March 2016 (Issue 423)
Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A – 0006149J / FWDV Member PO BOX 2456 Mount Waverley VIC 3149
www.subaru4wdvic.com.au
Volks-Baru Subaru and Volkswagen Specialist Parts and Service Centre
We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.
John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655
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C ON T E N T S Intro 4 Committee 5 From The President 6 Upcoming 7 Next Meeting - Tuesday March 22rd 7 Trips and Social Events 8 Long Term Future Planning 10 Upcoming 4wd Driver training 10 Trip and Recovery Gear 12 Trip Reports 13 Tonimbuk weekend - 25th March 13 Beyond Yarra Glen 15 General Articles 18 Subaru Outback & Forester DPF Light Common Fault 18 Important reminder about caring for your vehicle... and caring for the bush! 19 Experiences Lifting my Forester 22 Buy and Sell 29 Club Resources 29 Member Items for Sale 29 Minutes 32 Committee Meeting Minutes 35 Editor Notes 39
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INTRO The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 30 years ago by an enthusiastic group of Subaru owners. Today the club has expanded to include all Subaru 4WD and AWD vehicles, as well as all other makes of AWD, light 4WD and crossover/soft-roader type vehicles. The club aims to participate in the exploration of the Australian countryside without damage to the environment, vehicle or individual. Visitors are most welcome to attend the club’s General Meetings and contact committee members regarding participation in club activities. The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2015/16 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2015 and are as follows:
Member rates: Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110) Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125). One off joining fee of $10 ($20 for Joint/Family) also applies All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $47
Non-member trip fee: A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)
Please contact the membership officer for further enquiries. Email: mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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COMMITTEE Stephen Whittaker (President)
president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Dale Rebgetz (Vice President)
vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Peter Bellis (Secretary)
secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Bob Marshall (Treasurer)
treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Duncan McCrae (OM: General Committee) Dan Conlon (OM: Editor)
editor@subaru4wdvic.com. au
Jean Bellis (OM: Social Coordinator )
events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Jamie Scott (OM: Trips Coordinator)
events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Meredith Dale (OM: Venue Coordinator)
venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Mike Dale (OM: Website/ Magazine Content)
venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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F R OM T HE P RE SI DE N T President’s Report: March Magazine Welcome to the March Subaru 4WD Club magazine! The 2016 Club Photo Competition was run and won at last month’s General Meeting. This is where we get all the proof we need that we have a plethora of excellent photographers in our club. And this year’s competition did not disappoint. Congratulations to the winners of the various categories, which included:
Best Best Best Best
Best Portrait photograph: Jan Rebgetz with ‘Jus’ hanging’ Action photograph: Dale Rebgetz with ‘Hurry up’ Close Up/Nature photograph: Kadin Dale with ‘Snowflakes in the grass’ Funny photograph: Edith Fullalove with ‘Present? For me?’ Recovery photograph: Dale Rebgetz with ‘Push harder’
All the photos are now up on the club Facebook page. So, if you haven’t had a chance to check out the photography talent, head there now to check it out: facebook.com/subaru4wdvic In fantastic news, we are happy to announce that we have locked in a date for our first Club Training! Thanks to Jessica and Damian for arranging a location not far north of Melbourne at Tallarook. See elsewhere in this magazine for details. Essentially, the training will take place at a purpose-built training facility where participants will camp there for the weekend, undertake theory and practical components of training and enjoy learning about best-practice four wheel driving and recovery techniques. I’m really excited about this training getting underway and believe this will be a great opportunity for new members (and those of us a little longer in the club) to learn new and better skills and strategies to improve our four wheel driving experience. In our 40th year, the club will celebrate this amazing milestone in September. Keep 24 & 25 September – the weekend before the Grand Final Day long weekend – free for this special celebration. Forty years exploring Australia in Subarus! Wow! It will be something well worth celebrating. We will be heading to Echuca for the party where we will enjoy afternoon drinks on a paddle steamer, an optional ‘Port After Dark’ guided lantern tour and then dinner at the renowned Radcliffe’s restaurant right in the Echuca Port precinct. After a huge night celebrating, we will then enjoy a big breakfast cook up Subaru 4WD Club-style! Sincere thanks to David Wilson for his fantastic efforts in arranging everything so far – thanks, Dave.
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Our Committee members do a fabulous job in assisting to run this club. I’d like to acknowledge one particular new member on the Committee this year who has made a fantastic contribution! Meredith Dale has done a stellar job in the Venue Coordinator position having successfully recruited guests and arranged activities for the General Meetings for the entire calendar year to come! So, be on the lookout for various guests, activities, educational pieces and special nights (such as this month’s meeting at Berwick Subaru) and thank Meredith, when you next see her, for her work on delivering this for our club! Thanks, Meredith. Again, just another reminder that, as half of the club will be in on the Disputed Border Trip over the Easter break, our March General Meeting has moved and will now be held ONE WEEK EARLY on 22 March. It will be held at Berwick Subaru. There will be an opportunity to test drive vehicles, talk with dealership representatives and learn more about current model vehicles. Test drives and showroom tours will commence at 6pm with the official meeting starting at 7:30pm. There’s been a change of date, time and place for our March meeting. Please help communicate the change to those you can! Thanks. Looking forward to your company then where you can catch up on the latest club news, hear trip reports and mingle with other members. In the meantime, enjoy the March magazine and I’ll see you at the meeting and/or out on the tracks – wherever we may be heading! Stephen Whittaker President
UPCOMING Next Meeting - Tuesday March 22rd CHANGE OF VENUE AND DATE The March Meeting (22th March) will be held at Berwick Subaru (1 Prestige Place, Narre Warren), there will be chance to test drive vehicles from 6pm and the meeting itself will then be held there at 7:30pm. Door Prize. Berwick Subaru have kindly donated the door prize this month. Venue Coordinator Meredith Dale
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Trips and Social Events We have a variety of trips coming up. There have been some very exciting proposals for extended trips and some have had to be but onto the calendar for 2017 or 2018. There is a need for day trips of various standards but with an emphasis on trips that many of our newer members can come on. This could mean an easy, medium easy or an easy medium. So if you know a great location that you would love to explore with the club let us know. Chances are that there are others in the club that might want to visit the same area. Put up the suggestion and someone else might run it Put up the suggestion and ask for someone else who might want to co-lead it with you. You might want it run it yourself and if it is your first time we will provide you with a trip mentor. Social Events are also needed particularly over the cooler winter months. This could be movie and coffee, restaurant meal, bike ride, train ride, walk etc.
