Rons' Rides
- Thread starter Ronald6
- 189 comments
- 8,398 views
Would love to 
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Thanks @Ibonibo.
After driving my car last night the LEDs are working great. The turn signals are unavoidable. There will be no forgetting that they're on accidentally. Unfortunately my high beam indicator is also equally bright. In a few minutes I'm going to change that bulb back to stock. The other dash lights look crisper also but aren't a problem like the high beam indicator.
The LED dome light looks totally ricer. My first thought on opening my door was, "I need soy sauce." Even though the light is brighter it makes it harder to see in the cabin (blue light will do that) and everything that's colored blue looks black. So pretty much everything looks black.
And yet I still like it. When I open the door now I expect a "woosh" sound and some dry ice mist to roll out the bottom of the door. I tried to take a picture but my phone camera doesn't do so will at night. The pics were useless.
I like my new dash bulbs but I need to figure out the T size of the bulbs that back light the dash, instead of it's indicator lights. I want that horrible greed color gone. I might have to scrape the green film off of the cluster even after I get blue LED bulbs, but it will be worth the time.
Skidplate next. Crossing my fingers that tomorrow goes without any damage.
After driving my car last night the LEDs are working great. The turn signals are unavoidable. There will be no forgetting that they're on accidentally. Unfortunately my high beam indicator is also equally bright. In a few minutes I'm going to change that bulb back to stock. The other dash lights look crisper also but aren't a problem like the high beam indicator.
The LED dome light looks totally ricer. My first thought on opening my door was, "I need soy sauce." Even though the light is brighter it makes it harder to see in the cabin (blue light will do that) and everything that's colored blue looks black. So pretty much everything looks black.
And yet I still like it. When I open the door now I expect a "woosh" sound and some dry ice mist to roll out the bottom of the door. I tried to take a picture but my phone camera doesn't do so will at night. The pics were useless.
I like my new dash bulbs but I need to figure out the T size of the bulbs that back light the dash, instead of it's indicator lights. I want that horrible greed color gone. I might have to scrape the green film off of the cluster even after I get blue LED bulbs, but it will be worth the time.
Skidplate next. Crossing my fingers that tomorrow goes without any damage.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I wasn't optimistic about the RallyX today. My father backed out, preferring to go to my mother's BBQ. The weather has been rainy the past couple of days and when ye 'ol gravel pit gets wet it gets muddy.
Before the drivers meeting:
After the first half, on my way back from track duty:
The new tyres were obviously superior to the street tyres. Well worth the effort and time to change them out. The volunteers who set the track made it much faster paced with fewer sharp corners with the mud in mind. Higher speeds so you don't settle into the soft spots. It worked very well.
Only one vehicle had mechanical difficulties, the "Dorothy" car I posted pics of on page one or two. He got a DNF but was able to repair the axle and drive home.
Random pics:
The owner of this car cut clips of his favorite Initial D scenes, and clearcoated them onto his fender. I geeked:
The splattermarks on my car are from a splash I created, then slid into. Don't ask me how. They're streeked sideways!
And the best news:
First place for my class. Boo yaw! Not one cone knocked over and not one missed gate. Take that... someone!
And just for you @Ferraridude308. Since my dad bailed on me and everyone I knew was working or driving I handed my phone to a complete stranger. The video sucks but I get what I pay for.
And the nice thing about a wagon: just throw the mud tyres in the back and drive home. Smooth ride and no mechanical problems.
I love my car.
Before the drivers meeting:
After the first half, on my way back from track duty:
The new tyres were obviously superior to the street tyres. Well worth the effort and time to change them out. The volunteers who set the track made it much faster paced with fewer sharp corners with the mud in mind. Higher speeds so you don't settle into the soft spots. It worked very well.
Only one vehicle had mechanical difficulties, the "Dorothy" car I posted pics of on page one or two. He got a DNF but was able to repair the axle and drive home.
Random pics:
The owner of this car cut clips of his favorite Initial D scenes, and clearcoated them onto his fender. I geeked:
The splattermarks on my car are from a splash I created, then slid into. Don't ask me how. They're streeked sideways!
And the best news:
First place for my class. Boo yaw! Not one cone knocked over and not one missed gate. Take that... someone!
And just for you @Ferraridude308. Since my dad bailed on me and everyone I knew was working or driving I handed my phone to a complete stranger. The video sucks but I get what I pay for.
