- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
As my brother used to say, "You are entitled to your own opinion, no matter how wrong you are."
Rons' Rides
- Thread starter Ronald6
- 189 comments
- 8,395 views
As my brother used to say, "You are entitled to your own opinion, no matter how wrong you are."
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Been awhile since I've updated.
Spent a couple hours cleaning the inside of Aviendha today. She's so shiny now. I broke out the air compressor and shop vac. I even used a q-tip on the vents.
I found a large mildewy smelling spot under the passenger mat when I took them out to spray down. I sprayed it with a mold killer and the smell disappeared. I don't know where it came from. All the seals are good and theres no rust spots near bad enough to allow water in. Hopefully one of my kids spilled something there and it's a one time thing.
I finally ordered a blue threaded suede leather shift boot with a matching blue lettering shift knob. It should be here in under a week. I like my current ergonomic knob but it's red stitching has got to go. And I have two shift boots, both are shabby and worn and have to go. Both add ten years to the cars age from the inside. All the Rallycross dust is gone now and the shine and (Glade clip on) good smelling interior call for a new shift boot.
The carpet soon.
And the big reveal...
Drum roll please...
I have an appointment at Primitive Auto on Friday to have my suspension replaced! After a talk with shop owner Paul, he convinced me that King springs for a Legacy with struts matched for an Outback will give me the softer ride with a little extra ride height I wanted. I was originally thinking I wanted an adjustable system. I was looking for a firmer ride for the road and I wanted the option to soften it up for the gravel roads and Rallycross. But that's not possible apparently. The adjustable systems go from firm to over firm, not soft to firm. Bollocks.
I'm nervous about the suspension. I hate that my springs are so ****** that the body is ripping my tyres apart but I love the super soft ride that lets me eat WRXs alive on the Rallycross course. Will it be too high? Will the front/back balance still provide the amazing control that I've gotten used to? The ride is still comfortable and without any extra roll but that hardly matters when the springs are so shot.
Someone on GTP posted a pic recently of how much better their interior looked after they painted their seat trim black. I felt inspired but instead of black I'm going for blue clearcoated. I have a spare window handle to test on also. Giggity.
I'm still lovin' my door cards. At work I want to skip the break room and spend my time in my car. Yes, I know I'm
Spent a couple hours cleaning the inside of Aviendha today. She's so shiny now. I broke out the air compressor and shop vac. I even used a q-tip on the vents.
I found a large mildewy smelling spot under the passenger mat when I took them out to spray down. I sprayed it with a mold killer and the smell disappeared. I don't know where it came from. All the seals are good and theres no rust spots near bad enough to allow water in. Hopefully one of my kids spilled something there and it's a one time thing.
I finally ordered a blue threaded suede leather shift boot with a matching blue lettering shift knob. It should be here in under a week. I like my current ergonomic knob but it's red stitching has got to go. And I have two shift boots, both are shabby and worn and have to go. Both add ten years to the cars age from the inside. All the Rallycross dust is gone now and the shine and (Glade clip on) good smelling interior call for a new shift boot.
The carpet soon.
And the big reveal...
Drum roll please...
I have an appointment at Primitive Auto on Friday to have my suspension replaced! After a talk with shop owner Paul, he convinced me that King springs for a Legacy with struts matched for an Outback will give me the softer ride with a little extra ride height I wanted. I was originally thinking I wanted an adjustable system. I was looking for a firmer ride for the road and I wanted the option to soften it up for the gravel roads and Rallycross. But that's not possible apparently. The adjustable systems go from firm to over firm, not soft to firm. Bollocks.
I'm nervous about the suspension. I hate that my springs are so ****** that the body is ripping my tyres apart but I love the super soft ride that lets me eat WRXs alive on the Rallycross course. Will it be too high? Will the front/back balance still provide the amazing control that I've gotten used to? The ride is still comfortable and without any extra roll but that hardly matters when the springs are so shot.
Someone on GTP posted a pic recently of how much better their interior looked after they painted their seat trim black. I felt inspired but instead of black I'm going for blue clearcoated. I have a spare window handle to test on also. Giggity.
I'm still lovin' my door cards. At work I want to skip the break room and spend my time in my car. Yes, I know I'm
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Da ta dum dum tum TUMMM!!!!
I have a new suspension! And I love it.
I arrived at Primitive at 10:00 this morning and was out the door a little after noon. And like a kid in the candy store they let me hang out in the garage as they did the work.
(I overheard a phone call where the employee said, "We sell over 3 {skidplates} a day." I must have looked doubtful because he took me to the garage and showed me the stacks of aluminum. While I was there one employee was cutting the sheets to spec. Plate after plate after plate. "At least three times a week we ship overseas." That's alot of skidplates.)
