Interpretation ID: nht91-2.13

DATE: March 6, 1991

FROM: Kent Morris -- President, Memory Motors Inc

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 4-22-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Kent Morris (A37; VSA 103(3); Sec. 571.7(e)

TEXT:

Per my phone conversation with Mr. Vinson today, I am writing to explain our product. I would like to know which, if any, NHTSA Guidelines our company should comply with.

Our company manufactures the M-53, a replica of the 19531955 Corvette. We sell the M-53 as a Kit and a Turnkey. We construct our body from fiberglass and do not use any used parts on it. The Kit is sold as a rolling unit. We use a used chassis from a 1978-1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Because it is a unibody chassis, we cut the side frame rails out (which by the way, is the only place on the chassis that has a serial number). We then shorten the wheelbase 6", weld in an "X" frame member and new side rails. (See Drawings). The used rear axle assembly and front end components are also used. On our turnkey model we install a new engine from Chevrolet and we rebuild the automatic transmission.

Information we have received from the State of Texas says that if a vehicle is assembled using any used components (motor, frame, or body), then the person or firm assembling the vehicle is not a manufacturer. Is this correct and does it matter on a national basis?

Our production is very low, about one unit per month. Does production quantity have any bearing on compliance with federal safety laws or emissions?

I am enclosing our sales information to assist you in getting a clear picture of what we do. If you have any other questions please call. I hope you can respond soon. Thank you for your time.

Attachment

MEMORY MOTORS INC.

110 W. AVE. G CONROE, TEXAS 77301 (409)760-3500

M-53 CORVETTE REPLICA ROLLING CHASSIS

$9,500.00

* BODY IS MOUNTED ON CHASSIS AND IS SHIPPED AS A ROLLING UNIT. NO CRATING IS NECESSARY! * THE BODY IS ONE PIECE, HANDLAID FIBERGLASS. IT IS GEL-COATED IN A PRIMER COLOR AND NO BODY WORK IS NECESSARY! * FLOOR PAN, FIREWALL & DASH ARE LAMINATED INTO THE BODY * DOORS, HOOD, TRUNK, & CONVERTIBLE TOP LID ARE ALL FACTORY INSTALLED. THIS INCLUDES HINGES, LATCHES, STRIKERS & RELEASES * CORE MAT IS LAMINATED INTO VARIOUS BODY PANELS TO ADD STRENGTH & SOUND INSULATION * METAL PLATES ARE LAMINATED INTO THE BODY AT 20 DIFFERENT STRESS POINTS TO PROVIDE DURABILITY * BRACKETS ARE SUPPLIED FOR EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE, GAS PEDAL, BRAKE PEDAL, STEERING COLUMN & FRONT BUMPER * TRUNK & HOOD SUPPORT MECHANISMS * ALL NECESSARY WEATHERSTRIPPING * RADIATOR SUPPORTS * LATE MODEL GM CHASSIS READY FOR RECONDITIONING * WHEELBASE IS SHORTENED 6" * CUSTOM 2 X 4 "X-FRAME", MOTOR MOUNTS & BODY MOUNTS ARE WELDED INTO CHASSIS * REMOVABLE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER BOLTS INTO "X" FRAME * 2"DROPPED SPINDLES ARE INCLUDED

DELUXE ROLLING CHASSIS

$10,800.00

* IN ADDITION TO THE ROLLING CHASSIS OUTLINED ABOVE, THE DELUXE CHASSIS HAS BEEN SANDBLASTED, PAINTED BLACK & RECONDITIONED WITH NEW PARTS INCLUDING: UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS, INNER & OUTER TIE ROD ENDS, TIE ROD SLEEVES, CENTER LINK, IDLER ARM, UPPER & LOWER A-FRAME BUSHINGS STABILIZER BAR LINK KITS & BUSHINGS, FRONT BRAKE PADS & CALIPERS, REAR BRAKE SHOES & WHEEL CYLINDERS, FRONT & REAR GREASE SEALS, BRAKE HOSES & SHOCKS * DIFFERENTIAL IS INSPECTED & SERVICED * DRUMS & ROTORS ARE RESURFACED * FRONT SPRINGS ARE MODIFIED & DROPPED SPINDLES ARE INSTALLED