Disputed Border This Trip has reached Convoy Limit. Trip Standard: Medium â– Trip Leaders: Jean and Peter Bellis - events@subaru4wdvic.com.au The Full length of VIC/SA border) Friday 25 March to Sunday 3rd April 2016 (Easter 25-28th March) Further details will be emailed out to those attending this trip. Jean and Peter Bellis events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Kara Kara National Park This Trip has reached Convoy Limit. Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April 2016 (Anzac Day Weekend) Trip Standard: Medium â– Trip Leaders: Meredith and Mike Dale Location: Kara Kara National Park north of Avoca
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Standing camp based at Moonambel Camp Ground
Subaru Club Training Weekend When: 11am Saturday 14th to 4pm Sunday 15th May Where: Tallarook Trip Leader: Jessica Walsh See elsewhere in the Magazine for more details
Nooje Sunday 22nd May 2016 Trip Standard: Easy Medium ■ Trip Leaders: Edith Fullalove and Mike Dale Location: Starting at the Lions Park in Neerim South Trip includes a walk to Toorongo Falls (easy 1.5 km return), water wheel, and Trestle Bridge.
Licola to Jamison over Mt Skene. When: Saturday 11th Monday 13th June (Queens Birthday long weekend Trip Leader: Mike Dale Trip Standard: Medium ■ (TBC)
Simpson Desert This Trip has reached Convoy Limit. When: 17th July 2016 for 3 weeks Trip Leader: Dale Rebgetz - vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
11th Australian 4WD Gathering When: 19th – 22nd August 2016 : Barmera, South Australia (2 hours west of Mildura) Loveday 4x4 Park.
40th Anniversary Celebrations Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016 Trip Leader: Dave Wilson
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Location: Echuca Saturday: Paddle steamer ride including drinks and hors d’oeuvres : Optional Lantern Tour of the Historic Port area. : Dinner at Radcliffes Sunday: Big cooked breakfast. We are still awaiting final costing for this event.
Robe When: 29th Oct to 1st November Where: Robe, SA Trip Rating: Medium ■ (to be confirmed) Convoy Limit: TBC Trip Leaders: Lee Wegner & Duncan McCrae
Long Term Future Planning 2017
Central Australia Kangaroo Island? Fraser Island 50th Anniversary Subaru FFI 8-11 April Birdswood SA Kosciusko to Melbourne
2018
Cape York Tasmania – Hobart and the SE for 2 weeks in March
2019
Canning Stock Route Simpson Desert – re-enactment of the 40th anniversary of the Club’s 1974 crossing from Macumba Station to Purine Bore
Trip and Social Contacts • • •
Trip Coordinator: Jamie Scott Social Coordinator : Jean Bellis events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Upcoming 4wd Driver training Subaru Club Training Weekend When: 11am Saturday 14th to 4pm Sunday 15th May Where: Tallarook
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Trip Leader: Jessica Walsh Cost: around $100 per student - to be confirmed Attendance is limited to 10 students
The Club's training program is finally coming to fruition. We have sourced the use of a property near Tallarook which is a bit over an hour north of Melbourne. The weekend will cover all components of Four Wheel Drive Victoria's proficiency course. This is the first time the club has used this property so I have allocated the whole weekend to allow us to get to know the facilities and environs. This will mean there may be a little more down time than future sessions. The training area provides examples of rocks/ruts, side slopes, hill climbs and descents, water crossings and other hazards. An initial program is as follows (with breaks as appropriate): Saturday 11am - 3pm: Theory session 3 - 4pm: Vehicle inspections 4 - 5pm: Recovery overview and demonstration Sunday 9 - 10am: Theory review 10am - 4pm: Practical driving including one-on-one instruction 4pm Review and depart There are toilets and showers (wood fired water heater). There is also a large flat camping area that is big enough for us to spread out on. You will need to be self-sufficient with your own camping equipment, food and water. The property has a building that will allow us to do the theory out of the weather, with 12v solar powered lighting. I will be visiting the property in the next few weeks, so will have some more details then. I have limited the numbers to 10 students (not vehicles) for this weekend. You are welcome to bring family and friends, however unless they are part of 'the ten' they will be limited to observing. There will be an intention sheet at the next meeting - please make sure you specify who would like to do the training. Jessica Walsh
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TRIP AND RECOVERY GEAR The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable experience in the bush, increasing 4WD’ing skills and experience, whilst maintaining the highest regard for the safety of individuals, the vehicle and the environment. As a driver you have ultimate responsibility for the safety of your passengers and vehicle. It is the responsibility of any participating driver to contact individual trip leaders for clarification of individual trip requirements and standards. Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to increase confidence and experience. Visitors are welcome subject to the payment of the appropriate levy to cover insurance, but after two visits, should consider membership. Non-financial members are not covered by insurance and may not participate until payment is received. Individual drivers with concerns or queries regarding their vehicle and the trip standard should contact relevant trip leaders. The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items or equipment on every trip: 1.