And the nice thing about a wagon: just throw the mud tyres in the back and drive home. Smooth ride and no mechanical problems.
I love my car.
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- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
New update:
I got some T10 LEDs for dash backlights. They work but I got ''ice blue' instead of just 'blue,' so it's much greener than I want. The new set is already ordered.
I got these installed today with my son's help:
Old and new:
And mounted:
I also removed the dash pieces I had painted blue and clearcoated them. They look much better.
I also have a OEM battery tie down ready to order online and a blue stitched leather shift boot and matching shift knob. Goodbye red shift knob.
I stopped by the fabric store on my way to work today and picked out a couple of yards of blue cloth to cover the door cards.
I also stopped by Primitive Racing's web site and priced a skid plate. Everyone I talk to says they're who I should go to for this kind of thing. They have a car at the Rallycross events and most of the Subarus have their body work done there. 370$ ish for a complete underbody 3/8" skidplate installed. I'm already saving up.
I got some T10 LEDs for dash backlights. They work but I got ''ice blue' instead of just 'blue,' so it's much greener than I want. The new set is already ordered.
I got these installed today with my son's help:
Old and new:
And mounted:
I also removed the dash pieces I had painted blue and clearcoated them. They look much better.
I also have a OEM battery tie down ready to order online and a blue stitched leather shift boot and matching shift knob. Goodbye red shift knob.
I stopped by the fabric store on my way to work today and picked out a couple of yards of blue cloth to cover the door cards.
I also stopped by Primitive Racing's web site and priced a skid plate. Everyone I talk to says they're who I should go to for this kind of thing. They have a car at the Rallycross events and most of the Subarus have their body work done there. 370$ ish for a complete underbody 3/8" skidplate installed. I'm already saving up.
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- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I finished this today. I need another layer of fabric over the new one, the adhesive is visable.
I was surprised at how easy it was to remove the door panel, just two screws and a few plastic grommets. While I had the panels off I cleaned the inside and speakers.
The old cloth was alot like carpet fabric. If I'd known how nasty and dirty it was I would have changed it out long ago.
Cleaning the old glue off took the most time, even with the help of Goo be Gone. If you're going to use cotton, make sure you cut it with plenty or space on all sides, it shrinks when ironed.
I'm not really a beer guy, but Henry Weinhard's Blue Boar I can drink warm and still enjoy it.
Much brighter on the inside with the new door cards. Instead of the dirty old fabric I have bright clean cotton. It changes the whole feeling/attitude of the interior.
The carpet is next. But I need a new ratchet set first. None of the sockets or wrenches I have will fit the bolts holding the seats or won't fit in the space around the bolt.
I was surprised at how easy it was to remove the door panel, just two screws and a few plastic grommets. While I had the panels off I cleaned the inside and speakers.
The old cloth was alot like carpet fabric. If I'd known how nasty and dirty it was I would have changed it out long ago.
Cleaning the old glue off took the most time, even with the help of Goo be Gone. If you're going to use cotton, make sure you cut it with plenty or space on all sides, it shrinks when ironed.
I'm not really a beer guy, but Henry Weinhard's Blue Boar I can drink warm and still enjoy it.
Much brighter on the inside with the new door cards. Instead of the dirty old fabric I have bright clean cotton. It changes the whole feeling/attitude of the interior.
The carpet is next. But I need a new ratchet set first. None of the sockets or wrenches I have will fit the bolts holding the seats or won't fit in the space around the bolt.
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- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
The family vacation is over. I survived. It actually went better than I thought it would.
Whitewater rafting was on day one. Here's all eight of us with our guide.
Twenty five years ago my family did this every year for ten years, often enough not to need a guide, but the river changes so we used one again.
Crater lake was on day three. I've seen plenty of pictures of it but I've never been there till two days ago.
It was immense beyond my imagining. That's Wizard Island in the middle. It was the top of the volcano till it collapsed.
I took this picture for scale, that's a large boat holding several dozen people, but since it's so far down (I couldn't find any data online on how far it is from the rim to the water) my phone couldn't get any detail. The lake is six by five miles across, 21.8 miles of shoreline.
Aviendha was a beast the entire trip. She had a bit more weight than she's comfortable with, but she shrugged it off as a mere annoyance. Only 136hp stock, almost 200,000 miles ago, but I had no problem with the many hills and few mountains we encountered.
It was about a 500 mile trip but I didn't leave one drop of engine oil on the road, according to the dipstick. Boo'ya.
The weather was near perfect, the hottest day was 99-100 degrees. The roads were fairly clear of other drivers, and the ones we did encounter were for the most part very friendly. The roads themselves were expertly maintained, and wonderfully curvy through beautiful country.
I love Oregon.
Whitewater rafting was on day one. Here's all eight of us with our guide.
Twenty five years ago my family did this every year for ten years, often enough not to need a guide, but the river changes so we used one again.
Crater lake was on day three. I've seen plenty of pictures of it but I've never been there till two days ago.
It was immense beyond my imagining. That's Wizard Island in the middle. It was the top of the volcano till it collapsed.
I took this picture for scale, that's a large boat holding several dozen people, but since it's so far down (I couldn't find any data online on how far it is from the rim to the water) my phone couldn't get any detail. The lake is six by five miles across, 21.8 miles of shoreline.
Aviendha was a beast the entire trip. She had a bit more weight than she's comfortable with, but she shrugged it off as a mere annoyance. Only 136hp stock, almost 200,000 miles ago, but I had no problem with the many hills and few mountains we encountered.
It was about a 500 mile trip but I didn't leave one drop of engine oil on the road, according to the dipstick. Boo'ya.
The weather was near perfect, the hottest day was 99-100 degrees. The roads were fairly clear of other drivers, and the ones we did encounter were for the most part very friendly. The roads themselves were expertly maintained, and wonderfully curvy through beautiful country.
I love Oregon.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I took my son and a friend to the coast yesterday. On the way back my son asked to stop by Ceder Butte Rd. We had explored the road in the dark but not in the day. It was a great end to a beautiful day.
The view:
The road:
Driving bliss.
Today I got the car ready for the autocross this weekend at Chehalis. I Seafoamed the oil and gas and took my daughter out to Lodge Rd and back. Then I got the oil changed and the new alternator and battery tested. I cleaned the tyres and wheels and packed everything we'll need for two days of autocross and camping. I had hoped to clean the car better but there's not enough time.
The view:
The road:
Driving bliss.
Today I got the car ready for the autocross this weekend at Chehalis. I Seafoamed the oil and gas and took my daughter out to Lodge Rd and back. Then I got the oil changed and the new alternator and battery tested. I cleaned the tyres and wheels and packed everything we'll need for two days of autocross and camping. I had hoped to clean the car better but there's not enough time.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Aviendha survived another round of rallycross. Only one minor problem, I ripped off the same front driverside wheel well liner again and bent out the bumper a little.
I'm thinking of asking Sweere how much a detachable bumper would cost.
The field was about perfect, no gravel or rocks and no mud. Just alot of dirt, grass and hard ground.
Six cars debeaded their tyres on the first day, and at least one on the second day. I got lucky.
A volvo rolled up onto two wheels on day one and almost rolled it but he was able to save it. Unfortunately he also yanked so hard on his shift knob he broke it off the car and had to drive to a tyre place in town to have it welded back on so he could race again. Again, I feel lucky.
Both my youngest son and my dad were able to make it. Both did ride alongs with me the first day but my dad decided not to on the second day, choosing to take picks on the sideline and talk with everyone there.
The course was very fast with no hairpins but three good slaloms. After my first run on day one, which felt perfect (not one over correction needed) my father kept repeating. "No one is going to beat that, it was perfect, no one is going to be faster." Totally false, but it made me feel like king of the world. My times kept improving on day one and I ended very happily in second place for my class.
Then day two came around and I sucked ***. My raw times were excellent, good enough for first place, beating out a stock WRX. But one gate on two different runs killed any chance I had of getting a podium position. Each gate missed adds ten seconds to your time.
Dispite the two gates I had a fantastic time and I have never had so much fun driving a car. It was the same course both days, changed slightly to avoid the larger ruts layed down on day one, but run reverse on day two. Despite my complete lack of horsepower the faster sections were my favorite. There was a long sweeper corner on the back half with a large run up to build up speeds of around 40 mph. A controlled four wheel drift at full throttle in second gear almost hitting my rev limiter and still staying in 'my lane' is an unbeatable feeling. Just putting your car in a 4 wheel drift is fun, doing it on course and staying competitively is mind blowing fun.
Pics my dad took of my son and I:
(The same corner the volvo went up on two wheels.)
