Why were all SuperBirds built before January 1 1970?

[learical1]

"Completion of dealer survey by ACCUSFIA covering the Plymouth SuperBird indicates that Chrysler Plymouth has complied with the production requirements established for 1970 stock car racing. The Plymouth SuperBird as delivered to dealers is therefore eligible for competition as of this date."

An excerpt from the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States' telegram officially notifying Chrysler on January 14, 1970 that they had produced and delivered a sufficient number of SuperBirds to make them eligible for competition.

Above swiped from Aerowarriors.com.

The first race of the 1970 season was the Motor Trend 500, at Riverside, CA on January 18, 1970.  There were 'Birds competing in this race.  As quoted above, the SuperBird was approved for stock car racing four days earlier, on January 14.  
There appears to be 4 schools of thought as to why all the SuperBirds had to be built before Jan 1, 1970:

1.  Enough built to qualify in time for the Motor Trend 500.

2.  New emission regulations that went into effect Jan 1, 1970.

3.  New lighting regulations that went into effect on Jan 1, 1970.

4.  New bumper regulations that went into effect on Jan 1, 1970.

Anybody have documents to support any of the these (or other) reasons?

[pettybird]

it's not emissions because no other B body got changes for Jan 1 that would have been impossible to do for the superbird.

it's not vacuum headlights as Corvette had them until 1982.

not entirely helpful but it's a little clearer

[Aero426]

The bottom line is they had to be done by 1/1/70 to be able to race.

[rainbow4jd]

"Completion of dealer survey by ACCUSFIA covering the Plymouth SuperBird indicates that Chrysler Plymouth has complied with the production requirements established for 1970 stock car racing. The Plymouth SuperBird as delivered to dealers is therefore eligible for competition as of this date."

An excerpt from the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States' telegram officially notifying Chrysler on January 14, 1970 that they had produced and delivered a sufficient number of SuperBirds to make them eligible for competition.

Above swiped from Aerowarriors.com.

The first race of the 1970 season was the Motor Trend 500, at Riverside, CA on January 18, 1970.  There were 'Birds competing in this race.  As quoted above, the SuperBird was approved for stock car racing four days earlier, on January 14.  
There appears to be 4 schools of thought as to why all the SuperBirds had to be built before Jan 1, 1970:

1.  Enough built to qualify in time for the Motor Trend 500.

2.  New emission regulations that went into effect Jan 1, 1970.

3.  New lighting regulations that went into effect on Jan 1, 1970.

4.  New bumper regulations that went into effect on Jan 1, 1970.

Anybody have documents to support any of the these (or other) reasons?

I thought there was a vacuum change requirement that went into effect 1/1/1970?

[hotrod98]

If it was due to the new bumper regs, that would have been a major problem. I don't think that little corvette bumper idea would have met the tougher regulations.

[Arnie Cunningham]

Greetings All,

Does anyone else have "Public Law 89-563" sticker on the driver's door jam of their Superbird?
http://www.performancecargraphics.com/Small_Decals/Export.htm
I had one but it was scraped off when the jams were repainted.  Some of the adhesive is still there.

What was Public Law 89-563?  Did something change in it on 1/1/70?

The sticker can be seen in this photo.

Brennan

[learical1]

"In 1966, with the backing of President Lyndon Johnson, Congress unanimously enacted the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Public Law 89-563, as amended), which created a limited federal authority to regulate the safety of new motor vehicles. A companion statute, the National Highway Safety Act (Public Law 89-564), expanded the scope of federal activity in support of state and local efforts to improve highway and driver contributions to the reduction of vehicle crash injuries.