Personal details form as
8.
specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader 2.
Emergency Supplies
(minimum 3.2t)
clothing)
Rated snatch strap Recovery Points, Front & Rear; plus optional bridle
10. Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays 11. A Tyre Pressure Gauge;
strap, according to vehicle
Compressor (according to the
design;
trip)
AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or
12. An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;
UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB
13. A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible
Radio. Ideally in car but hand held are ok provided sufficient battery(s) to last
7.
9.
(matches, food, water and
4.
6.
equivalent
Two rated D- Shackles
3.
5.
Jack and wheel Brace, or
shovels are no good) 14. Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip)
the trip.
15. A Tool Kit
Fire Extinguisher, accessible
16. Personal First Aid Kit
to the driver
17. The Vehicle Manual
Spare Tyre (full size)
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Any vehicle not carrying at least the first five (5) items of equipment should contact the individual Trip Leader before leaving. Any Club member unsure about any of the items of equipment listed above are advised to contact the Trip and Social Coordinator or the Trip Leader concerned. All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All non-emergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.
TRIP REPORTS Tonimbuk weekend - 25th March Friday after noon people started to arrive. It was just on dark when we had a visit from the property owners who had brought out a few pizzas for us! We had the fire going, and were sitting around until around 10pm when we all jumped in the cars for a drive around the property. Then bed time. Saturday morning Duncan and Lee arrived, just coming for the day and night drive. Rick, Josh and Stephen arrived and all set up camp. We headed out for a morning trip about 9:30am, most of the morning was easy going. We turned onto a track named PHASMID track. For those on the Christmas trip, the Big Stick insect that landed on Les…..this track is named after it. It didn’t live for long and I hoped we wouldn’t suffer the same fate while venturing on this track!
This is where the harder 4WD’ing was due to the red clay ruts. It was steep too, with a couple getting stuck on the wash outs. In the end we all got up ok, and at the top we stopped to regroup. At this point I found my phone was missing, l looked through the car a couple of times and found…..right before Meredith announced she had lost her sun glasses. Back to Bunyip Gap for lunch After lunch it was up Gentle Annie track to the trig point at 686m. At the top we found out that Kadin had got stuck in the ruts and wash out and needed a short tow. We got back to camp around 4pm, and sat in the shade having nibbles, dips and drink…..what a nice day out. Tea cooked ready for the night drive. Just on dusk we headed out, the drive was a medium trip apart from one track that l couldn’t pre trip as the gate was still locked…..tonight however, the gate was open. The track was easy until we went to go down some big rocks with deep sandy ruts with Rick guiding us down (Thanks Rick). All the rest will be easy said someone (don’t jinx it!!), but they were right and the Tare loop drive up and over the Bunyip Ridge track (most off this at 550 metres) was nice and not too hard. We arrived back at camp at about 10pm, Kadin had stayed behind and kept the fire going for us! We sat around the fire for quite some time, until 1:30am for some!! We had three really good chimneys for the fire (see the photo). Sunday. It was very quiet in camp until around 8.30am when some thought they spotted a pig (turned out to be just a wallaby). At 9.30am a driver and passenger briefing was held for the day’s events….which promised to be good fun!! 1.
2. 3.
The first event consisted of one driver being blindfolded while the passenger guided them to a pick up point and back to start…..what could possibly go wrong? The second event was the “who could pack closest to the witch’s hat” event. The third event was to drive and make a pickup of gecko eggs, then return to the start, being sure to take care of the eggs the whole way along! The circuit was around 1km it had lots of different terrain to drive over.
For these events we definitely had a few people thinking they were Possum Bourne ort Ken Block, with a decent
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about of wheel spinning, dust and revving……good fun had by all! A big thank you to Michelle and David for letting us use their property, wouldn’t have been possible without your contribution! We hope to run this event again soon…..see you next time. In attendance Duncan and Lee Ranger (Day and Night Team) Peter Dev Frostier (Just Cruising) Kadin Dale Forester (K and M D Racing) Michael and Meredith Dale Forester (MandM Racing) Rick and Josh L series (Team Crash) Stephen Forester ( Whittaker Rally ) Peter and Edith Prado (The STIG and CO) Cory Peterson Hilux (C P Racing) and Property over seers Nathan Peterson Buggy (Buggy Mad Racing) and Bounders Manger Jamie Scott land cruiser (Track Marshal) Les Scott Hilux (Event Manger)
Beyond Yarra Glen Yarra Glen to Yan Yean Reservoir – February 14th by Edith Fullalove Peter, Edith, Mike, Meredith, Jan and Dale had a yummy breakfast at Yarra Glen Cafe and Store before the trip was to start.
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The trip started with all of us meeting at McKenzie Reserve. Peter and Jean arrived last with poor Peter a tad under the weather. As Sandy hadn’t seen the park before and we had some time she decided to check out the park. What do we see but her and Jan swing on the big round swing like two little kids. After rounding everybody up we head out onto the main road heading north and then into Eltham/Symonds Street, where it was noticed that M & M only had one full headlight working. Skyline Road, Buttermans Track towards St Andrews, along this road Edith though she had made everyone take a wrong turn and make every turn back, to then found out we had been on the right road all along, which then involve everyone having to turn around again. Heidelberg-Kinglake Road, and Mittons Bridge Road. As we turned into Jackson Road we pulled over for a lovely view of the country side and you could see the city in the background.