I was worried about the ride. Both the height and softness/stiffness. Seeing the new parts on the car didn't assuage my fears in the least. "It will settle." I was told repeatedly, and I've heard it before. But still. It was a drastic change. The employees took it for a spin in the small parking lot. It had multiple elevations with sudden changes. Aviendha looked like she didn't care. I took a few stickers and a snapshot then left.
Within a mile I was giggling. Giggling! Within two miles I realized I could look down on Outback drivers. Fantastic feel through the wheel and the transient weight shifts were much better than I feared.
A little after I got home I took my daughter on a ride "up the hill." We quickly hit frost and snow but, again, Aviendha didn't seem to care. Not one moment where the car didn't behave 100% as predicted. Bumps in the road that would have made me flinch before instead brought only a sense of control.
For the record I got:
1995-1999 Legacy *Wagon Only* King Springs.
1999 *Only* Outback KYB GR2 front and rear struts.
SPT front strut top.
And it now looks like:
I keep telling myself it will settle. Right?
Shift knob and boot, then the skidplate, then Rallycross here I come!
(Yes, I know I also need an alignment.)
Edit:
Forgot to mention:
Ride height before: f: 6.50", b: 6.875"
Ride height after: f: 8.75", b: 9.375"
I have a new suspension! And I love it.
I arrived at Primitive at 10:00 this morning and was out the door a little after noon. And like a kid in the candy store they let me hang out in the garage as they did the work.
(I overheard a phone call where the employee said, "We sell over 3 {skidplates} a day." I must have looked doubtful because he took me to the garage and showed me the stacks of aluminum. While I was there one employee was cutting the sheets to spec. Plate after plate after plate. "At least three times a week we ship overseas." That's alot of skidplates.)
I was worried about the ride. Both the height and softness/stiffness. Seeing the new parts on the car didn't assuage my fears in the least. "It will settle." I was told repeatedly, and I've heard it before. But still. It was a drastic change. The employees took it for a spin in the small parking lot. It had multiple elevations with sudden changes. Aviendha looked like she didn't care. I took a few stickers and a snapshot then left.
Within a mile I was giggling. Giggling! Within two miles I realized I could look down on Outback drivers. Fantastic feel through the wheel and the transient weight shifts were much better than I feared.
A little after I got home I took my daughter on a ride "up the hill." We quickly hit frost and snow but, again, Aviendha didn't seem to care. Not one moment where the car didn't behave 100% as predicted. Bumps in the road that would have made me flinch before instead brought only a sense of control.
For the record I got:
1995-1999 Legacy *Wagon Only* King Springs.
1999 *Only* Outback KYB GR2 front and rear struts.
SPT front strut top.
And it now looks like:
I keep telling myself it will settle. Right?
Shift knob and boot, then the skidplate, then Rallycross here I come!
(Yes, I know I also need an alignment.)
Edit:
Forgot to mention:
Ride height before: f: 6.50", b: 6.875"
Ride height after: f: 8.75", b: 9.375"
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
The shift knob and boot came in early. I installed them last night in the freezing cold.
The interior is now complete! Now I can start saving up for HP upgrades. (Ummm... flocking?) (Edit: And the carpet.)
Not bad for a 16yr old daily driver.
I love my car!
The interior is now complete! Now I can start saving up for HP upgrades. (Ummm... flocking?) (Edit: And the carpet.)
Not bad for a 16yr old daily driver.
I love my car!
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I finally got time to take my son out today after work. I let him choose the path and he chose the triangle.
Only minutes up Hwy 6 we hit frost. I drove very cautiously, sometimes slowing to 40 in a 55mph zone at the higher elevations. At my sons urging we took a side trip up Ceder Butte Rd. After a few miles (of sheer terror for him) we turned around at the large spots of ice. I like a good night drive but there was either a cliff edge on the right or left. So we turned around to see our own frost crushed tracks coming up at us.
We heard about a fun side road called Miami so pulled off there just before Garibaldi. It was wonderfully twisty and connected to Hwy 53 just east of the town area. It was still frosty but after all the miles I had put on it at that point I hadn't felt one iota of slip. I chose a low speed corner with completely open LOS and a flat run off, as safe a corner as I could find, and pushed it. (I hadn't met any traffic for over an hour and would have seen anything coming for hundreds of meters.) The result was slight but equal slip from both outside tyres. Never left my line. Felt like driving a custom tuned Subi from GT6. I drove the car as I would without frost the rest of the trip home and Aviendha seemed to enjoy being released.
I can't wait till Rallycross starts again. I don't expect to find the car's limits any other way. On tarmac I would have to push the car beyond any acceptable speed before I reached the car's limit. Even on gravel I have far too much grip to feel sporty on the street.
Edit:
To be honest the lack of being being able to reach Aviendha's limit on the street is a bit worrying. I know it sounds backwards, but without that feeling of "point of rotation" in a corner, I feel paranoid. In every other car I've driven IRL I could feel as the weight passed over the axes. I got good at this in GT6 and with feel of a real car under me it's instinctive to reach toward that rotation feeling. But I don't get that feeling with Aviendha anymore. It's much more like driving in GT6, much less feel through the seat. If I can't reach the limit on a frosty, twisty back road, why should I feel worried?
Edit 2:
The new shift knob worked wonderfully. I was worried that the top would be slippery, especially in the cold, but the textured part made up for that. Plus it sits much lower, giving me more room for shifting movements.
The new suspension has helped with shifting, strangely. Without such accented longitudinal weight shifts the car doesn't need as much "easing into" with the throttle or clutch. But for the same reasons I'm worried about too sudden brake application. She doesn't have ABS.
Only minutes up Hwy 6 we hit frost. I drove very cautiously, sometimes slowing to 40 in a 55mph zone at the higher elevations. At my sons urging we took a side trip up Ceder Butte Rd. After a few miles (of sheer terror for him) we turned around at the large spots of ice. I like a good night drive but there was either a cliff edge on the right or left. So we turned around to see our own frost crushed tracks coming up at us.
We heard about a fun side road called Miami so pulled off there just before Garibaldi. It was wonderfully twisty and connected to Hwy 53 just east of the town area. It was still frosty but after all the miles I had put on it at that point I hadn't felt one iota of slip. I chose a low speed corner with completely open LOS and a flat run off, as safe a corner as I could find, and pushed it. (I hadn't met any traffic for over an hour and would have seen anything coming for hundreds of meters.) The result was slight but equal slip from both outside tyres. Never left my line. Felt like driving a custom tuned Subi from GT6. I drove the car as I would without frost the rest of the trip home and Aviendha seemed to enjoy being released.
I can't wait till Rallycross starts again. I don't expect to find the car's limits any other way. On tarmac I would have to push the car beyond any acceptable speed before I reached the car's limit. Even on gravel I have far too much grip to feel sporty on the street.
Edit:
To be honest the lack of being being able to reach Aviendha's limit on the street is a bit worrying. I know it sounds backwards, but without that feeling of "point of rotation" in a corner, I feel paranoid. In every other car I've driven IRL I could feel as the weight passed over the axes. I got good at this in GT6 and with feel of a real car under me it's instinctive to reach toward that rotation feeling. But I don't get that feeling with Aviendha anymore. It's much more like driving in GT6, much less feel through the seat. If I can't reach the limit on a frosty, twisty back road, why should I feel worried?
Edit 2:
The new shift knob worked wonderfully. I was worried that the top would be slippery, especially in the cold, but the textured part made up for that. Plus it sits much lower, giving me more room for shifting movements.
The new suspension has helped with shifting, strangely. Without such accented longitudinal weight shifts the car doesn't need as much "easing into" with the throttle or clutch. But for the same reasons I'm worried about too sudden brake application. She doesn't have ABS.
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Today was my first day off since I had the new suspension put on. Here are a few quick pics. I'll download some videos later tonight.
1: the new decal
2:
3:
I didn't explore any new roads, just shots from some previous drives.
Edit: the promised video's.
1: Lodge rd
the crushed leaves combined with the frost made this section both beautiful and scary.
2: Hoffman Rd
Above the tiny town of Buxton lies this single lane logging road. Before I got the new suspension I had to ride on the crest or bottom out. Now Aviendha doesn't care.
Yes, I'm that insane.
I find it amusing that when other people are putting their cars away I'm getting great joy out of mine.
Subi love!
1: the new decal
2:
3:
I didn't explore any new roads, just shots from some previous drives.
Edit: the promised video's.
1: Lodge rd
the crushed leaves combined with the frost made this section both beautiful and scary.
2: Hoffman Rd
Above the tiny town of Buxton lies this single lane logging road. Before I got the new suspension I had to ride on the crest or bottom out. Now Aviendha doesn't care.
Yes, I'm that insane.
I find it amusing that when other people are putting their cars away I'm getting great joy out of mine.
Subi love!
Last edited:
- 506
- uk
- bulletproofbrian
A very interesting read! Keep it up Ron! 👍
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
It's been awhile, but I'll make it short.
Plus
Equals
I know of at least seven other vehicles who lost control on that stretch of road and corner that morning. Including the woman in front of me. She slid into the oncoming lane. I tried to avoid her, but I shouldn't have. I had more than enough room. Mine was the only one without TCS or ABS. I slid farther than I would have believed possible.
I think it's repairable. But in the mean time this is putting a massive grin on my face.
@SVX
After many years of owning either minivans, front wheel economy family cars and then (the amazing) Aviendha who, bless her heart, was underpowered and a momentum car.
Gareth, as he likes to be called, is capable of burning all four tyres with only a fraction of the throttle. I plan to keep him stock as possible (with the exception of the suspension, possibly) and bring him slowly to the beauty he once was, if not better.
