RIP SH73OX - a timeline

[rayray086]

I was just about to post in the pic whoring thread of a short timeline of the Mk3 in my possession but I got carried away as I looked back at all the pics of my car from since I first had it.

The Mk3 recently got into an accident (again) and this time around, I've rendered the cost to be too much to repair. So the car's gonna be ripped apart and slowly chopped bit by bit. I'll keep something as a memento though I haven't decided what it'd be haha.

Enjoy the photo timeline.

2005-ish, innocent and unsuspecting.


First set of wheels and suspension (Koni shocks and 40mm springs).


Decided to sell it at one point cos I wanted power, but then held back.




The pursuit for more lowness came in GC coilover sleeves over the Koni shocks, and the bumper shaving.

[rayray086]

More serious mods began around 2006. VR6 running gear (brakes and suspension) - I only wanted to run some Jap-spec wheels lol.








Fell in love with it again after perving at it from behind.


Had a few accidents here and there and the car never really recovered its clean condition.

So decided to widen some steelies.

[rayray086]

This is the point where Dom got me a feature in VWMA which I was completely overwhelmed about! I've still got three copies of the magazine, something I can whip out and show off to any grandkids I may have! Thanks to Dom and Pierre for these pics.

[rayray086]

I was bummed that the car wasn't lower, so I bought some Hottuning coilovers (I <3 student budgets). I was also amazed by the shots taken by Dom and Pierre, and so I sold some wheels to fund for a DSLR.





Undoubtedly the most favourite pic I've taken of my car.

[rayray086]

I had massive fun driving the car during this stage. Scraping almost everywhere, would get weird looks from most people but the occasional thumbs up as well.

[rayray086]

It's been in about two minor accidents at this point, but around 2009 I got into another one, this time a lot more worse off. Was having a run through the twisties during wet weather (yeah, stupid) and understeered in one corner. Ploughed towards a cliff face but the rocky ground was uneven so I got beached on them. Came off with no panel damage, but undercarriage was butchered.






Car never really recovered from there. Had it hastily fixed and did up some wheels to make the trip down to SEDF 2010.

[rayray086]

Got the SH73OX plates at this point in time too.











Got back from Melbourne and discovered the engine oil developed a milky texture Head gasket was blown so had the engine out for some repairs. Decided I might as well try and spruce up the 8V a little and did some headwork. Removed A/C and powersteering during the repairs for an emptier bay too lol.







Ended up selling the wheels not long after and just fitted it up with stockies to lug around in for uni and work, and pretty much stayed like that 'til its demise with a towbar at speed.



Sad to see it go, and punching myself for doing some ridiculous things to it, but at the end of the day I learned a lot from it and had a ****load of fun But I think most of all, I've made many friends along the way. Thanks everyone for the help and encouragement, especially to Matt (Golf Loon), Pedro (peedman), Louis (Soundofav6), Dom (WABIT) and my dad at times.

Cheers!

[Quakes]

Sorry to hear about your ride Ray, (I know the feeling) I can see allot of time and love went into it!

[Preen59]

Sorry to hear it's all come to an end, Ray.


Kind of cool to see the progression of it, though.

I remember the first time I saw your car as the Macca's on Parra road when I came down for a cruise.. Watching you tip-toe over the speed humps. Haha.

Awesome car, man. The fact that you didn't give it any sympathy only made it cooler.

Onwards and upwards.. I'm sure your next car will be mint.

[rayray086]

Thanks Preeny, yeah the Mk3 became a bit of a guinea pig for me to learn on, and as a result became a bit of a Frankenstein. Next one's definitely going to be a minter - I know it takes just as much dedication keeping a car respectable and clean compared to one that's continuously being modded haha.

Cheers for the comments guys


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoLfMan]

awesome write up Ray. Really interesting to see it start to finish.

This was my fav mk3 in Aus! Sad to see it go

Onwards and upwards I guess!

[schoona]

no doubt your next project will be killa as well though!

Thanks for your guidance with mine mate, inspirational!

[thestu]

Awww dude!

Great right up! I'll always miss this car! so many memories with everyone!

Just remember the next one is always bigger and better!

[dark]

so what's next? Another mk3 or are you going for another vw?

[fred27]

Hi Ray,
enjoyed the timeline/photos. Liked the pic of the car with black Enkei's. Gave me some idea of where to go with my ride.
Look forward to seeing your next project, sorry to see this one go.
Fred27