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act is administered by the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its intent, as described by President Johnson at its signing, is to ensure that every new car is as safe as modern knowledge can make it. Whether that intent has been achieved is arguable, but there is no doubt that the Act has somewhat reduced motor vehicle hazards. The Act requires the federal government to do the following:

Set Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for New Motor Vehicles and Equipment. The standards may specify minimum performance levels but not specific designs. For instance, a standard may set the minimum forces that a seatback must withstand in an impact, but it may not specify the design of seatbacks. Manufacturers self-certify their compliance with the standards. NHTSA spot-checks by buying and testing randomly-selected vehicles.
Require Manufacturers to Recall and Repair Vehicles and Equipment with Safety Defects. Failure to comply with safety standards can result in vehicle safety defects and injurious hazards. In addition, vehicle hazards can result from defects beyond the scope of the standards, such as seat belts that meet the minimum standard requirements but nonetheless become unbuckled in crashes. The law provides that unless a manufacturer voluntarily recalls and repairs a defective vehicle, NHTSA may move to force the recall.
Research and Development. Research, development, testing, crash investigation and data collection and analysis activities related to motor vehicle injuries and hazard reduction are carried out by NHTSA and its contractors in support of the agency's statutory mission.
Consumer Information. NHTSA publishes the results of vehicle testing in formats that provide comparative information about vehicle hazard levels. Its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) assigns crashworthiness and rollover proneness ratings to selected new vehicles."

From:
http://www.mvhap.org/introduction3.php

[moparstuart]

  I bet it had something to do with ralph naders crying  .

[learical1]

My Theory by Anne Elk [Miss]

I hope some 1970 Charger expert can help me out with this.  I know the 70 Chargers have electric motors for the headlamp covers.  Is there some method on the motor or linkage that, with the pull of a lever or the twist(s) of a knob, you can expose the headlights and keep them exposed?  I believe that this is the change in the law for January 1st, 1970.  I know that, starting for the 1970 model year, Ford headlamp covers (vacuum held in the covered position) had a 2 in/2 out vacuum connector. Twisting this connector 90 degrees prevented the vacuum from reaching the headlamp motors (without causing a vacuum leak) so the lamps stayed exposed, even with the engine running and the headlamp switch in the 'off' position.  Thus, your headlamps couldn't be 'frozen shut' during winter.  The SuperBird's headlamps could not "easily" be left in the exposed position. 

What do you think, people?

[moparstuart]

 yes you can turn a knob on the bottom of the motor to slowly crank open the 70 hlps

  my first mopar was a 70 R/T

[Arnie Cunningham]

The 70 Imperials also had the large knob on the electric headlight motor and an instruction sticker on how to use it.  The Superbirds have the heavy window regulator type spring to hold the headlight buckets open as the default position.

1970 saw significant headrest and seat belt changes from the 69 models - maybe those were some of the Public Law issues.  But those changes are found on the Superbirds so they would not have been a reason to build all the cars prior to 1/1/70

[learical1]

The 70 Imperials also had the large knob on the electric headlight motor and an instruction sticker on how to use it.  The Superbirds have the heavy window regulator type spring to hold the headlight buckets open as the default position.

Yes if you lose vacuum the 'Bird's headlamps will open.  But, in a perfectly sealed system, the headlamps stay down even when the lights are off and the engine hasn't been run for days (hint hint, Stuart).  So how do you have the headlights come up and stay up, even with the engine running and the switch in the off position?  Sure, you could disconnect the vacuum lines and cap them off, but that's not the same as turning a knob or twisting a vacuum connection. 

[talkiemopar]

My 6-pack,4 speed bird never had a public law sticker,or a vehicle emission control sticker with the idle settings. It does have the tire pressure sticker F70-14 when the car came new with F60-15      Rick 

[learical1]

     TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

                           OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents

           Subpart B--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Sec. 571.112   Standard No. 112; Headlamp concealment devices.