My sons favorite pics:
1:
2:
3:
(Not the Volvo that went on two wheels)
It was over 90 the first day and it was supposed to be around 100 the second day. I came home covered in dirt and sunburned. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
More.good news:
The 'two wheel' volvo is driven by two drivers and they needed a Volvo parts car. I so happened to have one I didn't want that I replaced with Aviendha. They came and took it away today to part it out. Best of luck boys, I hope you get alot of use out of Baumslager!.
The next rallycross event is next month at ye ol' gravel pit. But instead of doing that my son and I are planning on going to the WCSS, the West Coast Subaru Show. Save some wear and tear on Aviendha and still have a good time. Anyone going to be joining us?
I'm thinking of asking Sweere how much a detachable bumper would cost.
The field was about perfect, no gravel or rocks and no mud. Just alot of dirt, grass and hard ground.
Six cars debeaded their tyres on the first day, and at least one on the second day. I got lucky.
A volvo rolled up onto two wheels on day one and almost rolled it but he was able to save it. Unfortunately he also yanked so hard on his shift knob he broke it off the car and had to drive to a tyre place in town to have it welded back on so he could race again. Again, I feel lucky.
Both my youngest son and my dad were able to make it. Both did ride alongs with me the first day but my dad decided not to on the second day, choosing to take picks on the sideline and talk with everyone there.
The course was very fast with no hairpins but three good slaloms. After my first run on day one, which felt perfect (not one over correction needed) my father kept repeating. "No one is going to beat that, it was perfect, no one is going to be faster." Totally false, but it made me feel like king of the world. My times kept improving on day one and I ended very happily in second place for my class.
Then day two came around and I sucked ***. My raw times were excellent, good enough for first place, beating out a stock WRX. But one gate on two different runs killed any chance I had of getting a podium position. Each gate missed adds ten seconds to your time.
Dispite the two gates I had a fantastic time and I have never had so much fun driving a car. It was the same course both days, changed slightly to avoid the larger ruts layed down on day one, but run reverse on day two. Despite my complete lack of horsepower the faster sections were my favorite. There was a long sweeper corner on the back half with a large run up to build up speeds of around 40 mph. A controlled four wheel drift at full throttle in second gear almost hitting my rev limiter and still staying in 'my lane' is an unbeatable feeling. Just putting your car in a 4 wheel drift is fun, doing it on course and staying competitively is mind blowing fun.
Pics my dad took of my son and I:
(The same corner the volvo went up on two wheels.)
My sons favorite pics:
1:
2:
3:
(Not the Volvo that went on two wheels)
It was over 90 the first day and it was supposed to be around 100 the second day. I came home covered in dirt and sunburned. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
More.good news:
The 'two wheel' volvo is driven by two drivers and they needed a Volvo parts car. I so happened to have one I didn't want that I replaced with Aviendha. They came and took it away today to part it out. Best of luck boys, I hope you get alot of use out of Baumslager!.
The next rallycross event is next month at ye ol' gravel pit. But instead of doing that my son and I are planning on going to the WCSS, the West Coast Subaru Show. Save some wear and tear on Aviendha and still have a good time. Anyone going to be joining us?
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- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
My son and I spent an evening cleaning Aviendha inside and out. I tried to remove the seats but without getting underneath and holding a ratchet in place while someone else cranks a ratchet inside the car it won't get done. I don't have a jack I trust to hold the car while I'm underneath.
I also redid the door cards.
I liked the bright blue but it didn't fit the car. This time I got a can of fabric adhesive instead of using trim adhesive. No streaks this time. And I got the pattern to line up on all four doors.
I'll try to cover the dash tomorrow. There's too much glare on the windshield from the shiny dash.
Has anyone made homemade bolsters for stock seats? I'm too skinny for the stock seats and I slide too much when cornering hard (only while autocrossing, of course).
I got a couple pieces of good news today:
My wife's car wouldn't start last night when she tried to leave work. I had a tripple A road side assistance tech come out to look at it this morning. No luck, it's not the electrical system. Both the alternator and battery are good. The problem is probably the fuel system. The 17 mile tow cost nothing. Gotta love AAA.
My mechanic, Tam (I think) at Liberty Auto in Hillsboro, was closed today but he was there anyway. My wife's car got pulled into a bay and will be looked at on Monday.
He checked his work on my alternator and battery. Both are excellent and the battery light is because it's a (cheap?) LED. One less thing I need to fix.
He also finally heard the 'thunk, thunk, thunk' whenever I turn sharply. It takes less of an angle than it used to and is loader. It's not under warranty anymore but because I tried to bring it to his attention while it was under warranty he'll still do it for free.
