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#1
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Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
As one who quickly came to realize that Reading isn't about the cars but rather about the great people here. I came away from this years Reading simply horrified by the condition of nearly 1/2 of the cars at Reading. As the car ages it i showing that there is definately a lack of "pride of ownership" among some of the cars there. It was more like a trip to a parts car section of a car meet then anything else.
Of course there were plenty of very nice solid examples there to but the cars quickly went down hill from there. As one who enjoys the build of a project car more than buying a shiney example that you know nothing about I truely hope that these cars are mearly "works in progress" and that next year I will see a marked improvement in many of them. Otherwise, I fear that I won't stick around beyond visiting with some of the many friends I've come to know through the SVX. It is simply not enjoyable to sit by watching the rapidly declining overall condition of the average SVX. Yes I realize that values do not justify the cost of a proper restoration on a 18 year old SVX but pride of ownership should justify it provided it is a car worthy of a restoration. Remember, any restoration is a money loser for the owner. It is simply the owners desire to keep the mark alive (and usually a very understanding better half) which results in a proper restoration not finaical incentives which will likely never come. I'm not saying any of this to judge any of the owners in attendance as I do realize that everyone is in different situations and had different priorities but rather as an observation of the rapid decline of many cars. That said it was great to see everyone and meet some of the newer members in attendence. Lets just see what everyone can do to make next years reading a little better and little more lets say "polished".
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British vehicles are my last ditch attempt to keep the nasty Italian thoughts in my mind at bay. So far its working. |
#2
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
That I was fearing the most... by the end of the day, these cars brought us together, it is a shame that we neglect them and focus more on friendships and vice versa.
From looking at the pictures I can see that reading 10 was the best. Well this comment also is preliminary now, need to see more pictures of 11.
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
#3
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Thats a bit harsh Ben, I thought the majority were in very good shape. Maybe 4 or 5 that were pretty rough.
The turnout was small though, I am guessing 10-20 cars less than Reading 10.
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1992 LSL ebony pearl 170k - Thank you Ron Mummert Reading Box of Wine Car ----------------------------------- 1992 SVX LSL 5-Speed Sold at 180K 2019 1995 SVX Lsi Polo Sold at 118K 2007 |
#4
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
I will say that my Claret that was in attendance was not as pretty as some of the others on the outside. Since it is my daily driver, I've been busy upgrading and fixing the issues with the engine and drivetrain before I drop the money for a new paint job.
Forgive me if my car was considered an eye sore. I still love it anyway...
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Rebecca 92 Claret SVX LS-L (180k) 09/91 #5,732 06 Suzuki Boulevard M50 7k 68 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (70k) Storage/hibernation for now. Past SVXs: 94 SVX Emerald Pearl FWD (Sold) 96 SVX Bourdeaux LSi (Sold) 92 Pearl SVX LSL "Stay Puft" 5MT (140k) #148 (RIP) 95 Brilliant Red SVX LS (162k) 12/94 #564 "Killer Tomato" (RIP) |
#5
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Quote:
SVXygirl, eyesore hardly, I know not every car can nor should be a concours car as I'm an advocate of "drive them don't hide them" and that's kind of hard to do when you have a 10k paint job. I'm just hoping the bottom has dropped out and the cars slowly begin the hard journey back to a very respectable 20 year old car. Again as I already said for years, what makes the SVX and Reading unique it the car world is the mixed ownership and the mutual respect. The cars come 2nd to that to me.
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British vehicles are my last ditch attempt to keep the nasty Italian thoughts in my mind at bay. So far its working. |
#6
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Ben-
I noticed this last year. Some cars which I remember as once being prime examples were now in very rough shape. It was depressing to say the least. I remember at my first reading, every single car there was in gorgeous condition.
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2009 Volvo C70 T5 2008 Volvo S80 V8 2006 Range Rover Sport 2001 Audi S8 |
#7
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Quote:
I actually felt horrible taking my TVR to the annual TVR meet in Philly last September. I tried to not even park it on the show field in fact! Mine was by far the ugliest and roughest car there out of the 20-25 that were there. I needed to have some assistance though on running wires, etc that having it there made it so much easier. Again its a marque which is just as value challenged. The most valuable TVR Griffiths which will give a AC Cobra 289 fits in speed and kills it in handling tops out at less than $50k for a concours example. It is all about pride.
