T3hwit Has An Epiphany

[t3hWIT]

First, an explanation. While I'm aware that this thread has very little to do with Scotland other than a couple Scottish flags on the car, the majority of the SIDC members I've been fortunate to have met call this forum home.

Some background information before you continue on. I'm currently living in South Carolina, and I'd like to say it's against my will. I'm originally from Pennsylvania which is only 750 miles north, but is a world apart. You might consider Americans to be the same regardless of their specific geographical location, but you'd be mistaken. East versus West Coast. Yankees versus Southern Rednecks. We all pay our dues to the same government but take a few hours drive and suddenly you're in a completely different culture. That said, by all means, enjoy the read.

I've been sitting here for about twenty minutes, trying to decide how to start this thread. It's always the hardest part, trying to catch the readers attention; to create a transition between the many other topics here and the few photo's I'm sharing.

Do I start off saying how I've always had a thing for clean cars in a dirty environment? Too cheesy. I could mention that pulling into a construction site just hours after a heavy rain wasn't the wisest decision. Maybe not. It's a bit obvious I guess, as my girlfriend mentioned under her breath as she scraped the sticky mud off of her flip-flops since I insisted she get out of the car. Maybe mention how ironic it is that I used to post pictures of my car at every possible moment when I was back in Pennsylvania, but this is the first real "photoshoot" I went on since we moved into this God-forsaken s*** hole last August. But that would be a lie as I only intended on going out for a few quick photos.

So that's it then. I've got nothing. Enjoy the photos.

[t3hWIT]

With clumps of mud slinging off the tires, I go off in search of another ironic moment. Maybe a wall of graffiti. An abandoned car rusting away in a field. Something to offset the glow of the machine I'm driving.

After a few left turns, followed by a few to the right, I'm lost. A trailer-home, a shack, and a decaying barn. Dogs bark at the car from the safety of their pen. An old man on a rocking chair gives me a look, verifying what I already know. "You don't belong here."

What's this? A completely unpaved road with street signs attached? I'm intrigued.

A pair of steel tracks fading off into the distance. Do I chance it? Settle the car between the rails suggesting that I have no fear? Too risky, too much to lose. I never said I had any guts.

I'm blocking the road. An woman drives through, her scar-ridden face suggesting her rough upbringing. A scowl and a wave of the hand. I flick the key into the ignition and pull away. Introduce the satnav to this late afternoon glow. "Where to?" asks James. "Home." What a funny word to call it, being a small flat in a place where both I and my peers know I don't belong. Home.

A closing statement? That suggests an end but I'm only getting started...

In Domo We Trust.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/t3hwit/sets/72157616680649084/

Edited April 13, 2009 by t3hWIT

[t3hWIT]

Some background on the car:

I purchased this 4 years ago, a non-turbo model as we were not introduced with that variety until the bugeye was introduced. I, like many other American Subaru owners, have taken the route of turning the car into a model that Subaru should have brought here in the first place. While I don't quite have the funds for the turbo-engine swap or an RHD conversion yet, I've spent the past four years modifying the engine to the best of it's potential, and attempted to replicate a mildly modified WRX inside and out. The full buildup can be found here:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68654

To further emphasize my statement on this being a completely different world... Where I'm originally from, we usually get about 60cm of snow thorughout a winter. Here in SC, it's rare for the temperature to drop below freezing, let alone be accompanied by any white stuff. In PA, Subaru's are a dime a dozen; Both of my cars are Impreza's, my brother has one, my grandmother has one, two of my cousins have them, my grandfather has one, and my parents are about to purchase one as well. Here in SC, few people even know what a Subaru is. I went from a world where I blended in to a place where I stand out wherever I go. I'm not sure I like it...

Edited April 13, 2009 by t3hWIT

[4Hero]

Surely it must be better than the "United Kingdom" over there? Is there really anywhere worse than here?

Excellent little write up though, and nice photos of a lovely classic!

Chin up chap

[colzo]

I'll swap you homes if you want, I would love to live in the States. Mint car you have there too.

[Midnight21]

Excellent story and braw car the roads look inviting too

[the squiggle]

Cracking pics mate

Your are welcome to regard this place as your home and with that in mind you will be most welcome if you evervdo make a return visit.

[st3ph3n]

Domo-kun abides. Great pictures Shaun.

What always got me about Florida when I visited was that the further north you went the further "south" it became.

It's a scary part of the world and I don't envy you!

[~ ~ Cal ~~]

Loving the pics and the colour of those alloys ! Great to see a Dubya RX in another country too. Our photo back drops are all pretty similiar !

[ANDYJDMSTI]

Great little write up and cracking pics.

Never been to SC but spent some time in NC.........only managed to see the "scenic" parts of Bragg though!

I will say this though.............Texas is for winners!!

[micra_wrc]

good write up Shaun and had to lol at making the girlfriend get out the car and getting her flip flops dirty

btw you should've put the roof scoop up before snapping away tho (assuming its real and that it works!)

hope you are well

x

[t3hWIT]

Surely it must be better than the "United Kingdom" over there? Is there really anywhere worse than here?

The grass is always greener I guess.

I'll swap you homes if you want, I would love to live in the States. Mint car you have there too.

Tempting. I'd love to live in the UK even as a temporary deal. I'm looking to go back to college and some schools offer study-abroad programs to the UK so that's always an option. Everything's in southern England though. I felt more comfortable in the Cheshire and Glagow regions.