PRICES EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1990

M-53 OPTIONS

COMPLETE 65 PIECE CHROME TRIM PACKAGE..................$3,900.00 1. AUTHENTIC TIGER TEETH, GRILL BAR & OVAL 2. BODY SIDE MOLDINGS INCLUDING GULL WINGS 3. FRONT & REAR BUMPERETTES 4. HEADLIGHT BEZELS & SCREENS 5. REAR LICENSE PLATE BEZEL & PLEXIGLASS LENSE 6. EXHAUST BEZELS 7. FRONT & REAR CENTER BUMPERS

8. DEFROSTER VENTS 9. W/S WASHER NOZZELS 10. DASH & DOOR MIRRORS 11. CONSOLE, SEAT SURROUND & TOP OF DOOR MOLDINGS

UPHOLSTERY PACKAGE.....................................$1,400.00

1. SEATS, DOOR & KICK PANELS, DASH & DOOR TRIM COME FULLY UPHOLSTERED 2. QUALITY LOOP CARPETING WITH JUTE PADDING, PRE-CUT TO FIT INTERIOR & TRUNK COMPARTMENTS & SOFT TOP SHELF 3. SEAT FRAMES WITH ADJUSTABLE SLIDES ON LEFT

INSTRUMENTATION PACKAGE................................$1,600.00

1. HEAD, TAIL, PARKING & LICENSE LIGHT ASSEMBLIES 2. CLOCK, TACHOMETER, FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE & TEMPERATURE GUAGES WITH SENDING UNITS 3. CUSTOM WIRING HARNESS COMPLETE WITH FUSE 4. ORIGINAL STYLE SPEEDOMETER

WINDSHIELD KIT...........................................$975.00

1. CHROME PLATED WINDSHIELD POSTS 2. CHROME PLATED EXTRUDED ALUMINUM UPPER & LOWER WINDSHIELD FRAMES 3. ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT SAFETY GLASS WINDSHIELD 4. RUBBER GASKETS

SOFT TOP PACKAGE.......................................$1,450.00

1. ORIGINAL STYLE FOLDING FRAME WITH BODY MOUNTS 2. ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT CANVAS WITH REAR WINDOW 3. CHROME FRONT LATCHES, REAR LATCHES & RECEIVERS 4. COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED

OTHER OPTIONS

1. HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM....................$795.00 2. CUSTOM BUILT FOUR ROW RADIATOR.......................$325.00 3. 15 GALLON ALUMINUM FUEL TANK.........................$295.00 4. WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM (BLADES,ARMS,CHROME BEZELS, TRANSMISSIONS, LINKAGES, MOTOR W/MOUNTING BRACKET & SWITCH)....................................$330.00

PRICES EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1990 DONOR PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE M-53

*CHEVROLET SMALL BLOCK W/ACCESSORIES *350 THM SHORT TAIL TRANSMISSION *DRIVESHAFT SHORTENED TO 33.5" CTC OF CAPS

*MOTOR & TRANSMISSION MOUNTS *STEERING COLUMN-FLOOR SHIFT, TILT STYLE W/SWITCHES *POWER BRAKE BOOSTER *BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY *ACCELRATER PEDAL, CLIP & CABLE *HORNS *CHARCOAL CANNISTER *TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES, MODULATOR VACUUM LINE & KICKDDOWN CABLE *HEADLIGHT SWITCH ABOVE PARTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM A 1976 AND UP "G" BODY INCLUDING; MONTE CARLO, GRAND PRIX, CUTLASS, REGAL, & MALIBU

*MASTERCYLINDER (FLAT TOP) *EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND CABLE GUIDE (1982 CHEVETTE) *HOOD RELEASE CABLE *SPEEDOMETER CABLE *FLOOR SHIFTER, FORD PN E6DZ721OF & E3DZ7218A.MODIFY PER MEMORY MOTORS *DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM *FOUR ROW RADIATOR & HOSES *BATTERY, CABLES & TRAY *CUSTOM STEERING WHEEL *WHEELS & TIRES *FUEL FILLER NECK, HOSE & CAP *SPARE TIRE, JACK & LUG WRENCH