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British vehicles are my last ditch attempt to keep the nasty Italian thoughts in my mind at bay. So far its working. |
#8
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
I agree that the friendships that I have made through this amazing care are one of the best benifits. I also see many types of owners which are as varied as the cars themselves. They go from the young owner who has one that is a bit rough, but bursts with pride that they have one at all. It may not be the best, but it puts them in that ownership class that they are so proud of and they want to make it into the best one that they can. Then there are others, young and old that have one, love it, drive it, and don't really care it it is waxed, washed, or missing a few pieces. Then there are the others who want to bring any of them up to the best condition that they can, whether it was a project car, or one of the best in condition. Owners come in all of these different types and that will always make the condition varied in any group.
One of the most fun type of meet that I have been involved in the past years are maintenance meets. Not majoy rebuilds, but belts, lights, brakes, rotors, wiper blades, and other things that can be tackled over a few hours. The members want to fix some of the little things, but don't know how to do it. A couple of the other that do, help them out and the pride that they come away with is amazing! I am sure most members know the good feeling that they have after getting a light fixed on the dash or overhead buttons can make a big difference in the driving experience. It is the thing that you know is wrong, but don't know where to find the bulb or how to install it. You still get the great meet with friends, but get something accomplished as well. When I look at a SVX, it is really hard to remember that it is an eighteen year old car. Yes, they wear out, but when you look at a group of them, it is also hard to believe that most of them are 150,000 to 250,000 mile cars still going and are still reliable. Just another thought about this great car and the friends that come with it. I am very proud to be a part of this special group which has added so much to my life.
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#9
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Well wow. Probably a good thing I didn't show up yesterday - my car is in pretty rough looking condition. I would have just depressed the whole lot of you even more.
Or, maybe you would have felt better about the condition of your car in comparison to mine! At any rate I'm sorry I'm missing it. It's not far from me, less than an hour, but I didn't mark the date and my weekend is packed solid. Sigh, so much for picking up a sunroof skin.
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1995 Caterham 7 Twincam 2002 Porsche 911 targa -- now with FSI 4.0L power! 2007 BMW 328i Cabriolet 2012 Tacoma 4wd v6 Access Cab 2013 Mercedes E350 4Matic Wagon 2005 STi - totaled after 10 great years 1994 SVX LSi 5spd - sold but not forgotten 2000 Legacy GT 5spd sedan - gone after 150K miles of bliss |
#10
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
I thought that most of the cars were in fine condition, save 3 or 4. The only problem was that a lot of people didnt really take the time to even wash their cars. I know it was raining on Friday and it was ugly outside on Saturday but I washed my car twice since I was there and I cleaned my windows at least 8 times, lol. On friday it was gorgeous out earlier in the day and still nobody had bothered to wash their cars.
My car is no shining example of a show car or anything of the sort, but I made sure she was clean, inside and out. Rear dent and a paint chip or two, she was still presentable. Even on the way home when my girlfriend and I made it to the toll booth on the border of PA at around 2:00am, the woman at the booth commented on how "different" the windows were and before we drove off commented on how beautiful the car was. We may see them as torn up or "falling apart" but some others may not. Let's just keep in mind to wash them every so often..
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1992 Pearl White LS-L "Ruslana" #4946 - 180k on body, 95k on engine. Mods: ECU bead crush, 15 min mod, 20 min mod, drilled/slotted rotors & Axxis ceramic brakes, SS lines, 17" Evoke F1 wheels, XS-HF137 Sony Xplod speakers, 6000k HID's (lows & fogs), resistor mod, 1½" Sleek Spoiler mod, custom exhaust by svxfiles, '02 WRX aluminum racing radiator by svxfiles, Summit Racing 400# x 300# springs w/ Koni's by svxfiles, ClassGlass fiberglass hood /w scoop, Nevin's rear sway bar, '97 grille, phenolic spacers, custom LED interior lighting, custom paint. †"War doesn't determine who is right, only who is left"† Work to be done: Tinted windows, clear/LED tail lights, tailbar mod, "Power Mode" mod, Supertone horns, clear corners & headlight lenses, 2 pc splitters or custom bumper, Alcyone side skirts, TruSpeed Stage III SVX Intake, Hydra, 4.44 tranny swap, JDM auto folding side mirrors, engine rebuild, super charger, STi seats, bone leather interior /w SVX emblem, dash overhaul, SVX decals, paint (stock color). Total cost?: 22k At least it's going down..