   S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for headlamp
concealment devices.
   S2. Application. This standard applies to passenger cars,
multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.
   S3. Definitions.
   Fully opened means the position of the headlamp concealment device
in which the headlamp is in the design open operating position.
   Headlamp concealment device means a device, with its operating
system and components, that provides concealment of the headlamp when it
is not in use, including a movable headlamp cover and a headlamp that
displaces for concealment purposes.
   Power means any source of energy that operates the headlamp
concealment device.
   S4. Requirements.
   S4.1  While the headlamp is illuminated, its fully opened headlamp
concealment device shall remain fully opened whenever either or both of
the following occur--
   (a) Any loss of power to or within the headlamp concealment device;
   (b) Any disconnection, restriction, short-circuit, circuit time
delay, or other similar malfunction in any wiring, tubing, hose,
solenoid or other component that controls or conducts power for
operating the concealment device.
   S4.2  Whenever any malfunction occurs in a component that controls
or conducts power for the actuation of the concealment device, each
closed headlamp concealment device shall be capable of being fully
opened--
   (a) By automatic means;
   (b) By actuation of a switch, lever or other similar mechanism; or
   (c) By other means not requiring the use of any tools.

Thereafter, the headlamp concealment device must remain fully opened
until intentionally closed.
   S4.3  Except for cases of malfunction covered by S4.2, each headlamp
concealment device shall be capable of being fully opened and the
headlamps illuminated by actuation of a single switch, lever, or similar
mechanism, including a mechanism that is automatically actuated by a
change in ambient light conditions.
   S4.4  Each headlamp concealment device shall be installed so that
the headlamp may be mounted, aimed, and adjusted without removing any
component of the device, other than components of the headlamp assembly.
   S4.5  Except for cases of malfunction covered by S4.2, each headlamp
concealment device shall, within an ambient temperature range of -30
degrees Celsius to +50 degrees Celsius be capable of being fully opened
in not more than 3 seconds after actuation of the mechanism described in
S4.3.

From http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/get-cfr.cgi

[learical1]

Above is FMVSS 112, as last updated in 1996, before it was rolled into FMVSS 108 on October 24, 1996.  I couldn't find an older version on the web anywhere.  FMVSS (federal motor vehicle safety standard) 112 is strictly concerned with concealed headlamp, it was superceeded by FMVSS 108, which is all lighting (headlamps, side markers, tail lamp etc.)

[learical1]

The bottom line is they had to be done by 1/1/70 to be able to race.

Doug, I agree that the SuperBirds had to be built by 1/1/70 to be able to race in the Motor Trend 500 at Riverside.  I believe that Plymouth didn't really care if the 'Birds were available for Riverside, as long as they were eligible for Daytona in February.  If a change in the FMVSS kept Mopar from building SuperBirds after 1/1/70, that just forced them to complete the cars earlier, and allowed the extra race in January.  I'd bet that, if a change in the FMVSS hadn't forced Plymouth to complete the 1935 (or whatever number) by 1/1/70, Chrysler would have used the extra month to 'tweak' the 'Bird a bit more.  (the qualifying races for the Daytona 500 were held 2/19/70, so completion by 2/1/70 should have meant approval by 2/14/70, assuming the same factors that allowed the 1/1/70 completion giving approval on 1/14/70)

[maxwellwedge]

The bottom line is they had to be done by 1/1/70 to be able to race.

I agree and...

Two more reasons:  

1) Richard
2) Petty



I do not discount learical1's hard work and research - Thinking deeper is a great trait!

[nascarxx29]

  The Nascar holmagation rules number of cars based on number of dealers or your were not a eligible car entry able to race.Race on Sun sell on Monday

[learical1]

Quote from NASCAR's 1969 rule book:

(1) It is mandatory that a street version engine be produced by the manufacturer as a regular production option for installation and sale to the public in a regular product offering, and that 500 of the type car and engine must be available to the public before it will be eligible for competition.

(2) Production models and production engines introduced by January 1, 1969, will be classified eligible for competition in 1969. New models or engines introduced after January 1, 1969, will not be eligible for competition until April 15, 1969. Any equipment introduced after April 15 will not be eligible during 1969.