Now that's a mechanic.
No tow fee, battery light is nothing, 'thunking' is getting fixed for free, and my wife's car's fix will (hopefully) be inexpensive.
I also redid the door cards.
I liked the bright blue but it didn't fit the car. This time I got a can of fabric adhesive instead of using trim adhesive. No streaks this time. And I got the pattern to line up on all four doors.
I'll try to cover the dash tomorrow. There's too much glare on the windshield from the shiny dash.
Has anyone made homemade bolsters for stock seats? I'm too skinny for the stock seats and I slide too much when cornering hard (only while autocrossing, of course
).I got a couple pieces of good news today:
My wife's car wouldn't start last night when she tried to leave work. I had a tripple A road side assistance tech come out to look at it this morning. No luck, it's not the electrical system. Both the alternator and battery are good. The problem is probably the fuel system. The 17 mile tow cost nothing. Gotta love AAA.
My mechanic, Tam (I think) at Liberty Auto in Hillsboro, was closed today but he was there anyway. My wife's car got pulled into a bay and will be looked at on Monday.
He checked his work on my alternator and battery. Both are excellent and the battery light is because it's a (cheap?) LED. One less thing I need to fix.
He also finally heard the 'thunk, thunk, thunk' whenever I turn sharply. It takes less of an angle than it used to and is loader. It's not under warranty anymore but because I tried to bring it to his attention while it was under warranty he'll still do it for free.
Now that's a mechanic.
No tow fee, battery light is nothing, 'thunking' is getting fixed for free, and my wife's car's fix will (hopefully) be inexpensive.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Thanks @Ferraridude308. I actually wanted a blue, black, and white plaid, but this is the closest Jo Ann Fabrics had on hand. Of course I also wanted the dash mat to match and white wouldn't work there, so... good enough.
I'm hoping to have the interior ready for the WCSS (West Coast Subaru Show) in a couple of weeks. Everything is ok except the carpet. It's vacuumed well but still ugly as sin. Ideas anyone?
Also: I have a line on some used (ahem, cheap) Bilstein coilovers. Fingers crossed.
I'm hoping to have the interior ready for the WCSS (West Coast Subaru Show) in a couple of weeks. Everything is ok except the carpet. It's vacuumed well but still ugly as sin. Ideas anyone?
Also: I have a line on some used (ahem, cheap) Bilstein coilovers. Fingers crossed.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I'd love to do that but in order to remove the carpet I need to remove the front seats. Which would require me to get underneath the car. Both front seats have two bolts that are held in place with two nuts that are only accessible from the transmission well at the center line of the car underneath. I don't have a jack I trust, or jack stands, nor do I have a flat place to park the car and jack it up long enough to finish the job.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
My wifes car, Nynaeve, cost 317$ to repair. It was the fuel pump, original to the car 328,000 miles ago. Now that's some impressive OEM.
Included in the cost was a new timing belt, which was cracked. That's bad. Beed there, blown that. Glad Tri caught it. Liberty auto: 👍 👍 way up.
Cleaned my car for the second time this week, and this time I gave her a good wax. So shiny. I even removed the three runners on the roof to clean them and under them and wax better without them on. I wish I had more time but the West Coast Subaru Show is tomorrow, err later today. I need to be up at 05:30 just to get there at a decent time. Then the rallycross on Sunday, probably.
Included in the cost was a new timing belt, which was cracked. That's bad. Beed there, blown that. Glad Tri caught it. Liberty auto: 👍 👍 way up.
Cleaned my car for the second time this week, and this time I gave her a good wax. So shiny. I even removed the three runners on the roof to clean them and under them and wax better without them on. I wish I had more time but the West Coast Subaru Show is tomorrow, err later today. I need to be up at 05:30 just to get there at a decent time. Then the rallycross on Sunday, probably.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I should be sleeping but I'm too wound from the WCSS. I drove about 500 miles and spent hours under the sun surrounded by beautiful and dirty Subarus.
***
Edit: we took highway 101 south to Seaside then 26 home. I highly recomend driving highway 101 between Astoria and Port Townsend. No corner under 30mph but a good mix of straight and curvy, and perfectly maintained.
***
For the same cost for my son and I to enter the show we could enter my car. So we did. I didn't have a chance for any awards, except perhaps Cheap a** car, but I got alot of good comments and compliments. Compared to the other Legacies there my car cost a fraction of theirs. Several were quite beautiful. I wish I had taken more pictures. I have none of the Legacies.
