Reply to "Pantera Failed Hawaiian Safety Inspection, Ideas?"

Aloha Tim -- Unfortunately, there are some inspection stations in the state that are run by village idiots, that are clueless about classic, or limited production cars. It looks like you're dealing with one.

According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation manual for inspectors, You'd fail the inspection if, "They (the bumpers) do not conform to the State (291-35.1, HRS) or County requirements relating to height and performance; bumpers are not securely installed or mounted or; bumpers are damaged to the extent that sharp edges or protrusions could be unnecessarily hazardous to a pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle. Your car does not fall into any of these categories.

You're doing everything "right," by showing him pictures of other cars with bumpertettes, and I'd go one further by getting a copy of one of the DeTomaso factory images -- most clearly show the cars in production with bumperettes.

I think your best course of action is two-prong: First, reminiscent of your Matson experience when you originally shipped the car over: The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease. Fill Governor Ige and Mayor Billy Kenoi's inbox with email, and don't forget to include your local rep, Richard Creagan.

Secondly, I'd check with other exotic/classic/hot rod owners, and see where they take their cars for safety inspections. You might get in touch with Bob Trungale or Hal Nishida (I think Bob still has his '71, and Hal used to own Robert Stuhr's '72). If you want some legal advice, give Ed Kemper a shout. He's an attorney and owner of a '74. PM me if you need anyone's contact info.

If there's any way I can help you from Maui, just let me know, Brah!