NV Zeno

Can't find the pix right now, but I've got a new dent on each side (and some bark still wedged in my door) from a 2-direction pass similar to the obstacle pictured above (but narrower), elsewhere in that forest. IIRC, I lost a centercap and a chrome ring on the first pass, found them on the second:banana: (thanks guys). Lots-o-fun:headbang: .

I've had 4WD vehicles since the mid-80s (Tercel then Subaru), I've NEVER had to put chains on either of them. Interesting that you had to put them on a Leg, as you stated above. At the chain control "stop" points, I was occaisionally asked to actually open up and show the chains. By occaisionally I mean maybe once a year, every time in California (they're really anal there). Heck, those chains are the cable type I had for a Celica that I had before I got into 4WDs. Probably wouldn't even fit on my Subaru (certainly not on my Acura:lol: ). Not sure what size they are anymore, the original cardboard box desintegrated years ago:lol: . I've since scrounged up one of those neat plastic carrying cases from my bud who owned a gas station in Tahoe back then, and that box is good enough for any CALTRANS or CHP dude that just HAS to see:rolleyes: , and will last forever. Sounds like the guy that ordered you to put chains on either wasn't listening when you told him you had AWD, or maybe your tires may not have been suitable for snowy conditions, even with AWD. Either way, I doubt if you'll ever have to put chains on again (but ya gotta have decent tires). Even if you'll never use them, it's best to be carrying. My 2 bucks

Bill, Hopefully a shorter commute?

Hey D, was it blue? I saw it parked at the ski shop (or the bar next door) on Kingsbury Grade about 5:00. Actually, I've seen it a few times around town. The body's in better shape than my '83:lol: :lol: .

Yeah, I'm sure that was extra fun for you and Dalton going thru the bushes with the tube doors, and as an extra bonus, BRAT door openings are much bigger than (my) wagon doors..more bush-slapping action!

Sure..right after we arrived at WCSS7, we proceeded to hit the trails nearby..mostly quad sized and some single track. We just plowed through the jungle-like growth being sure to stay on the trails and keep the windows up, lest we get slapped by the branches and such. I didn't hear any complaints, so I guess fun was had by all:clap: .

Yea Bill, I make it a 2-day drive to the PNW..it allows me time for breakdowns and a no-rush frame of mind. Bend seems to be a good "most-of-the-day drive" from here, and is civilized enough to have decent hotels and restaurants. This also allows us to arrive at WCSS after only a couple of hours on the road, still fresh and alive enough to enjoy the whole first day. (Actually, I used to be able to make those 700-mile "bombing runs" after working a full shift, but that was 25 years ago..couldn't do that as easily now:lol: )

This might be the last vacation you're gonna get for awhile (owning business eats personal time). If you bring the Legacy, I'll loan you my wagon for the mud pit:) . Are Scott and Shawn still thinking of going?

If I could only fit the seat from an '05 Taurus in my EA81, I'd be satisfied:slobber: . :lol:

Heck, mine does it all: Mud pit, trails, hill climbs (except for the x-tra gnarly stuff), and don't forget the 1400 mile round trip to be there:grin: . All that in a stock '83 wagon with 302,000 miles and no air conditioning (ugh) . See ya at the show!

Yeah, I'm definitely in for one, vote already cast:D . I agree with TSJ, and might add the giant mugs from WCSS6 were larger than need be, IMHO. Just my 2 bucks

Change-o-subject here... How about food on site? Last year's Winnebago with the coffee and other light breakfast and snack items was perfect. As I recall, there was some simple prepared food in the "cafeteria" also (burgers, pancakes, etc.)..very convenient to not have to leave the "action":D to eat, or have to transport equipment 1200 miles to prepare food (Obviously, I like to travel light:lol: ). Just my 2 bucks

I may be able to drag myself away for awhile...

...And that's why I feel the pump has lasted all this time. The belt has always been a little loose, as evidenced by the squealing while in the mud pit at WCSSes and more locally in the cold wet and snow (usually fine in summer, but then again, I never drive this car in summer, no A/C:cool: ). I've changed WP's on my own before, most notably on my (then 2-year-old) '78 Mustang V6: 13 bolts, 3 different wrench sizes, both American and metric bolt heads...all in the pleasant 120-degree Arizona heat.

OK, I got a new pump, gasket and bypass hose from NAPA, and I have some of the spray copper gasket sealant. I've read the water pump replacement section in the "...Subaru Alive" book and feel I'm ready to go. I've got the tools, nothing outlandish needed. My confidence level is not all that great, I tend to be impatient...been considering calling in a "supervisor" to oversee the job to gain some confidence (Subieman, prepare for a PM:lol: ). I guess I'll post after a successful operation is complete:clap: .

How about the small bypass hose? Did the stores (NAPA, Autozone, etc.) have those in stock?

Well, after 302,000 miles, my water pump is starting to show preliminary signs of wear:( . Are the "new" or "rebuilt" units listed in NAPA's catalog generally good quality? I could probably find one at the dealer, but if the Beck-Arnley or others are as good at a huge savings, I would feel comfortable with one of those. Experiences, opinions? ('83 EA81 non-turbo) Thanks.

I guess I'm in. Had a '70 Beetle with the hand crank sunroof (pic around here somewhere) back in the day, long gone. Gutless, noisy, no air conditioning, AM radio. One of my favorites of the many vehicles I've owned before and since.

Yup, a good time. I was kind of hoping to do a snow run, but some earlier research (thanks Subieman) revealed that to be potentially miserable. Had lots-o-fun on the hill climbing part of the trip (watch and learn, Grasshoppers;) ), the flat tire was not due to a puncture or other damage to the tire, but simply rolling off the bead. Sure fooled the guys that repaired the tire (heh heh), all better now. Thanks for the help guys. Oh yeah, can't forget "the pit"..lots-o-fun there, too:brow: .

Alright you guys, I'm outa here. Gotta stop by Raley's real quick to pick up a few things. See ya at Bordertown! You have my number if anything changes.

Perfect. I can get fuel and food there. Don't forget about the time change tonight:grin: .

Looks like Sunday's shaping up to be a nice day (at least for Tahoe anyway, lol)..ought to be lots-o-fun. Time/ place to meet?

Yeah! We can always find something.

He's coming to Nevada (Brrrrr....). :D

:slobber: