Vortex

I have a similar tick in my XT, but it's always ticking. Give it a go on some premium unleaded if you aren't already doing so.

Alright guys I have some sort of idea now. According to the factory service manual, the DL has a simplified analog instrument cluster (no oil pressure or battery voltage gauges plus the demister lights are in a different spot), whereas the GL has said gauges. Also the GL-10 models are turbo only, hence the digital cluster.

As far as I know, they all came with power windows/back seat and a passenger side mirror. But it isn't turbo so I guess I'm safe to assume it's a GL? Also were the turbo models the only ones with a trip computer/cruise control and all that? Damn, that's a clean car! Just a shame nobody seems to care much for the older Subaru's here in Australia.

I've had my Vortex for over 6 months now, and I still have no indication toward which it is. It didn't have any of the decals on it whatsoever when I boughti it and the owner's manual doesn't clear anything up either, as I've discovered earlier today. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Nope, the struts I took off were the same length as the ones already on the car, but I can't say whether those ones were the originals or another set.

Alright, so I couldn't get a photo of the struts. The old man decided to put them in while I was at work, but I can confidently confirm that they fit perfectly.

That's alright, I think some L-Series wagons have the same catches, I'll have to get on that after I get all this stuff done first, haha. Nah I plan to keep the head unit stock, there's a 6-stack CD player installed in the boot, with an FM transmitter attached. Sounds pretty good for a transmitter so I think I'll just keep that the way it is. I'd rather have an awesome dash than an AUX cable, lol. I'll go take a photo of those struts right now, too!

That would be fantastic! I might have to hold off for a few days, the bank account will be a bit sad after paying for all these parts But that really would help loads. You don't happen to have a glovebox catch too by any chance?

I think his 3rd one might have been. His other one was a white 86/7 model with the different front bumper, and it looked pristine. Just unbelievable.

Ahh, that would explain why I can't find anything in my control panel... LOL. And yeah, I was expecting the inside to be abused to hell, considering it went back and forth between the guy I bought it off and a family from Cairns a few times. But when I came round to his place to check it out, I discover he has 3 that he actively spends time on. I was shocked and turned green with envy, haha.

I can definitely do that for you when they arrive. I'll just have a look at my preferences, I haven't spent much time in there yet, I'll edit this post when I figure it out.

Pedders #8806 struts. They're actually listed under Subaru Vortex in their parts finder and not Leone, so I'm guessing they're the right height. Otherwise I'll just have to make do I guess

Thanks, Turbone! You saved me a buttload of time Here's the report from the Roadworthy, not sure why he didn't write anything about the dash or glovebox considering they're worse than the seat. Oh well. Good news is that I've managed to track down the bump stops, struts, CV and Rack boots, control arm bushes and link pins for the sway bar, all brand new. They'll be picked up in a few days time when they arrive in store. So I guess now all I can do is wait at this point. The driver's seat has been taken to an upholsterer, got quoted $45 to replace the vinyl on the bottom of the seat, next to the controls for height adjustment, etc. So that's all being taken care of as we speak. Very good. As for the rust, I was told by the mechanic it was quite bad, and I instantly shat a brick, but when I got it home the old man and I had a look underneath and it's a tiny hole about 50mm x 15mm. So that's a huge load off of my mind. Oil leaks and the door hinge will have to be professionally taken care of, I don't like the idea of messing with those gnarly door mechanisms, and oil leaks suck. Anyway, that's it for now. I'll post again when I get either my driver's seat or all the parts.