I hope to have Aviendha back up and running in time for rally season. I'll only drive her as practice, to and from events and the events themselves. Gareth will be my daily driver.
My father is very enthusiastic about this car and is already talking about new paint and many other things.
So much pain followed by so much joy.
"Everything is not what it seems, nor is it otherwise." It's all about perspective.
Edit:
Also... My 16 year old son finally got his permit and is (was) learning to drive. I kept him strictly to Aviendha to make sure he learned in a well balanced vehicle with a manual. He's only driven about six times and hasn't even hit the highway yet. (Nothing like me. First time in a drivers seat I felt 100% comfortable, like I had already been driving for years. Thank you, Dad.) Gareth scares my son a little.
And to be honest it scares me a little too. I know what I'm doing (I think/hope) but I've never owned an overpowered car before (driven many, owned none). The closest I've come was a Pontiac Grand Am GT. More than enough power to smoke both front tyres. But that car is nothing like Gareth.
Plus
Equals
I know of at least seven other vehicles who lost control on that stretch of road and corner that morning. Including the woman in front of me. She slid into the oncoming lane. I tried to avoid her, but I shouldn't have. I had more than enough room. Mine was the only one without TCS or ABS. I slid farther than I would have believed possible.
I think it's repairable. But in the mean time this is putting a massive grin on my face.
@SVX
After many years of owning either minivans, front wheel economy family cars and then (the amazing) Aviendha who, bless her heart, was underpowered and a momentum car.
Gareth, as he likes to be called, is capable of burning all four tyres with only a fraction of the throttle. I plan to keep him stock as possible (with the exception of the suspension, possibly) and bring him slowly to the beauty he once was, if not better.
I hope to have Aviendha back up and running in time for rally season. I'll only drive her as practice, to and from events and the events themselves. Gareth will be my daily driver.
My father is very enthusiastic about this car and is already talking about new paint and many other things.
So much pain followed by so much joy.
"Everything is not what it seems, nor is it otherwise." It's all about perspective.
Edit:
Also... My 16 year old son finally got his permit and is (was) learning to drive. I kept him strictly to Aviendha to make sure he learned in a well balanced vehicle with a manual. He's only driven about six times and hasn't even hit the highway yet. (Nothing like me. First time in a drivers seat I felt 100% comfortable, like I had already been driving for years. Thank you, Dad.) Gareth scares my son a little.
And to be honest it scares me a little too. I know what I'm doing (I think/hope) but I've never owned an overpowered car before (driven many, owned none). The closest I've come was a Pontiac Grand Am GT. More than enough power to smoke both front tyres. But that car is nothing like Gareth.
Last edited:
- 14,417
- Wellington
Why can't I like this one thousand times? 
Very sorry to hear about what happened to Aviendha, and glad you weren't hurt. 👍
But this SVX though...
Some things I have to mention:
That's all really I can think of now but I'm pretty sure that's all of it, hope it comes handy.
Oh, just putting in my 2c here, if you're going to get it painted, may I suggest the original colour, but with the optional black two tone, like this?
I think it really aids the sleekness look.
And, if you're factoring new wheels, could always go with the S4 trim BBS wheels:
If you ever need more inspiration let me know.
Very sorry to hear about what happened to Aviendha, and glad you weren't hurt. 👍
But this SVX though...
Some things I have to mention:
- Rear wheel bearings are a weak point, and are prone to wearing out. So if there are any noises it could be due to that.
- Transmission is a tad weak, and can get cooked - which is why I would suggest a five speed WRX swap to nil the possibility of that happening, and would also really open up the car. Here and here can provide some good info on it. If you want to keep the auto there are trans coolers out there.
- Radiators can get clogged up easily, and replacements are tough to find due to being out of production (AFAIK).
- Brake rotors and CV joints wear out easily due to the weight of the car, so look out for that.
That's all really I can think of now but I'm pretty sure that's all of it, hope it comes handy.
Oh, just putting in my 2c here, if you're going to get it painted, may I suggest the original colour, but with the optional black two tone, like this?
I think it really aids the sleekness look.
And, if you're factoring new wheels, could always go with the S4 trim BBS wheels:
If you ever need more inspiration let me know.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Thank you @SVX. I'll take all the advice or suggestions or random thoughts you can throw my way.
That paint is exactly what I will do. The original wine color with a black upper half. Now if I can only have @Ibonibo paint it for me. Foose quality.
It's good to know about the car's weak points. Like Aviendha owning Gareth will be a learning experience. A lot of what I think I know will turn out not to be true.
I plan to baby him. Any expression of speed is gratuitous. And he can't be replaced as easily as Aviendha. I've never owned a car I could see driving till the day I die (probably in the car).
That paint is exactly what I will do. The original wine color with a black upper half. Now if I can only have @Ibonibo paint it for me. Foose quality.
