USACi rules interpretation

OK, I've emailed USACi rules & ethics committee and posted this on USACi forum -- now, I wanna hear your input. Here is the email/post I sent:

I have a 1994 Ford Ranger Extended Cab that I have ran SS601-1800 class, that I would like to do some interior modifications to. I understand per the rules no modifications can be made above the rear window line and forward of the B pillar. To accommodate my enclosure going in and out of the vehicle for test fitting/construction, I would like to cut a portion of the inner sheet metal in the rear drivers "jump seat" area. I have attached a picture of how it sits now, with the red line being where I would like to cut. None of the structural integrity of the vehicle will be compromised, and the factory panels above the window line will remain intact per the Super Stock rules. I don't see anywhere in the rules to point to this not being legal for SuperStock, and I would definately cutting way less metal than a pickup of the same style doing a bedcut or blowthrough. I am also attaching the SuperStock section of the rules to reference my point. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing your decision and/or explanation.

Super Stock
This division uses the Stock rules with the exceptions as noted below.
“PRO” and “CONSUMER” competitors as defined previously in this book will be allowed in Super Stock.
Modifications:
Modifications will be allowed to the interior of the vehicle below the window line and behind the “B” post.
Factory panels above the window line must remain in tact. No modifications will be allowed to the interior
of the passenger compartment forward of the “B” pillars. The floor, ceiling and dashboard must be OEM.
Speakers larger than 8" and any speaker being used for SPL must be located only behind the “B” pillars.
The speakers and enclosure must not protrude beyond the leading edge of the “B” pillars or above and
imaginary line from the lowest window line of the vehicle to the next lowest window line of the vehicle.
This applies to all vehicles including cargo vans and SUV’s. No modifications will be allowed to the
exterior of the vehicle and all portions of the system including batteries must remain inside the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle is defined as inside of the factory bodylines, roof, and floorboard. Equipment in or on
trailers, hitch racks, luggage racks and so on will not be permitted. No portion of the enclosure or audio
system will be permitted to be located outside of the vehicle,
EXCEPTIONS: Pickup trucks with the rear of the cab and/or front of the bed cut out in order to allow
speaker or box placement in the truck bed are allowed in the this division. Any cut must not exceed the
overall height of the bed or the vehicle window line, whichever is lower. In these vehicles the floor of the
truck bed may not be lowered or cut. Wheel wells must be OEM. Vehicles using the bed of the a truck
for speaker enclosures may use the entire bed area for speakers and equipment.
There are differences in allowances for Alternators, capacitance, batteries, voltage, and amplifiers.
These differences are defined in “Appendix A” (located at the end of this book).

What do you think? I don't see in the SuperStock rules where this wouldn't be legal.....

Any word on if they are letting you make the cuts?

that is the most irritating this about this -- talked to a couple guys, they don't see a problem with it since blowthroughs n bed cuts are allowed in SS now. Egotistical prick on USACi forum says just to get it to pass @ finals and he will be there with rulebook in hand explaining why it isn't allowed. To him "modification" is only removing plastic interior panels; if this is the case, they better frickin' define "modification" because that's not what it means to me! Bruce txt the head judge for finals and she said "Grey area but legal even legal for stock if factory panels are going back on" I haven't heard back from Ralph Randall, president of USACi yet - he will have final say in the matter.

What do you all think, am I just "reaching" as Sanman on USACi forum states? Looking for something in the rules that isn't there, like it's a big loophole or something? I'm pretty sure I could cut sheet metal, put box in, and the put factory plastic back in and no one would ever know....but now that I've been upfront and asked about it---they will be watching for it, and as a result probably screwed myself for being honest!

Sucks!

Is stock. Cut nothing. In super stock cut the bed.

If it is in the back and the stock panel will be put back on i have no idea why it wouldnt be allowed. it is not stated as anything. it wont really affect a score either.. i could see if in could manipulate the score. but i thought the big thing is too have no effect on the mic and scoring? which it should not cause anything. it is not clearly stated and i am sure given all the extended cabs in USACI that this has been done more than once. what happens if you bought the truck like that? would you be bumped even if you never ever have removed that panel before? i think it is BS for the guy saying that he will have rule book and give his input on what he interprets things as. ya dude everything is interpreted by every person in different ways. if there were only BLACK and WHITE areas then you could tell if its a yes or a no. I have always been led to believe that "GREY" areas are totally legal in anything! look at the government and laws. the GREY area is always accepted and allowed to be included!

There's always some stupid rule that never seems to fit the situation. I remember in Minot at that meca show where they disqualified you for running your deck in back hatch while it was open.

Basstrones wrote:I remember in Minot at that meca show where they disqualified you for running your deck in back hatch while it was open.

Ya, that was some major

if anyone wants to read what they are saying about over on the USACi forum -- here's a linky:
USACi forum thread

WOOHOO - I just got the OK to cut 'er up!

Git r done

the rule reading it nice and slow....ya it is 100% stated allowed! what was sanmans problem? he never thought of it? must have upset him cuz he never thought of it to do himself or something for his fight against it lol

I don't know what Sanman's problem is/was - I don't believe it is 100% stated tho, the problem is USACi never anywhere in their rules defines what "modification" or "interior" exactly means. I don't believe we've heard the end of this argument tho---sounds like alot of this has been going on, it's just never really been asked if it could be done.

I know this is happens alot! Just like mdf behind the glove box . Covered over vents sand filled body parts and dummy blower boxes. All to cheet a little more than the other guy