Cracking pics mate

Your are welcome to regard this place as your home and with that in mind you will be most welcome if you evervdo make a return visit.

Thanks Grant. I will definitely be making a return trip to Scotland, allowing myself more than just a few days this time. Not to exclude anyone, but our stay in Scotland was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Domo-kun abides. Great pictures Shaun.

What always got me about Florida when I visited was that the further north you went the further "south" it became.

It's a scary part of the world and I don't envy you!

Thank you sir. I've never been to Florida but from what I've heard, I'd have to agree. South Carolina is part of the Bible Belt and it really lives up to it's name. I'm Roman Catholic and have no problem mentioning it, but I like to leave it at that. It's the Northern mentality I guess. Here in the South, they wear their religion like fine jewlery. I work at a Nissan dealership, and I rarely see a car that doesn't have some license plate, a keychain, a decal, or some other means for the owner to express why they're "holier than thou."

I'm going off on a tangent here, but you get the picture. The "Southern" mentality stops just north of Virginia.

[jimser]

enjoyable read and pics shaun,maybe see you next time you venture on to our shores

good luck in whatever you do

[StewartyBoy]

Great write-up and excellent choice of colour with your wheels...great minds think alike!

[thewelsho]

Enjoyable read and nice pics. The first of the railway ones was my favourite. Nice to see you're still posting here, and pretty regularly too

All the best, ma man!

JW

[hosstheboss]

Some background on the car:

I purchased this 4 years ago, a non-turbo model as we were not introduced with that variety until the bugeye was introduced. I, like many other American Subaru owners, have taken the route of turning the car into a model that Subaru should have brought here in the first place. While I don't quite have the funds for the turbo-engine swap or an RHD conversion yet, I've spent the past four years modifying the engine to the best of it's potential, and attempted to replicate a mildly modified WRX inside and out. The full buildup can be found here:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68654

To further emphasize my statement on this being a completely different world... Where I'm originally from, we usually get about 60cm of snow thorughout a winter. Here in SC, it's rare for the temperature to drop below freezing, let alone be accompanied by any white stuff. In PA, Subaru's are a dime a dozen; Both of my cars are Impreza's, my brother has one, my grandmother has one, two of my cousins have them, my grandfather has one, and my parents are about to purchase one as well. Here in SC, few people even know what a Subaru is. I went from a world where I blended in to a place where I stand out wherever I go. I'm not sure I like it...

I know what you mean. I work for an American company and have been to various towns / cities / states in the USA, and boy are they different! Houston - concrete jungle but ok, Huntsville........not sure what to say, Houma Louisiana - hicksville but very friendly people with a great attitude, Dallas - same as Houston, i could go on and on but suffice to say the differences are amazing. I also go to South Dakota on vacation (long story) and realy like it but boy the culture differences in that State are amazing!

Always amazed at the small number of Impreza's I see though?

Edited April 14, 2009 by hosstheboss

[frank c]

A worthy read indeed ..

Oh...and the car looks no bad either So, when's the next road trip ?

Edited April 14, 2009 by Frank C

[thefastone]

Tidy! thats a quality write up Shuan, and I'm glad that you can treat this place like "home"

its a classy car you have mate, and I had no idea that it was a non turbo! nice and tasteful what you have done with her! certainly the before and after, you had to do SOMETHING!!!!

[Diablo Blaze]

I felt more comfortable in the Cheshire and Glagow regions.

Come home Shaun, you will always be welcome here buddy.

Seen them pics somewhere before

[stubaroo]

As previously mentioned, a most excellent write up, great pictures and a cracking car.

[t3hWIT]

good write up Shaun and had to lol at making the girlfriend get out the car and getting her flip flops dirty

btw you should've put the roof scoop up before snapping away tho (assuming its real and that it works!)

hope you are well

x

Hey Imy! The roof vent is fully functional, I cut the hole myself with a Dremel in the parking lot of my flat. You can imagine the odd looks I was getting. It's getting warmer now (was out in shorts today) so I'll probably have it open for the next batch.

enjoyable read and pics shaun,maybe see you next time you venture on to our shores

good luck in whatever you do

Hopefully so. Our trip to the UK last summer included meeting with two groups of Subaru owners (CADS and SIDinersC). I think the only way to top that is to meet up with yet more clubs next time.

Great write-up and excellent choice of colour with your wheels...great minds think alike!

Thank you sir.

Enjoyable read and nice pics. The first of the railway ones was my favourite. Nice to see you're still posting here, and pretty regularly too

All the best, ma man!

JW

Thanks dude. What can I say, I lurk a lot.

A worthy read indeed ..

Oh...and the car looks no bad either So, when's the next road trip ?

Not soon enough methinks. I want to return for a bit longer stay but I'm trying to go back to college and doubt I'll have the opportunity until I'm through.

Tidy! thats a quality write up Shuan, and I'm glad that you can treat this place like "home"

its a classy car you have mate, and I had no idea that it was a non turbo! nice and tasteful what you have done with her! certainly the before and after, you had to do SOMETHING!!!!

Thanks man. I have a few more things I'm working on, including a new exhaust setup, an HID retrofit, and hopefully a new steering wheel (Nardi Sport Rally) before not too long.

Come home Shaun, you will always be welcome here buddy.

Seen them pics somewhere before

I appreciate that dude.

Edited April 15, 2009 by t3hWIT