Small Projects, Part I

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
09/14/2017 at 23:53 • Filed to: None

After ~4 years of my driver’s side visor no longer staying completely up, and eventually getting fed up with hitting my head on it any time I leaned forward, I finally decided to replace it..

It’s always fun getting new OEM parts.

The install was quite easy - literally two screws. The vanity has no light, so no electrical to worry about. It now feels better than the passenger visor.

For fun, I tore apart the old visor ( though I forgot to grab pictures ). After removing the ( likely ) seam-welded textured vinyl covering, I realized how ugly the visor is underneath. It’s literally two pieces of non-textured, white injection molded polypropylene that snap-fits together. It’s quite the contrast to the grey injection molded trim for the mirror bezel and sliding door. It makes sense though, as the lack of colorant and texture on parts that aren’t supposed to be seen would have brought the production cost down a fair bit.

Then, after finally removing that from the list of things to do, this happened...

Unfortunately, the tether isn’t available separately ( why would it be? ). I’ll get around to replacing that eventually.

Also, I’m thinking of finally getting a set of snow tires for the Forester. I’m currently debating between Bridgestone Blizzak WS80s and Continental WinterContact SIs. I was leaning towards WS80s, but the SIs seem to be rated just as well, and are a bit cheaper. Anyone have hands-on experience with either?

As for wheels, as much as I’d like to get something like Sparco Terras (especially in bronze), I’m thinking of getting basic steelies, painting them silver, and throwing on a set of the Subaru steel wheel center caps.

Either way, this winter is going to be fun!

DISCUSSION (13)

cbell04 > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 00:07

Got 4 seasons out of my blizzaks but that was 10 years ago I swore by them when I lived in the frozen tundra (western ny roughly 100 inches a year snow fall). My second set I bought were dunlop graspic and they were also great but I moved south on my 3rd season so never completely killed them. Honestly both were great but I think the blizzaks were a 2-3 year tire plenty of usable tread after that but by that time certainly not a true winter tire. No matter what you choose be prepared to be floored by the lack of dry/rain performance. It’s truly bad but can be fun at the same time.

Steve in Manhattan > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 00:07

Oh man, that cried out for Velcro. So easy!

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Steve in Manhattan
09/15/2017 at 00:14

i was gonna say duct tape (i duct tape all the things till i get round to fixing them)...... your idea is much better....

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 00:16

I have the WS80's on my outback and they are amazing snow tires, that get taken off as soon as possible because they are mega squishy in warm dry temps. Maybe look for an intermediate snow? I live 4 miles from a ski resort and we have snow on the ground for 4 months a year so snow tires are very important to me.

Boxer_4 > Steve in Manhattan
09/15/2017 at 00:29

That would have been the easier ( and cheaper ) fix, but I use it often enough, and its now so satisfying to use again.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 00:40

I look at Toyo Observe GSi5's. I got a set (215/60r16) last year for the Juke. I’ve only ever used Michelin X-ice xi3's so I had high expectations. They are not as good on ice, but they are a better overall in all winter road conditions.

Steve in Manhattan > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 00:47

Even in our small Manhattan apartment there’s a lot of stuff held together w/ Velcro. You can use it to hang a picture if it’s not too heavy.

Boxer_4 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/15/2017 at 01:06

When you say warm temps, do you mean in the 50s or in the 40s?

The WS80s sound like amazing snow tires on paper and in reviews. I think I have my expectations set properly on wet/dry performance ( low ), but maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Intermediate snow tires ( are they the same as performance snow tires? ) seem hard to come by, unless I’m looking in the wrong places.

I’ll continue to think things over, though I’ll probably end up with WS80s if I do decide to get a set of snow tires.

Boxer_4 > cbell04
09/15/2017 at 01:19

Blizzaks seem to be the best name in snow tires from everything I’m reading/hearing. It’s also good to hear that they would likely be able to be run multiple winter seasons.

I think I have my expectations set low enough for dry/wet performance, but it will be interesting to see how true that holds.

Boxer_4 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
09/15/2017 at 01:21

I was unaware of the Toyos; it seems that TireRack doesn’t carry them. That would be the size I’d be looking at, so I may have to take a quick look into them.

Svend > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
09/15/2017 at 02:31

Toyos are really good tyres and not too expensive.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 07:47

I spy COLORADO

pip bip - choose Corrour > Boxer_4
09/15/2017 at 09:38

subaru sun visors are always a problem for some reason