Bald Spur Road leads uphill to the St Andrews Memorial. We stopped to have a look at the memorial to the people who lost their lives in the bushfires of Black Saturday in 2009. We then continued on our way till we reached the Whittlesea-
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Kinglake Road and head into the township of Kinglake to use the local amenities. It was hard to find parking as a local market was on in Bollygum Park. After using the amenities we all met up at the Frank Thomson Reserve, which is located at the highest point of the district. This offered views of the country side and the city. We then headed towards Phesant Creek via the Whittlesea-Kinglake Road and turned off onto National Park Road to the Mason Falls where we had lunch among the towering gums. We sat under the large shelters where there were lots of tables and toilets as well. After lunch most of us did the Masons Falls Walk (700 metres one way) which leads to the spectacular Masons Falls lookout. The walk takes about 40 minutes return. Peter waited in the car while we all walked. Nyree and Angus every managed to do the walk after Angus decided he didn’t want to original do the walk. We said good bye to Peter and Jean at the picnic area has Peter hadn’t improved any. We did manage to fit in a group shot before they left; we asked a couple if they would take the picture for us. Head back to main road then turn off at Beale Ave. Going down this track you are given views of the surround country side and city. Odeos Road, Eagles Nest Road, Brennan’s Road East, Deep Creek Road, Ridge Road, Plenty Road, through Whittlesea. Reservoir Road and then to Recreation Road which takes you into the Yan Yean Reservoir where we had afternoon tea. After a cuppa and something to eat we all said our goodbye before heading home. Thanks to all who attended and made this a great trip. Peter and Edith (Pajero) Mike and Meredith (Forester) Anthony, Nyree and Angus (Jeep) Jan and Dale (Forester) Peter and Jean (Forester) Alan and Sandy (Prado)
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GENERAL ARTICLES Subaru Outback & Forester DPF Light Common Fault
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Important reminder about caring for your vehicle... and caring for the bush!
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T R IP S S U MMA RY Trip
Next Meeting Berwick Subaru (1 Prestige Place, Narre Warren)
Date
CHANGE OF Test drive
VENUE AND
vehicles from
TIME!!!!
6pm, meeting itself at 7:30pm.
Border
to Sunday 3rd April 2016
National Park This Trip has reached Convoy Limit
(Easter 25-28th March)
Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April 2016 ( Anzac Day Weekend)
Subaru Club
11am Saturday
Training
14th to 4pm
Weekend -
Sunday 15th
Tallarook
May
Nooje
d
22rd
Friday 25 March
Kara Kara
Standar
Tuesday March
Disputed
This Trip has reached Convoy Limit.
Leader(s)
Sunday 22nd
Jean and Peter Bellis events@subaru4wd
Medium â–
vic.com.au
Meredith and Mike Dale venue@subaru4wdvic.
Medium â–
com.au
Jessica Walsh See elsewhere in
Varied
the Magazine for more details
Edith Fullalove and
Easy Medium
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May 2016
Mike Dale
■
Saturday 11th Licola to
Monday 13th
Jamison over
June (Queens
Mt Skene.
Birthday long
Mike Dale
Medium ■ (TBC)
weekend) Simpson Desert 17th July 2016 This Trip has
for 3 weeks
reached
Dale Rebgetz- vicepresident@subaru4 wdvic.com.au
Medium ■
Convoy Limit. 11th Australian
19th – 22nd
4WD
August 2016
See you there
Gathering 40th
Saturday 24th to
Anniversary
Sunday 25th
Celebrations
September
Dave Wilson
Saturday 29th Robe, SA
October to st
Tuesday 1
Lee Wegner &
Medium
Duncan McCrae
■ (TBC)
November
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Editor’s note: Really interesting article from Unsealed 4x4 Magazine http://www.unsealed4x4.com.au/issue021/#1
Experiences Lifting my Forester By Michael Dale First off a couple of disclaimers. It's not actually my car, it's my sons - Kadin. Secondly, this is not a how to guide, it's just some light reading with hopefully a bit of entertainment. One of the first questions I asked myself is should I do it, or pay someone else to do it. I did think about outsourcing the job to someone else, but some macabre masochistic streak in me decided that I should have a go. I mean, what could go wrong? There are quite a few in the club that have done it, and armed with a few Youtube videos, I thought: "how hard can it be!" So I went and harassed a few people in the club first about what was involved, what types of lifts were out there, and what tools were needed. I decided on a combination lift - one inch body lift and one inch suspension lift, giving me approximately two inches in total. The springs are actually 30mm longer (an inch is 25.4mm), but will
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compress a little, and will compress further over time and also vary with load. So it's a bit of a tradeoff compared to a two inch body lift. For me it was an easy decision as the rear struts had to be replaced anyway as the seal had gone and the car bounced up and down like someone on a pilates ball. Club members get a good deal on parts from the Burson's store in Malvern (through Tim Lawson), so I ordered my struts and springs there. It was a little under $900. Full retail was over $1500, so I was pretty happy with that. The body lift I got through Matt, and I hit some eBay stores for a couple of sets of spring compressors, and an auto store for a half metre breaker bar that was on special. Saturday morning came and I put the car into the garage. Due to a long workbench at the rear and a pole dancing pole in the middle of the garage, there are limited places to position the car for all round access. I settled on a spot about half a metre from the workbench with the driver’s side door hard up against the pole (so egress and ingress was via the passenger door). This was a position that I was to rue a little later on. We started on the front first, as generally they were considered the easier ones to do. Hand brake on, first gear engaged, we jacked up the car. Not having stands I used my ramps with some thick timber on top to provide the additional height. We also used a couple of chocks on the rear wheels, although I'm not sure if they would have held on the concrete floor if something did give.
