Garner Car Finds Internet Fame on 5000 Mile Cross-Country Journey by Donut Media
Epic new video just dropped on Donut with our pal Justin Freeman. I've been waiting for this ever since I heard about it. This is the first episode of Justin's cross country off-road trip in his '96 Subaru SVX, which until recently was sitting in a Garner backyard. (Source: TriagleRAD).
TriangleRAD is the premier club for owners & fans of the rad automobiles of the '80s & '90s, centered in Eastern & Central North Carolina. Find them on Facebook.
Images via http://www.donut.media/
The popular YouTube channel Donut recently undertook an ambitious project: preparing a 1996 Subaru SVX for a grueling 5,000-mile cross-country journey, a significant portion of which would be off-road.
The car, which had been left to the elements in a field for years, required a complete overhaul to get it trail-ready.
A major part of the SVX's transformation involved custom fabrication to enhance its durability. The team enlisted a professional fabricator to design and build a custom roof rack, tire carrier, snorkel, and robust front and rear bumpers [02:12].
To protect the car's vulnerable underbelly from rocks and other trail hazards, they utilized advanced 3D scanning technology to create bespoke skid plates [03:26]. These additions were crucial for ensuring the car could withstand the rigors of off-road driving and protect its vital components.
Beyond the structural enhancements, the team made key performance and aesthetic upgrades. They fitted the car with Handcook Dino Pro AT2 Extreme tires, known for their off-road capabilities, while keeping the original OEM wheels to maintain a classic, retro look [05:09].
Under the hood, they performed a significant amount of work on the transmission, replacing the flywheel and clutch to handle the increased demands of off-roading [24:20]. These modifications were essential for the car's functionality and to ensure it could handle the long journey ahead.
Suspension was another critical area of focus. After some initial setbacks, they successfully installed new Field Suspension coilovers, specifically designed for rally and long-travel driving [29:21].
This upgrade was vital for improving the vehicle's handling and comfort over rough terrain. In addition to these major overhauls, the Donut crew also performed routine, but essential, maintenance tasks. They installed a new radiator to prevent overheating and replaced the brakes to ensure the car's stopping power was reliable throughout the long trip [10:42].
Despite facing a few challenges along the way, the team has successfully completed the project, getting the Subaru SVX ready for its demanding cross-country adventure.