It's good to know about the car's weak points. Like Aviendha owning Gareth will be a learning experience. A lot of what I think I know will turn out not to be true.
I plan to baby him. Any expression of speed is gratuitous. And he can't be replaced as easily as Aviendha. I've never owned a car I could see driving till the day I die (probably in the car).
- 14,417
- Wellington
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I never appreciated them till I saw that gorgeous SVX at the West Coast Subaru Show. It's what inspired me to risk buying Gareth.
Before work today my father and I were watchin Overhaulin'. They remade a old Beatle with a two tone orange and black. My dad and I agreed to do mine (ours?) in its original color (maybe a darker more metallic Burgandyrot?) and two tone black.
It is very low. Almost as low as my brothers old MR2. A massive change from my raised Brighton. I have to crawl out of Gareth.
I think the SVX I own is a higher trim model, possibly. It looks like it has everything. Power windows, locks, sunroof, cruise. Even power leather seats and suede leather dash and door. Love it.
I never would have seen myself liking a heavy "luxury" car. But with Aviendha available to quench my Momentum thirst I think it will work out wonderfully.
Before work today my father and I were watchin Overhaulin'. They remade a old Beatle with a two tone orange and black. My dad and I agreed to do mine (ours?) in its original color (maybe a darker more metallic Burgandyrot?) and two tone black.
It is very low. Almost as low as my brothers old MR2. A massive change from my raised Brighton. I have to crawl out of Gareth.
I think the SVX I own is a higher trim model, possibly. It looks like it has everything. Power windows, locks, sunroof, cruise. Even power leather seats and suede leather dash and door. Love it.
I never would have seen myself liking a heavy "luxury" car. But with Aviendha available to quench my Momentum thirst I think it will work out wonderfully.
Last edited:
- 3,694
- South Australia
Sorry to hear about the accident Ron. I don't envy people who need to deal with those wintery roads.
SVX looks sweet, I've never seen one in real life before but I've always really liked their styling. Glad you're happy with it and here's hoping you can get Aviendha up and rally crossing sooner rather than later 👍
SVX looks sweet, I've never seen one in real life before but I've always really liked their styling. Glad you're happy with it and here's hoping you can get Aviendha up and rally crossing sooner rather than later 👍
- 14,417
- Wellington
They came with all that standard. They were loaded from factory.
I love SVXs
You realize we're best friends now, right?
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Thanks for your thoughts, @Hayden.
Picture time. My youngest son and I did a quick cleaning of the car today. Please excuse my phone camera and lack of any artistic taste.
A lot needs fixing but nothing major or too costly. Just alot of little things.
1: the steering column won't lock into place. It's either at its highest or lowest range.
2: the windshield is horribly scratched. Looks like someone took steel wool to it. Driving at night is not fun, nor driving into the sun.
3: HIDs are a must (then again on my wifes car before we come back to Gareth). The low beams are almost nonexistent, but the high beams are almost as bright as Aviendha's high beams.
4: passenger side handle needs to be reattached in a less redneck way.
5: new paint.
6: upholstery needs to be redone. By a professional.
7: auto everything means a lot of little motors. Some of them are failing: passenger window and sunroof retractor. Perhaps more.
8: floormats. The carpet and headliner are in surprisingly good condition. My dad mentioned some custom laser fitted stuff.
9: stereo. Mainly to fill the console spot. The engine is all the music I need.
Even though I don't like heavy cars and rarely feel secure in something that isn't nimble I'm loving the feeling of... well placed mass. That's the best I can do to describe it. Yes the car is heavy, no it shouldn't take me long to learn it's limits. Safely!
The transmission is in good shape and shifts almost unnoticeablely. In the Legacies I'm running 3,000k at 70mph. Gareth is 2,000k at 65mph.
The tyres are also in good shape. It has Falkens on the rear and something comparable on the front. But even on dry pavement, pulling into traffic, it is gratuitously easy to break all 4 tyres loose.
The engine is in good shape. My OBD2 reader and Torque app work with it. The coolant temp never reached 200°. It usually sat at 180°.
Now to go online and see how much there is to learn about my new car.
Picture time. My youngest son and I did a quick cleaning of the car today. Please excuse my phone camera and lack of any artistic taste.
A lot needs fixing but nothing major or too costly. Just alot of little things.
1: the steering column won't lock into place. It's either at its highest or lowest range.
2: the windshield is horribly scratched. Looks like someone took steel wool to it. Driving at night is not fun, nor driving into the sun.
3: HIDs are a must (then again on my wifes car before we come back to Gareth). The low beams are almost nonexistent, but the high beams are almost as bright as Aviendha's high beams.
4: passenger side handle needs to be reattached in a less redneck way.
5: new paint.
6: upholstery needs to be redone. By a professional.