Improvised Jack Stands using the Car Ramps. 23 | P a g e
We jacked up both sides and removed the wheels. I gave all the nuts and bolts a good spray with WD-40 and gave it a bit to settle in. We marked the position of the camber bolts and took some photos. This was to be important later and I wish I had remembered to do this for the rear, but as we will see later, it got a little stressful and I forgot about the camera completely. We then attempted to remove the bolts holding the strut to the hub using the breaker bar and an 800mm tube as an extension. The driver’s side came off nicely, giving a nice crack when loosened. However the passenger side presented some issues. We had a breaker bar with a ½ inch connector, but only a 3/8 inch socket, so we were using an adapter. Unfortunately for us the adapted snapped in two. So Meredith went on a dash to the auto store for 22mm socket with a ½ inch connector. I sprayed the nuts and bolts again on the passenger side (several times actually) and we amused ourselves by removing the driver’s side strut and working out how to put the spring compressors on. Before we got too far Meredith returned with a new socket and we were able to remove the passenger side strut.
Wheel Hub and Strut: the camber bolt is the top bolt. The ABS and Brake line also need to be removed from the strut before it can be removed.
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We then turned our attention back to compressing the spring which is required in order to remove the top hat. The new struts do not come with a top hat, so you need to use the old one. Compressing the old spring and removing the top hat was pretty easy. I used a tie down strap (see photo) to assist in keeping the spring compressors in place. While this seemed like a nice idea, the strap tended to get caught under the compressor arm as it was tightened, so we didn't always use this.
Spring Compressors. We only required three on the old springs. With the top hat off we knocked out the old bolts and installed the body lift using the supplied longer bolts. Then we had the fun part of compressing the new, considerably stiffer springs. Matt had said it was pretty tough to compress the front springs enough to install the new strut, and he was correct. We got to a point where we needed to compress the spring about 50mm more in order to be able to bolt on the top hat. This would have meant that two of the compressors would have been completely closed, and we could already see the tension they were under. We decided that we would leave this in the too hard basket and instead tackle the rear, as those springs, being longer were easier to compress. So we jacked up the rear of the car. We used two jacks so we could lift each side of the vehicle at the same time just to avoid any complications as the front was still sitting on the ramps. I didn't really have anything handy to support the rear, so it was a stack of bricks in the middle of the car. As a side note, the jack for a series two Forester extends higher than that of a series three.
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We didn't get much further that day as it was getting late in the day and it was best to not push it. It was then however that I regretted my lack of for though about the placement of the car in the garage. It alas stuck out 50mm too far to close the garage door any more than about 2/3 of the way. So we stuck a couple of cars in front to mostly hide the fact that the door was not completely closed. I considered attempting to wheel the car in using some old skate boards I had, but was told that would not work! Sunday morning, and we disconnected the hubs and pulled the struts out. Spring compressors at the ready we disconnected the top hat and knocked the bolts out. We installed the body lift onto the top hat. I was then interrupted by some visitors which was bad timing as I was already way behind schedule. After a cup of tea and some cake I was back into it. The spring compressors onto the new springs and we cranked them up. It was reasonably easy to compress the rear springs enough to fit the strut and top hat. It was a little time consuming getting the base of the spring to sit correctly in the base of the strut. I had the spring and strut laid out horizontally on a bench and to evenly reduce tension on the spring we rotated through the four spring compressors, which meant rotating the spring and strut, which kept wobbling until it was tight. Another issue was lining up the top hat and strut so they would fit back in the vehicle - more on that later. Once the strut was completed a new concern arose when I realised which strut I had used. It seems that after the interruption from out visitors, I didn't quite pickup where I left off. I had inadvertently placed the top hat from the driver’s side strut onto the new strut for the passenger’s side. I realised this when I went to fit the strut and it was not the one I planned to do first. It turned out that it didn't matter as the top hats are interchangeable, but it did cause some mild panic and some very close investigating between the new spring and strut and the old spring and strut. I shelved installing the completed strut for the time being and decided to assemble the other rear strut/spring first. The swapped top hat may have had something to do with this decision. I wanted to have a complete pair just in case, as the thought of pulling out a fitted strut to swap over a top hat was not pleasant. The second rear strut proved to be troublesome. The strut top nut was very tight. One pair of vice grips to hold the cylinder rod from moving was not enough. A quick trip to my father-in-laws place to get a second pair and a bit of leverage with a large screw driver (between the top hat screws) did the trick. I had used so much force with the vice grips that I had actually managed to carve a groove in the old strut rod. The second strut was assembled much easier - a bit of practice helps. So with my pair of rear struts we tried to fit them. That proved to be a task beyond us until some days later. Remember how I said that the top and bottom have to be very closely aligned, to within a few degrees. The three top hat bolts have to fit back