I saw this black SVX and fell in love with it. And thought of @SVX. I think what I love most about it is that it looks like a perfect vision I have of my own car: more than well cared for, but not in any way 'peacocking,' just elegant. It's not possible with Aviendha if I continue to rallycross her, but I try to keep her close.
The interior is stock for the trim model of this SVX. Bee U Tee ful.
I need sleep. Rallycross in 6 hours.
***
Edit: we took highway 101 south to Seaside then 26 home. I highly recomend driving highway 101 between Astoria and Port Townsend. No corner under 30mph but a good mix of straight and curvy, and perfectly maintained.
***
For the same cost for my son and I to enter the show we could enter my car. So we did. I didn't have a chance for any awards, except perhaps Cheap a** car, but I got alot of good comments and compliments. Compared to the other Legacies there my car cost a fraction of theirs. Several were quite beautiful. I wish I had taken more pictures. I have none of the Legacies.
I saw this black SVX and fell in love with it. And thought of @SVX. I think what I love most about it is that it looks like a perfect vision I have of my own car: more than well cared for, but not in any way 'peacocking,' just elegant. It's not possible with Aviendha if I continue to rallycross her, but I try to keep her close.
The interior is stock for the trim model of this SVX. Bee U Tee ful.
I need sleep. Rallycross in 6 hours.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
@SVX , we can dream, Brother.
Rally cross was amazing today. Very little 'fluff' and very few ruts, none deep. The weather was cloudless but not blazing hot.
No pics of Aviendha in action this time, jealous of @Joey D in that regard.
But I do have this:
3 cones, again: uber jealous of @Joey D.
So much for the wax job:
I have added three decals to what was a totally decal/sticker less car. The yelloy stars decal turned my otherwise un-noticeable car into a peacock. I added it a few days before the WCSS and was debating removing it, but I got such a good reception at the WCSS I'll leave it. And since I had one decal I might as well add another. So I got the 'the world is flat' pistons decal. (Its on the rear driverside window.) And a tiny decal for my drivers side mirror that says 'Objects in the mirrors are losing more than they appear.' Cheesy, I know, but it's tiny.
My son joined my again today and did two ridealongs. For the other two passes I asked one of the most experienced drivers to sit and critique me. I glowed when his first comment was "You're a very smooth driver." His only criticism was that I need to move my hands more (the opposite of tarmac racing) and left foot brake. My best moment was when I took a long tight single path slalom with a pendulum movement. The experienced driver actually laughed while I was doing it. (with joy I believe)
I wish I could do that every day. I love my car.
Time to wash Aviendha and practice left foot braking.
Rally cross was amazing today. Very little 'fluff' and very few ruts, none deep. The weather was cloudless but not blazing hot.
No pics of Aviendha in action this time, jealous of @Joey D in that regard.
But I do have this:
3 cones, again: uber jealous of @Joey D.
So much for the wax job:
I have added three decals to what was a totally decal/sticker less car. The yelloy stars decal turned my otherwise un-noticeable car into a peacock. I added it a few days before the WCSS and was debating removing it, but I got such a good reception at the WCSS I'll leave it. And since I had one decal I might as well add another. So I got the 'the world is flat' pistons decal. (Its on the rear driverside window.) And a tiny decal for my drivers side mirror that says 'Objects in the mirrors are losing more than they appear.' Cheesy, I know, but it's tiny.
My son joined my again today and did two ridealongs. For the other two passes I asked one of the most experienced drivers to sit and critique me. I glowed when his first comment was "You're a very smooth driver." His only criticism was that I need to move my hands more (the opposite of tarmac racing) and left foot brake. My best moment was when I took a long tight single path slalom with a pendulum movement. The experienced driver actually laughed while I was doing it.
(with joy I believe)I wish I could do that every day. I love my car.
Time to wash Aviendha and practice left foot braking.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Look at that dust from the rallycross. The car was show worthy on Saturday morning.
"Filth and filth and farth and filth."
Let me explain that Styrofoam tube. I got four of them from work and fit them between the seat and the seat cover. Instant baffles! One more mark for my Cheap A** Car award. I used it all day saturday to see how it would work and loved it. I'm a skinny guy and these seats are too wide for my narrow butt. At the rallycross yesterday I think I earned more time from these Styrofoam pieces than my snow tyres.