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#11
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
I guess I can't talk. Mine has been sitting dirty in my garage for 2 weeks.
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2009 Volvo C70 T5 2008 Volvo S80 V8 2006 Range Rover Sport 2001 Audi S8 |
#12
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Oh my!
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#13
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Mine was dirty and the paint on the wing is hideous as it peels off from stone dings. But I've only had it back for 2 weeks. It was gestating at the All We'll Drive Shop for 9 months. Last weekend, I was down at Wiley Forge to pick up the fiberglass hood. Haven't even had time to put in the new rear seat backs I bought 6 months ago. After this summer track season, it'll go in for a compete disassembled body respray. At that point, maybe the show will match the go.
There were several really pretty examples. Unfortunately two of the better ones, John's in particular, are also emerald, highlighting the sad state of my aesthetics. If only it hadn't been so damn cold.
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____________________________________________ 95 LS-i Red, 31,xxx; bone stock for now; Daily Driver 94 LS-i Emerald Pearl, 106,xxx,; 246 whp; Tomyx snorkus and HKS Cold air intake; PWR aluminum radiator, silicone hoses; Inline thermostat; enhanced coolant routing; external power steering and oil coolers; Phenolic intake manifold spacers; 2004 WRX 5 speed transmission; ACT Clutch Kit, Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, Lightweight flywheel, performance disc; Group N motor mounts; ‘07 WRX 4-pot front calipers, cryo-treated slotted Tribeca rotors; Hawk HPS ferro-carbon pads; Frozenrotor rear slotted rotors; SS brake lines, Axxis Ultimate pads; Rota Torque 17x8 wheels; 245/40-17 Bridgestone RE01-R's; Koni inserts with Ground Control coilovers, Eibach springs; K-Mac camber/caster adjustable strut mounts; Urethane swaybar bushings; Bontrager rear sway bar; Urethane differential bushing; Custom Whiteline adjustable rear lateral links; Outlaw Engineering forged underdrive pulley; custom grind Web intake and exhaust cams (11 mm lift, 250° duration); solid lifters; CP custom aluminum forged 11 to 1 pistons, Brian Crower coated SS intake & exhaust valves; Brian Crower upgraded springs w/ titanium retainers; NGK sparkplugs; RallyBob (Bob Legere) ported and polished cylinder heads; Eagle H-beam rods; ACL Bearings; Cometic Head gaskets; ARP head studs & fasteners; Hydra Nemesis EMS; Wideband O2 sensor; 740cc Injectors; Walbro 255lph fuel pump; Upgraded WRX starter; Equal length SS headers (3 into 1); dual Magnaflow cat converters; 2 into 1 into 2 SS exhaust with Bullet muffler; OT Fiberglass hood; Oil pressure gauge; Programmable shift light, 2017 Subaru Forester XT, metallic dark gray, 29,xxx 2005 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio, 24,xxx 2006 Subaru Outback LL Bean, 166,xxx sold 92 LSL Dark Teal, Smallcar Shift Kit - sold |
#14
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Quote:
Missed you!
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Larry III & The Beautiful Naviguesser '19 Tungsten Pearl Outback 3.6R Ltd...."AISHA" '08 Harvest Gold Outback 3.0L. L. L. Bean...."AIJOU" '07 Gray Diamond Pearl Outback XT Ltd..."AH SO" '05 White Pearl & Silver BAJA Turbo..."AH HA" '97 Bordeaux Pearl SVX LSi..."SUBYDOO" '94 White Pearl SVX LSi..."PEARLY" '92 White Pearl SVX LSL w/touring pkg..."SVXY" '92 Teal SVX LSL w/touring pkg..."ALCYONE" '96 Polo Green LSi ... "MIDORI" '00 Black Dodge VIPER RT-10... "VINNIE" Engineers do it with precision. English teachers are novel lovers. Home: larrysingeriii@comcast.net SVX FEVER, CATCH IT AT A MEET NEAR YOU !! |
#15
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Re: Hopefully not my last Reading but if this keeps up...
Guys, if you don't mind me asking, but why you always do Reading meets in April? Why not in July/August when it is basically summer instead?
This time of year will also be a great time for International owners to visit, attend the meet and spend a couple weeks "practicing" tourism in beautiful America... Well I do not intend to go there for just one day, neither to sit indoors because of rain... and I would like to meet you all in daylight Sorry if I used the plurial form of "all" the international owners, hope I am right in this.
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
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