M-53

TURNKEY PRICING

$32,000.00 Base Price, Includes These Standard Features:

*Power Steering *Power Brakes: Front Disc/Rear Drum *New 350 Chevrolet Engine 4 BBL. *Rebuilt 350 Automatic Trasmission *Tilt Wheel *Dual Exhaust *All Around Coil Spring Suspension *Carpeting In Trunk, Soft Top & Passenger Compartments *Spare Tire, Jack And Lug Wrench *Wire Spoke Wheels *Wide White Wall Tires *12 Month/12,000 Mile Warranty

Options

$1,450.00 *Original Style Convertible Top $1,200.00 *A/C And Heater System $1,200.00 *Leather Interior $675.00 *Original Style Steering Wheel

$400.00 *Original Style Shifter $250.00 *Chrome Engine Dress Kit

Call For Information On Models In Stock *Allow 60-90 Days On Non-Stock Orders *Terms Are: 1/3 To Begin, 1/3 In 30-Days, Balance on Delivery.

M-53 CORVETTE REPLICA

ROLLING CHASSIS

$9,500.00

* BODY IS MOUNTED ON CHASSIS AND IS SHIPPED AS A ROLLING UNIT. NO CRATING IS NECESSARY! * THE BODY IS ONE PIECE, HANDLAID FIBERGLASS. IT IS GEL-COATED IN A PRIMER COLOR AND NO BODY WORK IS NECESSARY! * FLOOR PAN, FIREWALL & DASH ARE LAMINATED INTO THE BODY * DOORS, HOOD, TRUNK, & CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER ARE ALL FACTORY INSTALLED. THIS INCLUDES HINGES, LATCHES, STRIKERS & RELEASES * CORE MAT IS LAMINATED INTO VARIOUS BODY PANELS TO ADD STRENGTH & SOUND INSULATION * METAL PLATES ARE LAMINATED INTO THE BODY AT 20 DIFFERENT STRESS POINTS TO PROVIDE DURABILITY * FLOOR PAN, FIREWALL & DASH ARE LAMINATED INTO THE BODY * DOORS, HOOD, TRUNK, & CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER ARE ALL FACTORY INSTALLED. THIS INCLUDES HINGES, LATCHES, STRIKERS & RELEASES * BRACKETS ARE SUPPLIED FOR EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE, GAS PEDAL, BRAKE PEDAL, STEERING COLUMN & FRONT BUMPER * TRUNK & HOOD SUPPORT MECHANISMS * ALL NECESSARY WEATHERSTRIPPING * RADIATOR OR SUPPORTS * LATE MODEL GM CHASSIS READY FOR RECONDITIONING * WHEELBASE IS SHORTENED 6" * CUSTOM 2 X 4 "X-FRAME", MOTOR MOUNTS & BODY MOUNTS ARE WELDED INTO CHASSIS * REMOVABLE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER BOLTS INTO "X" FRAME * 2" DROPPED SPINDLES ARE INCLUDED

DELUXE ROLLING CHASSIS

$10,800.00

* IN ADDITION TO THE ROLLING CHASSIS OUTLINED ABOVE,THE DELUXE CHASSIS HAS BEEN SANDBLASTED, PAINTED BLACK & RECONDITIONED WITH NEW PARTS INCLUDING: UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS, INNER & OUTER TIE ROD ENDS, TIE ROD SLEEVES, CENTER LINK, IDLER ARM, UPPER & LOWER A-FRAME BUSHINGS STABILIZER BAR LINK KITS & BUSHINGS, FRONT BRAKE PADS & CALIPERS, REAR BRAKE SHOES & WHEEL CYLINDERS, FRONT & REAR GREASE SEALS, BRAKE HOSES & SHOCKS * DIFFERENTIAL IS INSPECTED & SERVICED