I finally found the Facebook page where the professional photographers post their pictures. I obviously didn't look hard enough earlier. Some of my favorites, in no particular order:
1: my own car.
I don't normally have my lights on when I rally, but I like it.
2: the Graffiti car.
A Toyota, totally stripped and rebuilt from the frame up.
3: the 370ish hp Talon.
Unbelievably fast and sounds like angles having an... well you get the idea.
4: the rally queen
She's an excellent driver with the same make and model as my own car. I think she's beating me by 1 pt in the standings right now, 91 to 90. Next year.
5: the Dorothy car.
Not far behind us. Got second place in our class yesterday.
"Filth and filth and farth and filth."
Let me explain that Styrofoam tube. I got four of them from work and fit them between the seat and the seat cover. Instant baffles! One more mark for my Cheap A** Car award. I used it all day saturday to see how it would work and loved it. I'm a skinny guy and these seats are too wide for my narrow butt. At the rallycross yesterday I think I earned more time from these Styrofoam pieces than my snow tyres.
I finally found the Facebook page where the professional photographers post their pictures. I obviously didn't look hard enough earlier. Some of my favorites, in no particular order:
1: my own car.
I don't normally have my lights on when I rally, but I like it.
2: the Graffiti car.
A Toyota, totally stripped and rebuilt from the frame up.
3: the 370ish hp Talon.
Unbelievably fast and sounds like angles having an... well you get the idea.
4: the rally queen
She's an excellent driver with the same make and model as my own car. I think she's beating me by 1 pt in the standings right now, 91 to 90. Next year.
5: the Dorothy car.
Not far behind us. Got second place in our class yesterday.
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- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
My color coded tyre stems allerted me that my drivers side rear tyre was down to 25psi. I filled it back to 40 at my local gas station and went about my business.
The next morning it was back to red. So I took it to Gratteri's this morning. It's gone, no patching it. So I'm getting a cheap set of all weathers till I get the suspension fixed.
I ordered an Owners Badge for Nynaeve and Aviendha. Mine arrived early.
And I put another couple of decals on.
The next morning it was back to red. So I took it to Gratteri's this morning. It's gone, no patching it. So I'm getting a cheap set of all weathers till I get the suspension fixed.
I ordered an Owners Badge for Nynaeve and Aviendha. Mine arrived early.
And I put another couple of decals on.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I have a few things to update.
I have a line on a slightly used Primitive Racing front skidplate for an excellent price. Unfortunately it will have to wait till I repair my shocks. Which won't be done at Gratteri's.
When they mounted my new all weather tyres they either didn't tighten them enough or didn't put them on at all, because when I got hime I was missing two of my lugnuts on my passenger side. And the car shook so bad at 50mph I could barely hold the wheel. I took it back the next day. Roman Gratteri tried to tell me I didn't have the lugnuts on the car when I arrived the day before. Which is absolutely BS considering how well I take care of her. I check the tyre pressure and oil level daily. He installed two black lugnuts that have the same pattern as mine but don't match in color. He also tried to tell me my wheels were bent. And that's what caused the shaking. Amazingly after a rebalancing the shaking disappeared.
So because of their poor attitude and behavior no more Gratteri's. After 20 years I'm never using them again.
Yesterday was the last rallycross of the year. Luckily for me the rain is holding off till tonight so the field was bone dry.
Because I was so close in points behind the Rally Queen I really wanted first place this time. Every other rallycross I tried to relax and just enjoy the experience, and somehow wound up doing good. This time I really wanted first place. I tried hard but my car just ploughed in a couple of spots. The corners were large arcs of heavy gravelly fluff. But I adapted and my times improved as I learned to brake earlier and stay tight on the corners at speed. Aviendha behaved perfectly, I only had to counter steer about four times in the five runs. There were no slaloms which made the track faster. I didn't think I stood a chance because of that. Which wasn't helped when after the first run I was over 5 seconds slower than another Stock All competator. But I somehow did it: (no gates and only one cone!)
But I don't think it was enough to get first for the year. The Rally Queen was actually 4 points ahead of me before this race (92 vs 88) and I only gained 2 points on her (she placed third).
I hope to have Aviendha ready to the next class up by next year. Starting with shocks and a skidplate, then a roof cabin air scoop, then a hood air intake scoop. Crossing my fingers.
I have a couple more pictures to post but it'll need to wait till my son emails them to me.
Rallycross is life!