7: auto everything means a lot of little motors. Some of them are failing: passenger window and sunroof retractor. Perhaps more.
8: floormats. The carpet and headliner are in surprisingly good condition. My dad mentioned some custom laser fitted stuff.
9: stereo. Mainly to fill the console spot. The engine is all the music I need.
Even though I don't like heavy cars and rarely feel secure in something that isn't nimble I'm loving the feeling of... well placed mass. That's the best I can do to describe it. Yes the car is heavy, no it shouldn't take me long to learn it's limits. Safely!
The transmission is in good shape and shifts almost unnoticeablely. In the Legacies I'm running 3,000k at 70mph. Gareth is 2,000k at 65mph.
The tyres are also in good shape. It has Falkens on the rear and something comparable on the front. But even on dry pavement, pulling into traffic, it is gratuitously easy to break all 4 tyres loose.
The engine is in good shape. My OBD2 reader and Torque app work with it. The coolant temp never reached 200°. It usually sat at 180°.
Now to go online and see how much there is to learn about my new car.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I have decided on two possible license plates.
TRUE GT
or
MY PRCS
Which do y'all like?
I took Gareth to a Subaru specialist yesterday after checking his website and making sure he worked on SVXs. Got there and was told, "The website lied."
He suggested Accolade Auto in Hillsboro. I've been there many times to look at used Subarus before but didn't know they did auto work besides for the cars they sold.
For all the repairs I wanted my wife thought it would cost 2k$. I was hoping 1k$. I was quoted 350$.
I also bought a '96 Outback for 750$ from a private seller. It runs ok and will be my rally car until I can part it out into Aviendha. Which Accolade said they could do.
Gareth also needs new shoes. When i bought the car I checked the tread and it had enough left that I thought I was fine. But a couple of days ago I felt the tires: hard, cracked, nasty. American Tire Co. has Falkens for about 110$. Good enough for now while I try to save money for repairing two... no three, my wife's car also needs repair.
I took Gareth on a Hwy 53 run. I had much more confidence on the return trip. The car isn't fun. To feel any sense of speed i would have to drive far beyond what is possible. No matter the speed or sharpness of the corner the car feels slow and planted.
But I still love driving him. I look for excuses just so I can hear the beautiful purr when he starts up. So smooth.
Acording to the Torque app Gareth is getting 30.1 miles per gallon. For a 225,000 mile car pushing through twisty mountain passes blows my mind. It's on par with Aviendha.
I got a Vivitar wannabe GoPro for Christmas but I'll wait till the repairs are made and the windshield replaced before I make and uplaod and video in Gareth.
I did get to try the gadget out before Aviendha decided to become a failed ice skater, but I get nauseous looking at them and can't bring myself to upload them. Should be good for Rallycross.
TRUE GT
or
MY PRCS
Which do y'all like?
I took Gareth to a Subaru specialist yesterday after checking his website and making sure he worked on SVXs. Got there and was told, "The website lied."
He suggested Accolade Auto in Hillsboro. I've been there many times to look at used Subarus before but didn't know they did auto work besides for the cars they sold.
For all the repairs I wanted my wife thought it would cost 2k$. I was hoping 1k$. I was quoted 350$.
I also bought a '96 Outback for 750$ from a private seller. It runs ok and will be my rally car until I can part it out into Aviendha. Which Accolade said they could do.
Gareth also needs new shoes. When i bought the car I checked the tread and it had enough left that I thought I was fine. But a couple of days ago I felt the tires: hard, cracked, nasty. American Tire Co. has Falkens for about 110$. Good enough for now while I try to save money for repairing two... no three, my wife's car also needs repair.
I took Gareth on a Hwy 53 run. I had much more confidence on the return trip. The car isn't fun. To feel any sense of speed i would have to drive far beyond what is possible. No matter the speed or sharpness of the corner the car feels slow and planted.
But I still love driving him. I look for excuses just so I can hear the beautiful purr when he starts up. So smooth.
Acording to the Torque app Gareth is getting 30.1 miles per gallon. For a 225,000 mile car pushing through twisty mountain passes blows my mind. It's on par with Aviendha.
I got a Vivitar wannabe GoPro for Christmas but I'll wait till the repairs are made and the windshield replaced before I make and uplaod and video in Gareth.
I did get to try the gadget out before Aviendha decided to become a failed ice skater, but I get nauseous looking at them and can't bring myself to upload them. Should be good for Rallycross.
- 3,694
- South Australia
Welcome to the world of having a rare car Ron, I've been turned away by quite a few mechanics myself. Never got told that the website was a liar before though 
As for the plate..
I think you'd get a good amount of laughs and comments out of MY PRCS.
As for the plate..
I think you'd get a good amount of laughs and comments out of MY PRCS.
