The sage begins four months ago when I purchased a '72 M151A2, originally
licensed and registered in California in '95 that had been sitting on a
trailer in Colorado for two years, unused. I dutifully brought it to
Washington state and began a total, ground up restoration. After countless
hours and highly countable dollars later, I had my vehicle completely
restored, ready to register. So, Friday I take it to the Washington State
Patrol to begin the registration and licensing process. To my horror and
dismay, I was informed that all M151 series are "prohibited vehicles" in
Washington state and my not be registered! The WSP person was very nice and
surprised as well, but showed me the paragraph which stated the "Department of
Army requests that no M151, M151A1 or M151A2 vehicles be registered for use on
Washington State highways owing to safety problems." He stated that there is
an appeal process but, when pressed, indicated that this is a really a
bureacracy's way of not having to say, "No" directly to someone.
Needless to say, I was shocked and temporarily disheartened. I am not willing
to give up this easily, however. Therefore, I am appealing to the members of
the list for some informational assistance. Anyone who can supply input on my
questions or requests for info, your assistance will be much appreciated!
1. Are there other Washington state residents on the list who have been able
to register a MUTT? If so, please contact me so we can share your "how to's".
2. I know from having subscribed to this list for some time that there are a
lot of follow MUTT drivers out there in other states who I only have to assume
are legally registered and licensed. If I can compile a list of states from
members where it is legal to drive a MUTT, this might help me convince the
Department of Transportation that my vehicle is not a rolling suicide trap
from other states' perspectives.
(By the way, having driven an M151A1 and A2 while in the Army I am well aware
of the early vehicles "limitations" but am also aware that the A2s are much
improved. To add to its "safety", I have also installed a ROPS which
hopefully will work to my advantage as I work to license this beast here.)
I guess my saga is a case of caveat emptor a la that of Kerry vander Z in
British Columbia and his Encore 151. However, knowing that multiple states do
register these vehicles, it never dawned on me to check first. I guess that
is a lesson. However, as stated above, I am not willing to give up and hope
this is only inning one of a longer game. I don't want my "story" to end here
and end up in the "beware" section of the olive-drab web site!
Any ideas or suggestions from other scarred veterans of registration wars will
be much appreciated!
Bill Dunn
Redmond, WA
425-868-1582
wearldunn@aol.com, bdunn@pc.fluke.com
beached '72 M151A2 w/ROPS
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