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into the chassis, while the strut base needs to slot into the hub. There is almost no wiggle room for adjustment. This was made worse due to the longer strut. Without removing the trailing arm (to drop the hub completely out of the way) the base of the strut was locked into the hub connector which meant the top had to align almost exactly with the three bolt holes, which unsurprisingly they didn't. We found rotating the top or bottom was near impossible. We tried both passenger and drivers side to no avail. Eventually all my helpers got tired of holding up a 15kg strut into a cramped wheel hub and went inside. I decided I'd had enough also and went and watered the garden. Monday: Meredith took the front springs and struts down to Pedders, where they assembled them for $40 a pair. After work Kadin and myself set about installing the front struts. They went in surprisingly easy, compared to our previous attempt to fit the rear. The top hat swivels (required to do so for the steering) so it was very easy to align the bolts with the holes. Both sides were fitted to the chassis and then I proceeded to connect the hubs, carefully aligning the camber bolt to as closely as it was previously. I then focused my attention on the rear. Using a short pole that was just slightly larger than the connector on the strut base, I tried to project the correct alignment from the bottom of the strut to the top hat. I compressed the springs again so I could rotate the top hat. I did this with both struts. The alignment looked ok, but then it also did the previous day when they just wouldn't fit. Kadin was still feeling sore from Sunday's effort, and it was getting late so I decided to leave a second attempt at installing the rear strut until tomorrow. Tuesday: home from work, 40 degree temperature, lovely time to attempt to install a couple of struts. Kadin hesitantly came down for another attempt. This time I grabbed a large pair of vice grips and climbed in the back of the car. My aim was to grab the top of the strut piston so that I could guide it into the correct place. The effort of aligning the strut the previous day worked and the passenger side went in without too much hassle. We then proceeded to install the driver’s side strut. This proved a little more problematic. This hub did not lower as far as the passenger side, and the strut and hub kind of jammed together with their respective connectors. This meant to push the strut into place also meant lifting up the hub. No way! It was just too heavy. We then raided Meredith's car for a third jack (yes Meredith we have put it back) and we used that to lift the hub and strut which fitted into place with the assistance of the vice grips from above. That was it for that day as we had the monthly meeting to attend.
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Wednesday: came home and connected the rear hubs and double checked the front nuts. I then had to jack up each side of the car a little to fit the wheels. At this stage I realised that the jack for my car was still holding up one side of Kadin's and that I had been driving around for three days with no way to replace a tyre if the need arose. Then when I went to put it away I couldn’t remember where it went. Between the series two and three foresters, Subaru changed where the jack is kept, and having just put Kadin's away I was trying to put mine back in the same place and it just didn't fit, no matter how much I wound it down. Next there was the road test. Nice and slow down the driveway, making sure the brakes work. We have a dirt road a couple of km from our place and that was the next stop to test the ABS. No problems there. I couldn't resist driving up and over some drainage ditches to test the new and improved clearance. A speed run at 80 km/h to ensure the camber was not too far out, and then back home. Of course Meredith was upset I didn't take her (I thought it made sense to only have one test pilot), so off we went again with her driving. We did get a wheel alignment done a couple of days later and it was apparently very close, so we only got charged half price. Off road test - Jamie's trip at Tonimbuk. It went well. The car itself is a little different to my series three Forester. The stiffer springs may have caught me off guard and I think I got a bit of wheel spin (due to my left wheel lifting a little) where I wasn't expecting it which made for some interesting videos. The additional clearance made some things a breeze. I'm pretty sure we didn't bottom out once for the whole trip, and that was including some driver mistakes dropping into ditches. So was it worth it? It was definitely worth doing. Compared to the clearance of mine, there are significantly large boulders that you can just drive over without even giving it a second thought. Would I do it again? Yes. I'll probably lift mine, although it will only be a one inch body lift so it should be a little easier. A big thanks to Steve and Matt for all their advice.
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BUY AND SELL Club Resources We have plenty of resources to sell. We may have many, some or none of the following items so if you are interested in any of these then please come along to the club meeting and I will be very happy to sell them to you. Correct change will be much appreciated. Short sleeve blue chambray shirt w/logo (Size 14) - $30.00 Long sleeve blue chambray shirt w/logo (Size M) - $60.00 New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL) - $30.00 Hat Oiled Skin size 55 - $20.00 Hat Safari size 59 - $20.00 New Style Vest - $60.00 New Style Jacket - $70.00 Blue Polo Shirt - $15.00 Large Sew on Badges - $3.50 Small Sew on Badges - $2.00 Fuel Filter Plastic x 45deg. - $5.00 Fuel Filter Plastic x 90deg. - $5.00 Fuel Filter Plastic x Straight - $5.00 eFlare HZ510 Red with Base - $55.00 Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] - $1.60 CV Boot Clamps Large & Small - $3.00 CV Joint Grease - $4.00 MSP Engine Formulation (oil additive) - $50.00 For substantial discounts on all general automotive spare parts, oils, filters, shocks, etc., please see me for details. Resources Officer: Dale Rebgetz Email: resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Member Items for Sale Item: Forester Aluminium Bash Plates Details: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium Cost: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged. Contact: David Wilson, dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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Item: Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model Cost: $120.00 ONO Contact: David Wilson, dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Roof console to hold CB and lights and switches for Outback Cost: $100.00 Contact: David Wilson, dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Vic blue and white standard number plates in as new condition 1XV4US Cost: $500.00 ONO Contact: Jenny, 0417369405
Item: STi Intercooler. Details: Excellent condition, apart from slight dent on side (pictured). Came as spare parts when I purchased my 2007 Forester. Will fit most Turbo Subies. Cost: $250 Contact: dgreenall79@gmail.com
Item: STi Exhaust system Details: STi Exhaust system. Everything you need to give your Suby the perrrr it deserves! Very clean, no dents, minor scuffs, Stainless steel. Everything from the Manifold back to the chrome STi stamped tip!! Cost: Make me an offer!!! Contact: dgreenall79@gmail.com
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Want to sell something Subaru/off-road related? Contact editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au The club makes this space available free of charge to members wishing to buy or sell items. Please note that the Motor Car Trader Regulations 1998-22(4) require that vehicles for sale advertisements must contain: (a) the cash price of the vehicle and; (b) the registration number if registered or the engine/chassis numbers if unregistered.