Edit:
A friend, GG, who is responsible for me trying out rallycross in the first place, had a great idea for my door cards. A thin layer of foam between the plastic and cloth, then put stiches where the square pattern of the cloth intersect. Can't wait to try it.
I have a line on a slightly used Primitive Racing front skidplate for an excellent price. Unfortunately it will have to wait till I repair my shocks. Which won't be done at Gratteri's.
When they mounted my new all weather tyres they either didn't tighten them enough or didn't put them on at all, because when I got hime I was missing two of my lugnuts on my passenger side. And the car shook so bad at 50mph I could barely hold the wheel. I took it back the next day. Roman Gratteri tried to tell me I didn't have the lugnuts on the car when I arrived the day before. Which is absolutely BS considering how well I take care of her. I check the tyre pressure and oil level daily. He installed two black lugnuts that have the same pattern as mine but don't match in color. He also tried to tell me my wheels were bent. And that's what caused the shaking. Amazingly after a rebalancing the shaking disappeared.
So because of their poor attitude and behavior no more Gratteri's. After 20 years I'm never using them again.
Yesterday was the last rallycross of the year. Luckily for me the rain is holding off till tonight so the field was bone dry.
Because I was so close in points behind the Rally Queen I really wanted first place this time. Every other rallycross I tried to relax and just enjoy the experience, and somehow wound up doing good. This time I really wanted first place. I tried hard but my car just ploughed in a couple of spots. The corners were large arcs of heavy gravelly fluff. But I adapted and my times improved as I learned to brake earlier and stay tight on the corners at speed. Aviendha behaved perfectly, I only had to counter steer about four times in the five runs. There were no slaloms which made the track faster. I didn't think I stood a chance because of that. Which wasn't helped when after the first run I was over 5 seconds slower than another Stock All competator. But I somehow did it: (no gates and only one cone!)
But I don't think it was enough to get first for the year. The Rally Queen was actually 4 points ahead of me before this race (92 vs 88) and I only gained 2 points on her (she placed third).
I hope to have Aviendha ready to the next class up by next year. Starting with shocks and a skidplate, then a roof cabin air scoop, then a hood air intake scoop. Crossing my fingers.
I have a couple more pictures to post but it'll need to wait till my son emails them to me.
Rallycross is life!
Edit:
A friend, GG, who is responsible for me trying out rallycross in the first place, had a great idea for my door cards. A thin layer of foam between the plastic and cloth, then put stiches where the square pattern of the cloth intersect. Can't wait to try it.
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Because backroads:
I just realized that I put the wrong dog tag first place award in the picture above. :forehead slap:
Edit:
My wife and I have been brainstorming on the door card idea. I bought some supplies, now I just need to find a seamstress. They are going to look fantastic. I hope to have them done in a week or less.
I just realized that I put the wrong dog tag first place award in the picture above. :forehead slap:
Edit:
My wife and I have been brainstorming on the door card idea. I bought some supplies, now I just need to find a seamstress.
They are going to look fantastic. I hope to have them done in a week or less.
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
It took longer than a week but the wait was worth it. In order from original to today:
V0:
V1
V2
V3
The stitching turned out great. My wife's friend really came through. It's hard to tell in the picture but the padding adds alot of depth.
That's it, I'm now done messing with the door cards.
Next is the struts, then skid plate, then shift boot and knob.
V0:
V1
V2
V3
The stitching turned out great. My wife's friend really came through. It's hard to tell in the picture but the padding adds alot of depth.
That's it, I'm now done messing with the door cards.
Next is the struts, then skid plate, then shift boot and knob.
ShobThaBob
Premium
- 2,651
- rosooftw
Why did you name your cars, and then continually refer to your cars by their names?
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Why do people name their children, then continually refer to them by their names?
"Hay you, Kid 1, have you done your homework yet?"
"No! Kid 2 you can't have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you can't eat your beats!"
I always name my cars. Actually, I like to think I just listen and the car tells me it's name. Each has it's own personality. (My kids claim I care more about my cars than I do about them. ...... naaaaa..... ok, but not by much.)
Back when I was active duty I named all of my weapons after Disney princesses. My favorite was Jasmine, my SAW.
"This is my rifle, Belle. There are many like her, but she is mine."
***
Obligatory milage shot.
I hope she lasts twice as long.
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ShobThaBob
Premium
- 2,651
- rosooftw
Cars do not have personalities. They are mechanical things that work a certain way. Each way that it works can be made better or worse with time, money, or parts.
