Hi Guys and Gals?
An update on my sticky and cracking dash:
The Wrecker that the Subaru dealer pointed me to turned out to be a no go as the before photos of the installed dash were good, yet the second lot of photos I asked for before parting with the full price of the removed dash revealed cracks sadly.
I again approached the Subaru dealer in Lismore NSW 2480 and requested an inspection. Not interested, car is too old out of warranty etc etc. Some dealers are at least taking us the buying public seriously others are stone walling. I for one will not consider buying any car from this dealer in the future.
On Checking eBay Onboost (http://www.onboostautoparts.com.au/) had a listing for a MY08 GT dash pad for $250 plus $45 freight, after a phone call and payment the dash arrived via TNT 3 days later, very well packed and true to their word a pristine dash and air bag. On discovering the air bag recall I checked my current and the new to be installed dash Vin numbers with the dealer to see if either were in the recall batch. As luck would have it neither are effected. The airbag recalls are Vin number related according to the Service manager that handled my inquiry also they have nil stock of the necessary new airbags at this dealer.
Question time:
To those that have removed MY08 dash pads. How do I go about removing the two windscreen pillar covers that also hold the dash pad in place? As far as I can see these windscreen pillar pads stop the rear of the dash pad being lifted to allow access to the center speaker connections also the a/c sensor that also has to be removed or disconnected and transferred to the new dash pad> I have also failed the test in unplugging the passenger airbag from its harness. I have checked with two of the local smash repair places with no luck, and hints would be much appreciated. Given the fragile nature of some of the panels I am reluctant to go in GUNG-HO for fear of the damage bill
As I have time on my hands, I have take this down time to install a reversing camera into the SatNav, after a false start with a Pal camera a dual NTSC/PAL camera. Fixed the problem. This became a need to after visiting a local Auto Detailed in the search for a solution to my stocky dash problem a tradesman parked a low bin directly behind my car with a resulting $300 damage bill owing to the blind spot.
Led reversing lights, brake lights, parking and LED blinker can have also gone in.
After putting the spec B over 2000klms of our wonderful and poorly maintained county roads I feel that after bottoming out and bouncing from mid corner bumps way too much. What are my alternatives to a softer yet controllable ride to take the stress off my fillings from the hard landings. I have in a previous life had other fast cars that have had Koni, Bilstein Shelby and Pedders shocks and springs. All were set up towards heavy shocks and light springs rally style driving. I recently set up a 2000 v6 Camry with Whiteline suspension rubbers and pins also front and rear anti roll bars plus Kings gas front and back shocks and raised springs for some light off road use when camping and bush walking as my back up vehicle. This transformed my "Mums Taxi" to a very nice touring vehicle with very predictable road manners wet or dry.
What are your experiences with softer suspension on our second class roads ??
Any feedback on these questions would be appreciated.