Quote from NASCAR's 1970 rule book:

1) It is mandatory that a street version engine be produced by the manufacturer as a regular production option for installation and sale to the public in a regular product offering. For 1970 the eligibility quantity for bodies will be 1000 minimum or a figure equal to one-half the number of franchised dealers, whichever is the higher. Engine production requirements will continue to be 500 engines installed in cars before approval to compete is granted.

(2) Production models and production engines introduced by January 15, 1970, will be classified eligible for competition in 1970. New models or engines introduced after January 15, 1970, will not be eligible for competition until April 15, 1970. Any equipment introduced after April 15 will not be eligible during 1970.

So, the Torino Talladega was introduced by January 1, 1969, and certified by ACCUS by early February, so it was therefore eligible for the 1969 Daytona 500.  The Spoiler II and Boss 429 first ran March 30,1969 at Atlanta. I believe that they were introduced in time, but ACCUS didn't certify enough had been built until late March.  The way I read the rules, the Charger Daytona had to be "introduced" before 4/15/69 to have been eligible at all in 1969.

By the same logic, the SuperBird was introduced before 1/15/70, so it would be eligible for racing as soon as ACCUS certified enough had been built and shipped.  The 'Bird was actually certified prior to 1/15/70, so it was eligible for the Motor Trend 500 in January.  But everybody knows that the Daytona 500 is the race of the year.  It is my opinion that Plymouth wanted the SuperBird race eligible for Daytona.  So why hurry and finish in time to have it for Riverside?    That's the purpose of this thread.

[learical1]

Continued from above

Now, if Plymouth didn't have a 'racing' need to have the SuperBirds built by 12/31/69 (and that's a big "if".  Maybe they knew they might have a problem selling them, and wanted an early west coast introduction to help ), why rush?  Well, if there was a change in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that went into effect on 1/1/70 that the 'Bird wouldn't meet, Ma Mopar would have to finish before that. 

I admit that this is a lot of guesswork, but look at FMVSS 112 S4.2 above, highlighted in red.  Does anybody disagree that the SuperBird will not meet this standard?  Does every other 1970 model year Mopar with concealed headlamps meet this standard?  How many 1969 cars can meet this standard?  I can't prove it, but I believe that FMVSS 112 was amended for 1970 by adding S4.2.  Most changes to the FMVSS's go into effect on January 1 (as in 1969 headrests).  IF everything I'm insinuating is correct, the SuperBirds had to be completed before 1/1/70 because they wouldn't meet the new standard.
(I'd love to put Q.E.D. here, but this is not a proof, only a hypothesis.)

[pettybird]

The 70 Imperials also had the large knob on the electric headlight motor and an instruction sticker on how to use it.  The Superbirds have the heavy window regulator type spring to hold the headlight buckets open as the default position.

1970 saw significant headrest and seat belt changes from the 69 models - maybe those were some of the Public Law issues.  But those changes are found on the Superbirds so they would not have been a reason to build all the cars prior to 1/1/70

shoulder belts went mandatory 1/1/68
headrests went mandatory 1/1/69

[Arnie Cunningham]

shoulder belts went mandatory 1/1/68
headrests went mandatory 1/1/69
[/quote]

AH!  I assume that is why half the 69 cars I see have headrests and the other half don't - all this time I thought it was a 69 option.

Wasn't there something different about 70 seatbelts - particularly convertibles?  What did the seatbelt light under the dash (like the 70 reverse light) indicate?  Or was that just part of the "deluxe" package?

[pettybird]

just part of the deluxe package.  those were awful looking belts...

my friend has a '70 satellite convertible and he has the standard ones. 

[moparstuart]

just part of the deluxe package.  those were awful looking belts...

my friend has a '70 satellite convertible and he has the standard ones.  

and i do too , no shoulder belts either , wonder how they got around that regulation
?

[pettybird]

just part of the deluxe package.  those were awful looking belts...

my friend has a '70 satellite convertible and he has the standard ones. 

and i do too , no shoulder belts either , wonder how they got around that regulaton
?

I know they're not mandatory in 1969, either--they're an extra cost option on Camaro/Firebird.