turn signal stalks would interfere with that installation and need to be removed.</font>
Rollcage, yes. Other "safety equipment?" Show me. Even if it does, I did it, it doesn't, they don't.
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">Another point is that the yoke (on a Fiesta for example) that carries the steering wheel locking mechanism, also may carry the light stalk controls and \"must be removed\" in order to remove the locking mechanism.</font>
I had to remove a lot of stuff to get to the steering lock on my car - including the signal AND wiper stalks. I was clever enough to remember how it all went on and put it back. I would expect others to be able to do the same or I'd worry that they shouldn't be working on a car that I'm on the race track with.
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">And I promise I can deliver testimonials from a miinimum of twenty IT drivers in the DC Region at least that their interpretation of the interior alteration rules allows for removal of the turn signal operating mechanisms. Mainly because one tends to smack the levers and activate his turn signals during competition which distraction may be seen to be a safety issue.</font>
Do these 20 drivers know that you are telling people that they are such wankers that they flail around in the cockpit enough to turn on the signals? That you think they are ADD enough to be scared off the road by the blinking light on the dashboard? Besides - who CARES? I could get affidavits from 20 of my neighbors here in NC that their interpretation of the US Constitution that black people shouldn't be allowed to vote or own property. That, thank the powers, does not make it right.
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">And of course a turn signal switch when activated does \"contain(s) information about some aspect of car operation for driver reference\" because the switch indicates which signal is actvated by its up or down position.</font>
Ever heard the saying, "too clever by half?" This is perfect! Two points for creativity but it doesn't help your argument.
<font face=\"Verdana, Arial\" size=\"2\">But of course most of this is based on that dreaded \"common sense\" argument, which as we all know may be totally disregarded in discussing these issues.</font>
Someone - ANYONE - please agree that any of the above mutilated rationale fall anywhere near being "common sense" and I will gracefully cede the electronic field in defeat.
That was pretty funny stuff, Man. Very, very good.
K
[This message has been edited by Knestis (edited February 10, 2005).]
"Mechanical or electronic readouts of automotive parameters"