* DRUMS & ROTORS ARE RESURFACED * FRONT SPRINGS ARE MODIFIED & DROPPED SPINDLES ARE INSTALLED

M-53 OPTIONS

COMPLETE 65 PIECE CHROME TRIM PACKAGE..................$3,900.00 1. AUTHENTIC TIGER TEETH, GRILL BAR & OVAL 2. BODY SIDE MOLDINGS INCLUDING GULL WINGS 3. FRONT & REAR BUMPERETTES 4. HEADLIGHT BEZELS & HEADLIGHT SCREENS 5. REAR LICENSE PLATE BEZEL & PLEXIGLASS COVER 6. EXHAUST BEZELS 7. FRONT & REAR CENTER BUMPERS 8. DEFROSTER VENTS 9. W/S WASHER NOZZELS 10. DASH & ODOR MIRRORS 11. CONSOLE, SEAT SURROUND & TOP OF DOOR MOLDINGS

UPHOLSTERY PACKAGE.....................................$1,400.00

1. SEATS, DOOR & KICK PANELS, DASH & DOOR TRIM COME FULLY UPHOLSTERED 2. QUALITY LOOP CARPETING WITH JUTE PADDING, PRE-CUT TO FIT INTERIOR & SOFT TOP SHELF 3. SEAT FRAMES WITH ADJUSTABLE SLIDES ON LEFT

INSTRUMENTATION PACKAGE................................$1,600.00

1. HEAD, TAIL. PARKING & LICENSE LIGHT ASSEMBLIES 2. CLOCK, TACHOMETER, FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE & TEMPERATURE GUAGES WITH SENDING UNITS 3. CUSTOM WIRING HARNESS COMPLETE WITH FUSE BLOCK, RELAYS & FLASHERS 4. ORIGINAL STYLE SPEEDOMETER

WINDSHIELD KIT...........................................$975.00

1. CHROME PLATED WINDSHIELD POSTS 2. CHROME PLATED EXTRUDED ALUMINUM UPPER & LOWER WINDSHIELD FRAMES 3. ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT SAFETY GLASS WINDSHIELD 4. RUBBER GASKETS

SOFT TOP PACKAGE........................................$1,450.00

1. ORIGINAL STYLE FOLDING FRAME WITH BODY MOUNTS 2. ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT CANVAS WITH REAR WINDOW 3. CHROME FRONT LATCHES, REAR LATCHES & RECEIVERS 4. COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED

OTHER OPTIONS

1. HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM......................$795.00 2. CUSTOM BUILT FOUR ROW RADIATOR.........................$325.00 3. 15 GALLON ALUMINUM FUEL TANK...........................$295.00

4. WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM (BLADES, ARMS, CHROME BEZELS, TRANSMISSIONS. LINKAGES, MOTOR W/MOUNTING BRACKET & SWITCH)......................................$330.00

DONOR PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE M-53

* CHEVROLET SMALL BLOCK W/ACCESSORIES * 350 THM SHORT TAIL TRANSMISSION * DRIVESHAFT SHORTENED TO 33.5" CTC OF CAPS * MOTOR & TRANSMISSION MOUNTS * STEERING COLUMN-FLOOR SHIFT, TILT STYLE W/SWITCHES * POWER BRAKE BOOSTER * BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY * ACCELRATER PEDAL, CLIP & CABLE * HORNS * CHARCOAL CANNISTER * TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES, MODULATOR VACUUM LINE & KICKDOWN CABLE * HEADLIGHT SWITCH ABOVE PARTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM A 1976 AND UP "G" BODY INCLUDING; MONTE CARLO, GRAND PRIX, CUTLASS, REGAL, & MALIBU

* MASTERCYLINDER (FLAT TOP) * EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND CABLE GUIDE (1982 CHEVETTE) * HOOD RELEASED CABLE * SPEEDOMETER CABLE * FLOOR SHIFTER, FORD PN E6DZ7210F & E3DZ7213A.MODIFY PER MEMORY MOTORS * DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM * FOUR ROW RADIATOR & HOSES * BATTERY, CABLES & TRAY * CUSTOM STEERING WHEEL * WHEELS & TIRES * FUEL FILLER NECK, HOSE & CAPE * SPARE TIRE, JACK & LUG WRENCH