Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I teased about the "teutonic" comment and got teased back about owning a vanilla minivan.

    Way back when, before buying the 98 Forester, we test drove a Durango. We both hated it. The Dodge dealer had a conversion van and my wife liked that more. It was too big to be my daily driver so we passed.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Well, as long as we're talking about vans. . .

    Anyone see this month's R&T? They tuned a VW Vanagon so that it's top speed was 193mph! :surprise: How would you like to get smoked by a soccer mom in that! ;)

    tom
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    I could probably swallow it, but I sure as heck would not want to be driving it at that speed! :surprise:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    The truck is a '76 F250 (Ranger), but has the dubious distinction of being my one vehicle that does not run. Every time I start to work on it (which requires some head work at a shop), my wife complains that I'm putting money into it and I am handed a "cease and desist" order. :mad: I want it for a plow truck (and because my grandfather bought it new and gave it to me a couple years ago at my request), but it seems to be a tough sell for my wife. Originally it was, "if you want that truck then you have to get rid of the camper." Okay, so I get rid of the camper (which was the original shell for my '69 C20) in exchange for the truck. Now it is, "I don't want you to put any money into it, but if it doesn't run I don't want it here." Hmm, do you think she's backing me into a corner here? :P

    She also gives me heck about the van, who's beauty she cannot appreciate, but I refuse to entertain her on that point. :blush: It was actually used for busing the kindergarten class in the early 70s at a town (Echo, OR) not thirty miles from where I grew up.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Did they put an STI engine in an older one or something? :shades:
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I was wondering that too. My neighbour and former Leg 2.2 Turbo owner has a VW camper and says that it's not hard to drop the Subie engines in them. WRX engine seems to be the favourite.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    I know a young guy locally who put a WRX drivetrain and suspension under his 97 Impreza L coupe. Actually, he put the WRX interior (dash, seats, etc) on it too, so it is basically just the Impreza shell, but several hundred pounds lighter than the WRX. He has other bolt-on mods, etc., on it, but the sucker is ridiculously fast. 0-60 is under four seconds. Still, it is not a van and therefore is inherently a more stable platform. :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Wes, we're related! I drove a '76 F-150 Custom for a dozen years. You can tell the year because it had the boxy split grill, but the parking light lenses are white, not amber. Mine had the 3 on the tree when I bought it used in '82 with around 60k on the clock. With time, the throwout bearing died, and having some knee problems anyhow, I did a driveway swap-out to a C4 automatic. Ah, those were the days when you could do what you pleased to the drivetrain.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That sounds very cool. Paint it rally blue and call it good.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Mitsubishi folks who mod their new cars may run into this new enforcement policy:

    http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2009/12/2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evo-gsr-evo- - -warranty-claims.html

    Might Subaru has a similar policy for their vehicles?
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Actually, they dropped a turbo flat 6 porsche engine, moved the engine to the rear, and tuned it to 800 hp! 0-62mph in 4.5s!

    I guess you put enough power in anything and it will go fast!

    tom
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Hmmm, I can only imagine what kind of gas mileage it gets ;)

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You measure mile-per-gallon. (singular)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    The first manual (road) vehicle I drove was a '79 F150 Custom that my dad purchased in the mid '80s (84/5?) - it had a 4-on-the-floor. He still owns it, but I try to avoid driving it when I go home to visit because it is such a dog with its straight-6 compared to my '69 C20. I prefer to keep my fond memories of it, before I had experience with "real" trucks (i.e., those with torque-producing engines!).

    The F250 has a 390 in it with a C6 transmission. It ran when I brought it up from Anchorage, but two cylinders have zero compression (I suspect stuck valves), so it has exactly zero power - only enough to move its own mass (barely) over flat ground. :cry:

    I really love old vehicles. New ones, with all their creature comforts, are nice for long trips, but I cannot get enough of the "rawness" and old truck (or van) provides. :shades:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...I'm the one that teased just about driving the epitome of beige. But I should talk - I have an Odyssey which I will say has more soul than the Sienna.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    image

    I have a friend who is a contractor that has a green one just like the above picture. I scrawled "Free Candy" across it in soap as a joke.

    He didn't appreciate my sense of humor.">
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Hahahahahhaha; well, I do, Rob. That cracks me up!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Insignificant. Neither van holds a candle to mine, so why bother mentioning it? :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Last night around 1:00 AM I awoke to the chirp of smoke detectors, CO alarms & UPS's responding to the transition from AC to battery. And within about 10 seconds, my recently installed 16kw LP Generac cranked to life! A few square miles of roads with about 1100 homes and farms were out until about 9:30 this morning. While most of them were probably wearing sweaters by sun-up and worrying about frozen pipes (assuming they even awoke on time at all..), we were toasty, and enjoyed hot showers. All would have been great if it wasn't that this rather large powerplant makes a pretty good amount of noise, positioned along side our master bedroom! That and general anxiety kept me from sleeping.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Great timing!

    We had our own little adventure and at about the same time (+4 hours ;) ). Our heater went out at about 0145 and was not willing to restart. So, we had to crank up a little 1500w space heater to help conserve our heat (it was about zero outside and stayed that way all day) while we sorted out the main heater. I finally gave up on it due to lack of information and took it in to a local "authorized dealer" after they opened this morning. They were able to whip it into shape and we had it back in business by 1500 this afternoon. The final bill was $261 (not including the generous electricity usage!), which I can stomach if it means a warm house and non-frozen pipes!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-1/
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I liked the groovy 60s style ads the Honda had for the Ody, "Respect the Van".
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That seems like it would be quite a hoot.

