SAAC Forum

Thanks Richard. I enjoyed that.

A few things to unpack here:
Regarding the health effects, a number of individuals and organizations have made a variety of alarming claims about 5G, for varied reasons, but none are based on any competent scientific evidence. I won't go into all the details about why these claims are unfounded, but here's a good explanation for anyone interested: https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4677
As for the FOIA request, good luck, but it probably won't do much good. It's out of local government's hands. The Feds have decreed that Telecoms may deploy their 5G technology in existing rights-of-way, including installing the necessary equipment on existing poles and public infrastructure, and cities and counties aren't allowed to say no, or even enact a temporary moratorium to study the best way to implement the roll-out of 5G in their community. The National League of Cities and others fought the FCC long and hard to retain local control, but the Telecom lobby is far more powerful (read better funded) than the local government lobby.
I wouldn't expect to see many 40-foot towers for 5G though. In most jurisdictions, structures of that height will require building permits the FCC are powerless to override. That will usually require notification to surrounding property owners, publication of legal notice, and a public hearing of some sort. All of which add delay and uncertainty which the wireless providers would prefer to avoid. Accordingly, most 5G equipment has been designed specifically to be compact enough to permit installation on existing poles or towers, or if new poles are needed, they'll typically be the size and height of standard telephone poles, avoiding the need for city or county permits. Any larger towers will likely be only as a last resort where no other viable alternatives exist.
But as far as their ability to put up smaller towers and equipment boxes in existing rights-of-way, and the potential negative effects on property values that may have, that's all accurate. It won't do any harm to talk to your local planning and engineering department representatives to see what insights they may have, but I'll pretty much guarantee they're just as frustrated by it as anyone.

I'll be there.

Kelsey Tire has introduced a "Polyglas" radial that unfortunately doesn't look all that much like original issue Polyglas tires, but is still closer than any other halfway modern rubber out there. Right now, FR70x14 is the only size available, but the rep I spoke with at MCACN told me to expect 15" sizes by late spring or early summer 2020.

REALITY CHECK: a handful of people and cars enjoying each other's company is not intended to be an affront to anyone.

For the love of Pete, I am an outsider's outsider, but reconnected with people I see (these days) once every 5, 10, 20 years.

If you set up a "standing tour" in your area of influence, I guarantee people would come.  I'd come, if you allow Cougars/Merkurs.

And if I were to organize such an event, you'd be invited. If we ran out of participant spots, you'd still be welcome to observe, as would anyone with a passion for the cars and their history, so long as they were respectful and didn't interfere. But that's the difference between me the the GT350 tour folks.

Since I own a GT350 I guess my nose was rubbed in it also but I'm OK with that.  ;DIt looks like it was a fun time and I hope they have many more to come. If all of us  were all invited I don't think anyone would have fun with all the confusion and congestion. For what it's worth I kinda think there are a few other get togethers that I haven't been invited to.Just my honest opinion.

TOB

TOB, do you live in Arkansas? Are you one of the local owners who requested information about where we might see the cars as they came through our area but was rebuffed? 'Cause I don't recognize your handle  or the picture of your car.  If those statements don't apply to you, then no, no one is rubbing anything in your face by posting pictures and bragging about the tour in this thread. If you are from around here, then send me a message, let's get together. I love meeting fellow owners and learning about their cars! First beverage of your choice is on me.

Think of it this way: We might be able to cram 15 people in my wife's Suburban, but it would be unsafe & everyone would be uncomfortable.

No argument from me, I just have no idea what that has to do with anything.

Jay

Thanks Bob. I value your opinion. I'll admit this is something of a sensitive subject with me. But consider this. It's not my imagination that not once in 45 years has SAAC seen fit to hold a convention anywhere in the middle third (or more) of the country. It's not my imagination that SAAC deliberately scheduled their 2020 convention at a time that would hurt the one large Shelby and Ford meet we do have. And while I'm more than willing to give A-Snake the benefit of the doubt as to his comment, the fact remains that the GT350 tour WAS conducted in such a way as to exclude local vintage Shelby owners from having any interaction with the group. See the trend?
I guess I'm just disappointed, 'cause when I joined SAAC I imagined it would be something like an actual club. With at least occasional organized opportunities for interaction with other members in the real world. I missed the fine print stating that aspect of the group is only for members living near the coasts.

Jay