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M IN U T E S General Meeting Minutes
Michael Dickman, Angela Bombardieri, Julie Dyer, Richard Saleeba.
The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 23rd February 2016 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at 8:07pm.
4.
Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.
1.
5.
Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1. The minutes of the January 2016 General Meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Jessica Walsh and seconded by Meredith Walsh. 5.2. There was no business arising from the minutes.
6.
Correspondence 6.1. In Magazines from various 4WD clubs. 4WD Victoria e-News – February 2016 March 2016 general meeting invitation Half yearly affiliation fees Sale of Subaru Brumby Cadbury – chocolate for fundraising. 6.2. Out None
7.
Reports 7.1. Resources
Present Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Jessica Walsh, Les Scott, Dave Denver, Paul Saleeba, Michael Dale, Meredith Date, Peter Fullalove, Edith Fullalove, Bev Davison, Kerry Gill, Graham Gill, Martin Foot, Bob Marshall, Damian Stock, Stephen Whittaker, Tim Folliard, Peter Devine, Anthony Saunders, Cynthia Rennolds, Jamie Scott, Katie Mynard, Peter Mynard, David Wilson, Andrew Santuccione, Rick Koster, Duncan McCrae, Lee Wegner
2.
Apologies Dan Conlon, Doug Greenall, Dale Rebgetz, Jan Rebgetz, Elaine Hyde, Andrew Jantke, Lisa Jantke, Dennis Scambler.
3.
Visitors
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Nothing reported. 7.2. Editor Nothing reported. 7.3. Trip And Social See elsewhere in the magazine for details on upcoming events and trips. Opportunity for alternate trips to be run on the Labour Day weekend in March. No trips yet organised for the Queen’s Birthday and AFL Grand Final long weekends.
7.4. Venue See elsewhere in the magazine for details of future meetings. Need suggestions for potential future guest speaker. 7.5. Membership. Nothing to report. Recent membership approvals include Doug and Michelle Greenall, and Dennis Scambler and Janice Crozier. Name tags were presented to Justin and Anthony Wilson, and Ngaire Saunders. 7.6. Treasurer Current bank account is $8,340. Major expenditure includes hire of venue $360. Major income includes 7.7. Secretary Work has been done on the club’s convoy rules. Next week’s committee meeting is at Dale’s place in Belgrave South. 7.8. Vice-President Nothing reported. 7.9. President
As per the magazine. Club training for 4WD driving will be pushed over the next few months.
8.
Club’s 40th Birthday 8.1. Major celebration on the weekend of 24th September 2016. 8.2. Will be based in Echuca. 8.3. Paddle steamer ride with drinks and nibbles. 8.4. Optional tour of the wharf by lantern. 8.5. Dinner and local restaurant. 8.6. Cost will be about $70 to $90 after club subsidisation. 8.7. Cooked breakfast for the Sunday morning. 8.8. “Expression of interest” sheet – for gauging of interest in club for activity. 8.9. Will be investigating various merchandising options.
9.
General Business 9.1. Chocolate fundraising – have two packs – bars and frogs. $50 per box resulting in $20 profit per box for the club. Selling 28 boxes resulting in about $500 for the club. 9.2. Website – parts.subaru.com – allows for identification of part numbers for the ordering of spare parts for Subarus. Only goes back to 1985. 9.3. 4WD Victoria Have been able to produce a new 4WD handbook with
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9.4.
9.5.
9.6.
9.7.
assistance from Parks Victoria and DWELP. 4WD now has representation on the Victorian ministerial advisory committee. Jamie caught up with an ex member, Terry Quigley, in Omeo after the post Christmas trip. Request for circulation of an updated member’s list. Will happen this month. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Subaru boxer engine in Australia. Celebrations are being held at the Birdwood automobile museum in South Australia. Lift kits for later model Subarus – VACC is doing a new poster for vehicles that have electronic stability control.
10. Fines and Fun 10.1. Nametags Jamie Scott, Duncan McCrae, Lee Wagner, David Wilson. 10.2. Last to Meeting Rick Koster
10.3. Trips 10.3.1. Mt Alexander Michael Dale – Alan – for not turning up to the trip. Edith – for leaving both thermos at home.
Peter F – for leaving toilet bag behind. Paul – for almost taking off with tailgate open. Paul – for leaving the hand brake off at the quarry. Meredith – Meredith – for swearing over the CB radio. Meredith and Edith – for scaring aware the birds. Kerry and Graham – having an oil warning light on and requiring a tow. Daryl – taking three attempts to put up his dome tent. Meredith and Michael – for being lost and needing guidance from Martin. Peter F – for backing into a tree and breaking his back window. 10.3.2. Beyond Yarra Glen Michael – blown headlamp Sandy and Jan – playing on the swings. Edith – for needing to do a few u-turns. 10.4. Total fines collected - $9.90.
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11. Photographic Competition After much deliberation of the many photographs submitted, the winners for the following categories are: Best Potrait: Jan Rebgetz – Jus’ Hangin’ Best Action: Dale Rebgetz – Hurry Up Best Close-Up (Nature): Kaden Dale – Snowflakes in the grass Funny/Humorous: Edith Fullalove – Present? For me?
14. Meeting closed at 10:11pm and was followed by supper.
Committee Meeting Minutes Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday 1st March 2016 at the home of Dale Rebgetz starting at 7:45pm.
