Tensioner Belt offshoot

[Mike Arman]

Reminds me of a similar story . . .

Guy I knew back in 1964 or so brought some kind of Italian fancy car over here, here being New Jersey.

Oval tube space frame, two seats, bright red (of course), big honking Ahmurrican V-8 in it. Hang on 
tight.

The windshield was supposed to be safety plate, but it wasn't, it was only tempered and thus 
illegal. It was obvious that it wasn't safety glass because the top edge of the windshield was 
exposed, no frame or rim, and there was no plastic center layer. Nothing else fit or even came close 
to fitting, and of course he needed to get through NJ inspection to drive the car.

Solution (and the start of my vehicular life of crime) . . . glued a rubber strip around the top of 
the windshield so the edge wasn't visible. Took a 3 by 5 card and an Ex-acto knife, cut the words 
"Safety Plate AS-1" into it, taped it to the inside of the windshield, two quick zaps with a spark 
plug cleaner (sand blast type) and the magic words "Safety Plate AS-1" appeared on the windshield, 
just like they should be.

Went right through, no problem, had the inspection sticker on the windshield, car was fully legal, 
problem solved.

A few years later, I drove an XK-140 through NJ inspection and the horn failed on the way to the 
inspection station (Thanks, Lucas). The inspector said "honk the horn" and I looked him right in the 
eye and said "Beep!" (because I know it wouldn't work.) He *passed* it and I got the sticker!

Oh yeah, Mr. Red Italian sports car never even thanked me . . .


Best Regards,

Name withheld to protect the guilty, the NJ DMV will never take me alive, and the statute of 
limitations is long expired anyway.