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Hello all, I just picked up this 1978 BRAT that I plan to restore. Though she is mostly rust-free, there are some easy sports that need to be addressed. From what I gather, they are the usual rusty bits. Anyways, I look forward to sharing my process and will most likely have questions along the way. I have many years of mechanical experience and have worked on a few Subaruas as well as many other Japanese vehicles (I am a Mitsubishi Montero enthusiast as well). Thank you for letting me share my new ride. P.S. - the jump seats and a roll bar are under the SnugTop topper. -Austin

A guy I worked with had his worthless 80's Volkswagen totaled by someone else. He had rebuilt everything in it. He said since it wasn't his fault, he was going to get all the value out of that car and enough money to rebuild another one. He of course had to rebuff the $800 offer to total it. He told the insurance all his work, documented what he could, and told them he expected to get back what he had in it. And they reimbursed him significantly. I've done the same thing a few times, once for myself, and a couple times helping out friends. If you can talk to an adjuster in person and actually point things out and show them - so they know you're not BSing, they've been very helpful in my 3 cases. You do have to get through the initial work of convincing them you actually did a lot of work to this car, above and beyond just repairs and inspection costs and break downs - I'm sure they hear that all the time, so don't just expect them to believe or trust that what you say is above and beyond everyone else they talk to. Once they realize you're not average Joe, they've been really helpful to me. and I think avoiding a lawyer (which I've always done) is helpful too. But none of those incidents involved medical issues, so that simplified things. I'm sure I got lucky with the company and person I talked with to some extent. But try to get face to face and point out and show you're not like everyone else just trying for a money grab and maybe you'll get lucky. I've always had it in mind that if they tried to not play nice, I may have to drop hints that I might have to escalate or get some help settling this (lawyer hints), but I've never needed to do that. They let me keep my totaled XT6, without totaling it so i didn't have to juggle the title/DMV reinspection, and also cut me a sizable check for far more than the "total" value, when a lady hit me. They're generally limited to totaling a car, or not, but they have ways of going above and beyond that if it's in their best interests which I would guess it is if we're avoiding a lawyer.

Hey man, sorry for the super late reply. Looking forward to seeing where you take your build... I bet those Ohlins are gonna ride great! I'm considering making my way down for the Old School Reunion again this year and would like to meet up if you're attending and check out the coupe if you get er fixed up. Cheers!

Glad that you're OK. But to have to strip & cut up your car is heartache. Had to strip & cut up a 51 Chevy PU years ago after some SOB caused me to roll over 3 times. Also a H&R incident but no witnesses.

that post is spam/clickbait.

I reckon the thieves may have practiced/learned how to drive a manual in your Subi. That or they just don’t know how to and rode the clutch hard. The 4wd/clicking issue. If it’s actually in 4wd there could be an issue with a front driveshaft - possibly a broken CV joint that won’t transfer power to the wheel, selecting 4wd allows the vehicle to be driven, effectively in rear wheel drive. $1000 sounds about right for parts and labour with a clutch replacement. DIY would drop this to about $300 in parts I reckon. Cheers Bennie

I hope you end up getting some financial compensation. And I hope the h & r driver gets some severe consequences.

Yards take anything. If someone is picking it up they’ll take it free or charge a few dollars depending how far and current rates. Scrap rates are so low its unlikely to get paid unless you’re lucky. it’ll be chump change even if you’re paid.

Any witnesses that can help find h & r driver/car?

That truly sucks. I'm glad you were able to walk away though. I bought myself a dash cam just because of drivers like that. I hope they catch the dirtball.

Geez mate, not good! Glad to hear you walked away from it. Make sure you get yourself checked out for any neck or back injuries that haven’t surfaced yet. All the best and I hope they catch the mongrel(s)! Cheers Bennie

That sucks, glad you are ok.

New update, I just got done moving to a new place across town and I brought the car over to her new home last night. First time I have driven the car ever outside of the driveway. The ride was less than comfortable on my back because I still don't have my seats done, so a stack of old sheets had to suffice. I was very impressed with the ride, the shifting, and the power (props to me for knowing carburetors well and timing engines by feel ). The tires look like they were made in the last millenia and are not perfectly round but that's little stuff, and I'm hoping they get better with use. And the tires are supported by freshly painted wheels, complete with OE trim rings and center caps. They turned out great for a weekend job, I used my auto guns with a Nason primer and base/clear system. As soon as the seats are done along with some other interior tid bits, she'll be cruisin' around town regularly. Other recent work has included fitting the rear window trim, exterior trim, full brake job, axle, a replacement front hub and the like. More to come, Stay tuned