    You think Lana would let me run her Forester in SL4 class? I'm pretty sure we're under 3400 lbs. :D
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Haha; I bet not.

    I have heard that we have a couple of ice tracks up here, though there is no competitive racing on them. My wife consistently shoots down my suggestions to check them out.... :(
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It would be too tempting not to try it out.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    I know; my problem is that I never think about it during daylight hours, and there are not many of those this time of year! :blush:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Dra is in San Diego for her annual Child Protection conference. In days gone by we used to all go, but school needs trumped that a few years ago. This is the first year that I have been unable to get out of a full work slate. Thank heavens for Mum and Dad who moved here a couple of years ago, otherwise it would be unworkable even with our day-time nanny. I used to think the kids were in too many things before I had to organize it solo and after work....

    On another note, happy Robbie Burns Day to all!
    Slàinte maith, h-uile latha, na chi 'snach fhaic!
    Lang may yer lum reek!

    No posing here, I grew up in Scotland and used to have haggis fresh from the butcher 2-3 times a month. It's been years though now. No good Scots butchers about.

    Nicholas
  • fandcfandc Member Posts: 51
    Your wait for haggis may soon be over:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8477432.stm

    Not sure about the nachos, though. :P
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Too bad that does not equate to a local supply in Prince George, BC! ;)
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I honestly don't know the status of importing it into Canada. There is a British butcher in 100 Mile House who makes it (for everyone who isn't Wes, that's about 4 hours south of here). I'll have to organize getting some one of the these times when we pass through. The great family irony is that my wife who was born to Scottish parents has never had it.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Well, I'm not one to judge since I have never had it, but I have to admit that it does not sound very appetizing.

    The next time I drive through that way maybe I can pick some up for you there and stop by for dinner! :D I often stop to fill up with fuel in 100 Mile House, as I did on my last trip up with the Forester.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I've had it, it's all right. Gotta be in the mood for it, like braunschweiger
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Oh I don't know Wes, it probably is safer than hot dogs!!!!

    I looked haggis up in Wikipedia, I'm not sure I could eat it now that I know what's in it. But it must taste something like sausage?

    tom
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    and I just gotta say, this car and I REALLY get along :blush: Put around 120 miles on it today, averaged 30.4 mpg with a highway bias.

    That is all :shades:
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    That is my usual answer to folks who balk at the contents. Every European culture has its version of sausage which basically started as all the bits no-one wants to eat ground up and stuffed into intestines along with salt and spices. Haggis is just a big ball instead of a tube since it used the stomach instead. These all came out of the fact that any meat was too valuable for the common folk to waste anything for individual sensitivities.
    The ingredients in Haggis are practically health food compared to what goes into the average hot dog. No lie.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    La cucina povera, as they say in another European country. And almost always my favorite.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hot dogs are a case of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Lemme ask - how is loading the kid in the rear seat? Do you use that extra door a lot, I suppose? No issue with the back, bending over to fasten the child belts, etc?

    Does the seat fit OK or do you have to slide the front seat forward?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    That is why I say it does not sound appetizing, but I will still try it.

    My family raises rabbits for meat, which usually garners reactions of shock and horror: "What?! You eat cute, fuzzy bunnies?!" (Response.... "No, I eat their meat. At that point, they are neither cute nor fuzzy!") We eat the hearts, livers, and kidneys as well, which is really no different than what goes into sausage casings. As such, I keep an open mind about my food. ;)
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    She's 5 now, and in just a booster seat, so it is no problem. Open the club door, pop the seat forward (it has a pull just below the headrest), she climbs in. Bend in to help her with the belt, done.

    In the autumn, assuming everything goes smoothly (which last attempt it did not), then Elie will need to move over to the driver's side on her own and get herself buckled so that the newborn can be clipped into a carrier base by the club door.

    Hey, my sister and I spent our childhoods clambering in and out of a Plymouth Scamp coupe. So poorly designed that the headrest hit the horn every time we got in and out. The Clubman is cake compared to that, and only marginally less easy for mom and dad to work with than trusty Outback.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    Those mini-doors were a genius invention, much like the driver-side sliding door on minivans.

    Congratulations on your expected arrival!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Kidney mmmmmmm! Steak and kidney pie! My fave British dish, tied with my Mom's Yorkshire pudding.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Mum's British?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    need to move over to the driver's side on her own and get herself buckled so that the newborn can be clipped into a carrier base by the club door

    I believe that's news to me! Is that the first time you mentioned it?

    Congratulations!
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    "I don't care if the government says they're made out of pigs' lips - they're delicious!" -David Brenner from an old stand-up routine :)

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Mum's British?

    Well I'm British (displaced my parents to Canada) so it's not a big stretch.;-)
    We have lived all over the world but are all born in Yorkshire, so the pudding is authentic!
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    My mother was a war bride! My dad was US Airforce stationed at RAF Base Manston. Mom grew up in Wembly Park (Middlesex / London), and was on vacation in Margate when they met. The rest, as they say, is history!
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    OOPS. That should read

    Well I'm British (displaced by my parents to Canada) so it's not a big stretch
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Boys and I are big fans of Mythbusters. The motto, "When in doubt, C4" is a big hit with 11 year olds. I was aghast last night when watching the "exploding car" episode when they drove an Outback off a cliff. The Neon and some other lousy Chrysler product I believe had it coming, but not the Outback!
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Should have sacrificed an Aztek to the Gods. That, my friend, would have been justice!
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