1.
Present Dale Rebgetz, Duncan McCrae, Jamie Scott, Meredith Dale, Michael Dale, Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Stephen Whittaker.
2.
Apologies Bob Marshall, Dan Conlon.
3.
Quorum A quorum was achieved with 8 committee members present.
4.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Best Recovery: Dale Rebgetz – Push Harder Best Group: Jamie Scott – Group shot at Nelia Gaari Station Landscape: Edith Fullalove – In Reflection
12. The Lucky door prize was won by Jamie Scott.
13. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd March 2016 commencing at 7:30pm at Berwick Subaru.
4.1. Minutes of the February 2016 meeting were accepted without amendment.
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4.2. Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 4.2.1. Bank account signatories.
4.2.2.
4.2.3. 4.2.4.
4.2.5.
Club’s cupboard. Have problems finding a locksmith who can access the blank (evidently these are kept in the USA). Ongoing 4WD Education / Awareness. Membership renewal form – Dan has constructed a draft form and circulated it to committee members for comment. Set up on two pages. Needs a minor tidy-up in regards to fonts. Also, the colours need to be set such that they print okay on a black and white printer. Also, need to fix up some alignment issues. Since the form also mentions membership renewal, the form heading needs to be amended to reflect that. Request for advertising in club’s magazine by AllDrive Subaroo – need to determine pricing and circulate to committee members for discussion/review.
5.
Correspondence 5.1. In 4WD Victoria – delegates’ brief sheet (needs to be included in the magazine), and “Clean up the Bush”at Nerrina State Forest (send out email for expression of interest – PGB). 4WD Victoria – financial statements 4WD Victoria – draft strategic plans. 5.2. Out None
6.
Reports 6.1. Resources Need to do a club clothing order form. 6.2. Trip and Social Details of future trips and events elsewhere in the magazine. Need other trips for the March labour day weekend, and Easter. However, need some members to volunteer to be trip leaders. Do not yet have trips organised for the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, and the AFL Grand Final weekend in September. Mt Skene trip in July/August – would need to arrange access permit in April/May. 6.3. Venue Details of future meetings elsewhere in the magazine. Gift for guest speakers – possibility of a bottle of wine with a club sticker. Meredith/Mike to investigate.
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Door prizes – need a letter of introduction – Stephen to compile. Meeting attendance – average meeting attendance for the last 6 months has been 32 people. This is an increase on the previous club year of 28, and the prior year of 24. 6.4. Membership Membership application – received a family/joint membership application. After reviewing the application, the committee passed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
Minors on trip not accompanied by parent/legal guardian – need to have an indemnity form signed by the parents/guardian nominating the adult who is accompanying the minor. The form would only need to be retained by the club if there was an incident/accident involving the minor. Peter to compile form.
6.5. Editor Incoming: correspondence regarding sale of 1XV.4US plates Incoming: correspondence Subaru 4WD Club SA mag As always write articles and send me interesting things to put in the mag 6.6. Treasurer Bank account balance at the end of February is $7,587.40. Major expenditure $845 for fundraising chocolate. 6.7. Secretary Nothing to report. 6.8. Vice-President Nothing to report. 6.9. President Thank-you letter to David and Michelle Peterson for access to their property. A few suggestions were made. Duncan to recompose and send out to all committee members.
The committee resolved to accept the membership application from Angela Bombardieri and Julie Dyer.
A member has not received a few months’ magazines due to a club oversight. The club will offer reduced membership fee for 2016/7 as compensation. Membership listing – will be circulated to members within the next month. Learner Drivers and Underage members Learner drivers need to comply with all legal requirements when driving on public roads.
7.
Sub-Committees
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7.1. Communications Photographs of vehicles on club websites – should the number plates be obscured? No. Picture size – should standardise full size images to a particular maximum. To be discussed / resolved outside the meeting. Need to have uniformity of font throughout the website. Photographs should be categorised by trip. 7.2. Community Involvement Nothing to report. 7.3. Constitution Review Convoy rules – in process of finalising before circulating to the committee for review. 7.4. Education / Training Training at track in Tallarook – will be checked out by Jessica in the next few weeks. If okay, will then lock a training weekend.
8.
40th Birthday Celebrations Planning is progressing. However, currently not getting any responses from the Port of Echuca people. Cutting the river cruise by half an hour has result in a $5 per head saving. Merchandise Club calendar for 2017 using either photographs from over the years, or from the club
photographic competition. Club photographic book – need lot of photographs. Stubbie holders – need to supply Dan’s logo for the 40th and some photographs. Key ring – source from stubbie holder supplier. Sponsorship – need to seek some corporate sponsorship from Subaru. Stephen to follow up. Cake – will get one made based on a Brumby.
9.
General Business Camping toilet seat – collapsed on the weekend due to the seat being moved and the side support coming loose. Duncan came across a flexible tank manufacture for fuel and water. Potential guest speaker at a club meeting.
10. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th April 2016 at 7:30pm at the home of Stephen Whittaker.
11. Meeting closed at 10:17pm.
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E DIT OR N OT E S Thanks for all the contributions again this month!
Just a couple of things from me: In an effort to BE GREEN AND SAVE PAPER please let me know via email if you currently receive a paper version of this magazine and would be happy with an email version instead Any interesting articles you find and want to share, or if you would like to write an article for the magazine ‌.let me know! Just a friendly reminder also to please proof read, and be sure to use punctuation and grammar. The deadline for submissions for next month is:
Friday 8th April As always please send emails to: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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