Puma progress

After 2 1/2 years my Puma passed state inspection! Wow, I am so excited. I had to drill and install new door latches, fabricate bumpers, design and install a working separate defrost and heater blower system, change the steering wheel, speedometer and a whole bunch of other crap that the state required but today the DOT said they were satisfied. Not only will I get to lic it but they will also title it as a Puma (not as a kit vehicle as the prior title stated). This is the first Puma titled in the state of Iowa. Dennis

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Reply to
Dennis Wik
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Congratulations. Too bad they made you take out that chain-link steering wheel you had in there. ;-)

Reply to
Shaggie

Thanks Shaggie, but the stock Puma wheel was just under 13". It goes back on as soon as I get the title in my hands (Wedsday if all goes well) Then, as far as the state is concerned, I am free to customize my car as long as it is not considered by them to be a "remanufactured vehicle".

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

Good deal, Dennis!

How does it drive? Inquiring minds want to know!

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

It drives great. Stable, no lean. If the Puma was purchased complete (as mine). It came with front disc brakes and the type 3 type rear end which had wider brake shoes. Some had the "puma adjustable" front end, but not many. 1660 lbs curb weight and the wheel base is 11" shorter on a ghia type wide pan. It is a fun ride. Dennis

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

Congrats!! That must have felt good :)

Jan

Reply to
Jan

Thanks guys. I learned two or three important things. First, Never assume that if you buy a car in another state with a valid, current title that your home state will honor it for transfer. Next, be prepared to do whatever the official documents require even if the requirements do not apply to other vehicles lic in the state. Last, Do not piss off the captain in charge of DOT regulations in Des Moines, Iowa..... Remember, logic and facts only count for 25% of the total rule; the rest is at the discretion of the DOT. Anyway, the inspector loved the car and everyone is now happy. Dennis

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

I bet!

Which engine do you have?

And, didn't Pumas remain swing-axles into the 80s?

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

Yes, it has the swing axle. The engines they sent into the USA were

1600 cc with dual carbs which they rated at 90hp but they had 3 larger engines available in Brasil including a 2200cc with a 12 to 1 compression which ran on alcohol and was rated at 195hp. My engine is not the original and is a 1600 with larger jugs according to the po. It is over carbed with the webers and I will be looking into that myself now that I am legal in this country of Iowa.

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

Update: I got it in my hand (the title that is) and it is correct so it is all worth it. I'm sure that my car being titled as a "Puma" and not as a kit car or homemade is very rare. It is also the correct year and model. In the Wisconsin title my car was listed as 1978 Homemade with a Illinois assigned number as vin. It is now listed as a 1977 Puma GTE with an assigned Iowa vin as primary, actual Brasil vin in the data bank also and the old Illinois vin as prior under previous owner data. I have to admire the inspector as his research was correct and much more than what I thought would happen. Thank you with letting me share this with all of you guys. Dennis

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

I wanna ride. :P

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

Come on over

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

Where are you in Iowa? I saw a Puma in the Quad City area about five years ago. Dave, Waterloo, IA.

Reply to
Dave P

I live in south central Iowa in a little hamlet completely surrounded by the United States.

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

Title work can be scary. The previous owner of my '64 sent me an unsigned title. (eBay auction) The car had belonged to his Dad who had passed away and he hadn't gotten a new title in his name. I have no idea what he was thinking. Fortunately, here in Maryland the title work doesn't need to be notaraized on vehicles that are over seven years old. I had a friend sign it along with a bill of sale. The lady at the information desk at the DMV gave my paperwork a quick look and then sent me to the title window. Whew!

Nice looking Puma.

Reply to
Mike64Bug

So how about some pictures?

Reply to
Brian Turner

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Ok, here are some pictures of the Puma taken when I got it and cleanedit the first time. It still looks the same. Click on above to seethem. Dennis

Reply to
Dennis Wik

Gotta fix my brakes first. Master cylinder took a dump today. (I almost did too!)

Why don't you come to the Bug-In at Bandimere here in CO? Just drive west around 800 miles. Can't miss it. The Puma will be a hit!

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

Oddly enough, there does not appear to be a River City in Iowa.

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

Not a river city but rather an attitude and quite a few generations of local blood in the breeding programs. The nearest fast food place in any direction is 40 miles. We have the smallest school system in the state with about 100 students total in grades K through 12. Last years graduation was 9 students. Industry is not encouraged, and the city population is not growing nor has it for decades. Strangers are stared at without comment. Land is reasonable because of no growth, taxes are cheap because most roads are gravel in and out of town. When my mother visited several years ago she said that this place reminded her of the

50's with newer cars. A friend from Arizona said that this is Mayberry without the Cops (we have none nor do we want any). Our zip code was not in most data banks until the mid 90's for some reason. When I moved here 10 years ago, I had the only fax machine in the area. Even the bank did not have one. I could go on but I think you get the idea. The attitude "Leave us alone and go back to your own country", is quite popular. And most important, money will not buy service or status....You can find all that stuff if you go 40 miles in any direction, hence the reason I tell people that I believe I live in an area surrounded by but not quite the USA. Dennis

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

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