- 3,694
- South Australia
Yup, I don't envy you on that one @Korza, well actually I do but not when it comes to finding a mechanic
Although, when I was calling around looking for a wiring diagram for my convertible's roof I was told by 3 different "Z specialists" in as many states that my car doesn't exist.
"They never made them convertible."
"So why doesn't my car have a roof?"
"Hacksaw?"
Although, when I was calling around looking for a wiring diagram for my convertible's roof I was told by 3 different "Z specialists" in as many states that my car doesn't exist.
"They never made them convertible."
"So why doesn't my car have a roof?"
"Hacksaw?"
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Got Gareth back from Accolade Auto last night. The estimated repair of 350$ (which I thought was too low) turned out to be too much. Total repair was 250$.
Jon wasn't able to find me a windshield and have it installed for his estimated 160$. The best he could find was for 300$. I did a short search online and the best I could find was a used windshield for 800$, not installed. I told Jon 300$ sounds just fine. He said he'd keep looking for a better price.
They gave the car a thorough look-see and the only problems they found were a slightly worn rear axle. The brakes, transmission, oil, radiator, battery and everything else are in good to excellent condition.
They buffed, cleaned and replaced the headlights. I could have done that myself, and I would have on Aviendha, but Gareth deserves better.
They haven't replaced the window motors yet. Mainly because we don't know if the motors from the '96 Outback will work on the SVX or if I need to buy some other motors. They did clean and grease the sunroof and it's working perfectly now.
The steering column wasn't actually broken. I read on the SVX forum (SVX world network, or something like that) that there are two switches, one of them hard to reach. Well... it turns out there are actually three switches. The one which locks on the drivers prefered position is in the middle of the bottom of the steering column. No charge $$$. Sweet.
I also picked up a set of barely used tyres from Carothers Tires a few blocks down from Accolade Auto in Hillsboro (or "Hills Burrito" if you're from the area). They only had about 400 miles of use and I got them for about half off. I instantly felt the difference in grip, but it's still ridiculously easy to break them loose with a touch of the throttle. They're Glacier Grip by Mastercraft, 205/55R16. Not exactly a summer tyre, but with the rain we get in my area of Oregon they're perfect.
(Pic from Google) Now that's some siping!
Nothing to do now except go for a drive!
(Except replace the windshield, paint the car and redo the upholstery. Besides that he's perfect!)
I'm heading into town to get a quote for the paint and body work. Keep your fingers crossed.
***
On a side note my family has been without water for a few days. We were afraid the water pump for our well went Kaput, but it turned out to just be an old worn wire. Yeah! We have water again.
***
Edit: "Show quality" paint job + fixing the body = "Five to six thousand." About what I expected. Time to start saving up for it.
Jon wasn't able to find me a windshield and have it installed for his estimated 160$. The best he could find was for 300$. I did a short search online and the best I could find was a used windshield for 800$, not installed. I told Jon 300$ sounds just fine. He said he'd keep looking for a better price.
They gave the car a thorough look-see and the only problems they found were a slightly worn rear axle. The brakes, transmission, oil, radiator, battery and everything else are in good to excellent condition.
They buffed, cleaned and replaced the headlights. I could have done that myself, and I would have on Aviendha, but Gareth deserves better.
They haven't replaced the window motors yet. Mainly because we don't know if the motors from the '96 Outback will work on the SVX or if I need to buy some other motors. They did clean and grease the sunroof and it's working perfectly now.
The steering column wasn't actually broken. I read on the SVX forum (SVX world network, or something like that) that there are two switches, one of them hard to reach. Well... it turns out there are actually three switches. The one which locks on the drivers prefered position is in the middle of the bottom of the steering column. No charge $$$. Sweet.
I also picked up a set of barely used tyres from Carothers Tires a few blocks down from Accolade Auto in Hillsboro (or "Hills Burrito" if you're from the area). They only had about 400 miles of use and I got them for about half off. I instantly felt the difference in grip, but it's still ridiculously easy to break them loose with a touch of the throttle. They're Glacier Grip by Mastercraft, 205/55R16. Not exactly a summer tyre, but with the rain we get in my area of Oregon they're perfect.
(Pic from Google) Now that's some siping!
Nothing to do now except go for a drive!
(Except replace the windshield, paint the car and redo the upholstery. Besides that he's perfect!)
I'm heading into town to get a quote for the paint and body work. Keep your fingers crossed.
***
On a side note my family has been without water for a few days. We were afraid the water pump for our well went Kaput, but it turned out to just be an old worn wire. Yeah! We have water again.
***
Edit: "Show quality" paint job + fixing the body = "Five to six thousand." About what I expected. Time to start saving up for it.
Last edited:
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
Wait! My steering wheel is telescopic?!? Oh, hell YES!
Fantastic videos, @SVX. I agree with just about everything the english speakers said.
Feel free to post those two other videos here as well. I really wish I understood Japanese.
