UMVA has learned that a unique community of car enthusiasts is pushing back against the trend of restricted vehicle repairs and diagnostics, keeping old American machinery in service despite the odds being stacked against them.
At the forefront of this movement are individuals like Tony Angelo, a former champion drift racer, who runs the popular Stay Tuned channel and has been known to take on ambitious projects, such as installing a turbocharged engine in a 1988 Dodge Caravan. His passion and dedication to reviving old vehicles have created a strong connection with his audience, who appreciate the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with sharing knowledge and expertise.
Adjacent to the revivalists is a group of talented fabricators and engineers, including Westen Champlin, who builds extraordinary vehicles under the banner of “Redneck Science,” and the Fab Rats gang, who create off-road rigs from scratch. These individuals embody the spirit of self-reliance and ingenuity, taking on challenges that would daunt even the most experienced professionals. They are driven by a desire to keep old vehicles on the road, even as the economics and regulatory environment make it increasingly difficult to do so.
The average new vehicle in the United States now costs over $49,000, with full-size pickups exceeding $66,000. In contrast, a running 1996 Ford F-150 with a fresh set of plugs can be a financially savvy decision for families who need a reliable vehicle. However, the trouble lies in the fact that fixing modern vehicles has become increasingly complicated, with automakers restricting access to diagnostic software, proprietary tools, and replacement parts.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this trend is not unique to the automotive industry, as evidenced by the recent settlement between John Deere and farmers who were forced to use authorized dealers for repairs. The company agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class-action lawsuit, highlighting the growing concern over the restriction of independent repairs. The automotive industry is following a similar path, with several manufacturers offering optional subscription services for factory-installed features, raising questions about the future of vehicle ownership and control.
The right to keep older cars on the road is also under threat, as seen in the case of “Leno’s Law” in California, which would have exempted collector vehicles from biennial smog checks. Although the bill was killed in committee, supporters are working to revive it, and the issue remains a contentious one. For enthusiasts like Bieri, however, the focus remains on the thrill of the repair, the satisfaction of getting an old vehicle back on the road, and the sense of community that comes with sharing that passion with others.
As the debate over vehicle ownership and control continues to unfold, the community of car enthusiasts remains committed to their craft, driven by a sense of purpose and belonging. With over 2.5 million people tuning in to watch their favorite channels every week, it is clear that this movement is gaining momentum, and the case for preserving the right to repair and maintain older vehicles is growing stronger by the day.
