More work for the Claret, etc
 

Driving my Claret during last winter proved to be an eyeopening and costly experience.

Once I had performed the last round of repairs,

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53159

I had wanted to be finished with working on my car for awhile. I was admittedly, broke, and wanted to just move on before anything else popped up. I borrowed from a friend and purchased my Volvo 850 wagon soon after Reading, and listed my Claret on eBay. Needless to say, it did not meet the reserve. I had mixed feelings on parting with it anyway. Ideally, I would have gotten my $7500 reserve, and would be starting school this coming month. This however, was not the case.

My Volvo proved itself well (I equate it to an aging rocking chair or an appliance) for I put about 12,000 miles on it since May, and replaced the timing belt, wp, radiator, etc. The car has been suffering brake system issues lately, and is in the shop for a couple associated issues.

On a couple of short stop & go trips, I noticed the engine was getting noisy on startup. I stopped bumping my sale thread, and pulled my CL ad for my car. I was in complete denial that this was happening again.

I put the Volvo in for its timing belt and decided to drive the SVX again just for a few days. On that next morning, an idiot backed into it at a gas station, damaging the fender and bumper.

Discouraged to say the least, I gave the driver "a piece of my mind" and reported the accident, and settled with her insurance company.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1720833_n.jpg

I took the opportunity to fix the front end, and grab up a rental.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7938792_n.jpg

I am having the shop that originally did my paintwork take care of the car again, and have been addressing little issues here and there.

Some progress photos/re-assembly:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7894501_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1441895_n.jpg

Things I'll be dealing with in upcoming months:

Install professionally rebuilt shortblock & new pilot bearing.

Troubleshoot A/C System (again)

and onto other things:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4081.jpg
Replace Front Brakes

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4088.jpgInstall new reservoir seals

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4080.jpgReseal Taillights

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4092.jpgReplace Trim


http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4069.jpg Fix anceint overspray from years ago.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...g?t=1281026072
Install new OEM bumper stays, holders, hardware, etc.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4073.jpg Have my Prodrives fixed... (they all have a little of this)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...g?t=1281026072
Clean up this mess!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4076.jpgClean dingy headliner

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...g?t=1281026072 Get rid of this mark on my dash suede

Oh, and I'll be replacing any rusty/damaged hardware underneath the hood (again).

I have my work cut out for me!

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

Hi Mike

I tend to wonder if you are going forward or not. Don't get me wrong. This is one pretty car, but by the time you do all of this, are you going to get back what you put into it when sold. If it didn't go at the $7,500, and you do all of the additional work, I don't see you will get your investment back.

If you are doing it for the love of the car, I understand completely! I don't even know for sure you will sell it after you do all of the work. Just a thought. You do amazing work and you are very skilled at what you do. I wish you the best as you move forward. :)

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

Earl,

I agree with what you are saying here, and knew after I had installed the last motor, 5 speed, etc and did not get a bite, that I'm pretty much married to the car at this point. To sell it, I'd lose a lot of what I have in it, and to be honest, I still have a good time with it all.

I have come to terms over time that owning one of these cars isn't always easy, but is a rewarding experience. :)

Thanks for the kind words.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

Mike, you are just way too irresponsible to own an SVX, you are running around, curbing your wheels, smashing your fenders, blowing up your motor and blowing out your transmissions. Good grief, you need be driving a Volvo or something. :lol:

(Kidding of course) I'm sure all the work will be done first class as usual, and am glad to see that you have decide to keep it, even if it does come with a sigh and feeling of resignation.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

And now you won't have to show up in a Volvo at Reading next year.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

What he said.

We don't need no stinkin' Swed... er, Chinese cars there. :lol:

Geely buys Volvo

,

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

Thanks Sean :rolleyes::lol:


Ill push the SVX to Reading if I have to...


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...0_722512_n.jpg

but ..but... its an old Lolvo!

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

If you are maried to it, you won't have to sell it and will still be around. Good to hear it. :)

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

Old motor:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6937459_n.jpg

New motor is to the right.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5291671_n.jpg

I'm heading off to the garage. More work to be done today...

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

GO MAN!! GO!!! Looks good!!!

GLENN :cool:

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

All that work.... the car is fantastic as is, and will be even more-so when done.

Although, one suggestion... Instead of re-sealing the tail lights, this car deserves the LED tail-light re-fit. Then it will be even better.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

.

With the tips and leads to my suppliers, he is slowly closing the gap :rolleyes:



But not until every phillips head screw is color-matched to the surface that surrounds it and the slots in the heads line up will I start to worry.


But then he has to accept that while 1 hair is just a hair... 2 hairs make a brush! :lol:

.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

I am a clutch alignment tool shy of dropping it in. :o

I'll post photos of today's progress shortly.

Re: More work for the Claret, etc
 

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4220.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4227.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4229.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4233.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4236.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/DSCF4240.jpg