I feel elated that my car is in much, MUCH better shape than the car with New Jersey plates. Although I also need to use vice clamps to keep my hood up. Jon quoted me 200$ for a pair of hood supports. Not his fault. That's the price Subaru gave him. He's looking to see if another, less expensive support will do. But seeing that car made me appreciate my car so much more.
I'm taking the car to the coast tomorrow. And I'm bringing my Wannabe GoPro. The elevation changes and abrasions on Hwy53 are a tad bit much for Gareths ride height (Aviendha was perfect for H53) but it's still the best "road for enjoyment" that I know.
Ok, it's now 2:45am. As fun as those videos are, it's time for a little sleep.
Fantastic videos, @SVX. I agree with just about everything the english speakers said.
Feel free to post those two other videos here as well. I really wish I understood Japanese.
I feel elated that my car is in much, MUCH better shape than the car with New Jersey plates. Although I also need to use vice clamps to keep my hood up. Jon quoted me 200$ for a pair of hood supports. Not his fault. That's the price Subaru gave him. He's looking to see if another, less expensive support will do. But seeing that car made me appreciate my car so much more.
I'm taking the car to the coast tomorrow. And I'm bringing my Wannabe GoPro. The elevation changes and abrasions on Hwy53 are a tad bit much for Gareths ride height (Aviendha was perfect for H53) but it's still the best "road for enjoyment" that I know.
Ok, it's now 2:45am. As fun as those videos are, it's time for a little sleep.
- 1,493
- Portland / Or /
- Barefoot_Driver
I picked up my fourth Subaru this morning and brought her home. It's an '96 Outback in ok condition. Unfortunately it has the 2.5 engine and has been sitting for months so runs a little rough. I'll run some seafoam through her later today. It should be good enough to get me to and from the Rallycrosses and survive the events. At least long enough to save up enough money to part out the Outback (I'm not going to bother to learn it's name, I won't own it long enough) into Aviendha. The owner also sold it under the condition that I not use it as a daily driver and part it out or Rallycross it.
After the quote to repair the body and paint Gareth, my wife and I discussed doing it myself. @Ibonibo 's thread was inspiring and I doubt anyone else would put as much effort into it as I would. Do not expect @Ibonibo level of quality. I'll need to rent a space to dismantle, store and work in. I can't spend the time he did. But with his example and time to prepare and plan it shouldn't take long... right?
I'm not going to the coast today. Bad midnight decision. I need to license it, or at least update it's temp tag before I go for another joy ride. I'll go to the DMV early tomorrow and take care of that.
Now I need to look up how much a custom plate and all the other DMV "taxes" will cost me. (Mind you, I'm not complaining about the fees. Oregon has some of the best roads in the nation. {I shudder when I remember the roads in Kansas City.} I just happen to enjoy the less traveled and therefore less maintained roads.)
When I took my kids to school this morning I used the telescopic feature on the steering wheel for the first time. Loved it. I like a sitting position where my legs are extended but my elbows rest against the seat and my palms just touch the wheel. Most people aren't comfortable being that close to the wheel. In my wife's car I sit several positions forward of her spot even though she's an inch or so shorter than me. Finally a car where I can steer comfortably and not have my knees in the dash.
I've never owned a car where the rearview mirror didn't vibrate at all. Nothing. Zilch. I can see the lights of Beaverton in my rearview mirror, distinctly, while heading into Hillsboro. I can distinguish each car miles back at night.
After the quote to repair the body and paint Gareth, my wife and I discussed doing it myself. @Ibonibo 's thread was inspiring and I doubt anyone else would put as much effort into it as I would. Do not expect @Ibonibo level of quality. I'll need to rent a space to dismantle, store and work in. I can't spend the time he did. But with his example and time to prepare and plan it shouldn't take long... right?
I'm not going to the coast today. Bad midnight decision. I need to license it, or at least update it's temp tag before I go for another joy ride. I'll go to the DMV early tomorrow and take care of that.
Now I need to look up how much a custom plate and all the other DMV "taxes" will cost me. (Mind you, I'm not complaining about the fees. Oregon has some of the best roads in the nation. {I shudder when I remember the roads in Kansas City.} I just happen to enjoy the less traveled and therefore less maintained roads.)
When I took my kids to school this morning I used the telescopic feature on the steering wheel for the first time. Loved it. I like a sitting position where my legs are extended but my elbows rest against the seat and my palms just touch the wheel. Most people aren't comfortable being that close to the wheel. In my wife's car I sit several positions forward of her spot even though she's an inch or so shorter than me. Finally a car where I can steer comfortably and not have my knees in the dash.
I've never owned a car where the rearview mirror didn't vibrate at all. Nothing. Zilch. I can see the lights of Beaverton in my rearview mirror, distinctly, while heading into Hillsboro. I can distinguish each car miles back at night.
