Leeroy

Yes, they basically bolt on but you will need to grind down the back of each of the brake backing plates and cut a notch in the rear trailing arms. The notch is so you can undo the lower caliper bolts. All relatively simple.

As an FYI the plastic/metal backed chrome trim for the EA81 models fits the early models very well, with some cutting and a join for the top piece. The original was 'all' plastic and is mostly all dead now!

That 'valve thing' is the vacuum advance canister and it would certainly come into play when the engine is idling but you should still be able to start the engine without it connected. Afterall, when you set the timing with a light you disconnect the vac advance anyway. As noted by imposter, could the distributor be out? When installed correctly the rotor in the distributor needs to be lined up with TDC, which in turn, means it faces the number one spark plug wire on the cap (this is the one closest to the carburettor,at the back when looking from the front). To check remove the number one spark plug, place a finger over the hole and turn the engine clockwise. You will feel air pushing past your finger, which indicates the engine is at TDC for that cylinder. Just some thoughts, if I have only stated the 'bleeding obvious' I apologise!

Different camshaft yes but no EA71 available to the public had reversed valves (unlike the EA63 and EA81S engines).

I agree that the handbrake mechanism is most likely damaged. Look on Rock Auto or eBay for cheap rebuillt calipers, I got mine for less than $30 each and have had no issues and no mucking around getting them to work! The idea that the handbrake mechanism is unusual or strange is not really true when you consider its design and operation is very similar to the rear disc brakes of many cars. The only difference is the handbrake is on the front wheels.

Realistically for parts that are directly compatible with your 1981 brat you need to find Subarus from the '77 to '79 (Perhaps '80 in the US) years. Steering columns from '72 - '77 are basically the same design and will also fit. The steering column from the EA81 engined '80 - '84 and later for the standard hatch or Brat models are different but very similar in dimensions. I have an adjustable column from a 1984 wagon side by side with an '78 column and it would be very easy to make fit in the earlier models as the spline (at both ends) are the same, however, the wiring/plugs and mounting arrangement are all completely different. No doubt it could be made to work but I suppose anything can be made to fit with enough blood, sweat and tears! Fuse boxes from '72 to '81 are all essentially the same design (under the bonnet/hood for '72 - '77, under the dash on the driver's side for '77 - '80) but of course the wiring and the description on the fuse cover is different across models/years. The tailgate handle is not specific and any door handle from '77 - '81 will work. 1980s work too but it is a different shape and will not fit in the recess like the original. Radios from the early '70s to the late '80s are mostly Clarion brand and are all essentially the same but the wiring is very different between the years to accommodate the different types: AM only, AM/FM mono and AM/FM stereo. Datsun used Clarion radios during the same era too.

Are you sure it is not just the computer overriding the paddles? Is the behaviour new or has it always happened? As I am sure you would be aware CVTs don't actually have any gears as such. Any 'steps' you feel are just engineered to make the driving experience more familiar and natural feeling. Sorry I don't have any solutions but I am curious!

Early Subarus have two flasher relays. One for the hazards and one for the indicators. Are '88 models set up the same?

If you look at 1970s sales brochures you will notice that the stripe never seems to be mounted in the same spot! On my wagon the stripe is parallel with the metal sill moulding (rocker panel in US speak) and an inch or so above the body swage line alone the doors (like Rust detailed). On others the stripe is basically in the same spot but is parallel to the door swage line, which means it slopes down as it goes along the car.

Interesting about the screens waimaks. They state on their eBay ads that they will not ship and it is entirely the buyers responsibility, which I find a bit odd considering they specialise in glass. Mark, thanks too for the feedback on the sedan rear rubber. Good to know it will stretch and work but I do worry how long it will last, especially here in Australia. Our sun is pretty much deadly! Anyone know how rubber can be bonded or 'vulcanised'? After all the seals have to be joined at some point in the manufacturing process. Anyone able to shed some light?

Not sure about sharktooth but over here we would call the patterned seat vinyl 'herringbone'. Good luck the the cylinder issue!

I do not know if this will help you any but modern car seats with a 'see through' built-in headrest tend to use a zipper. This would certainly make for a far simpler installation of new covers. Just a thought and what I would do!

I would say that pretty much nothing actually fits, at all. However, everything and anything can be made to fit with modification, time and patience!

Mine all do 150 - 155kmh easy so you should be able to get around 90 - 95mph without too much trouble.

You need the smaller one piece adapter plate... I would assume this is the K730 kit. Do you really need the kit? Often cheaper to buy the adapter plate and the carb separately. You do not use/need the throttle cable hanger parts included in the kit. You should use your current parts and swap the Hitachi throttle lever onto the weber.

Any luck with the GSR rear screen waimaks? I was going to suggest the company you have linked above (they list on eBay AU too). Only rear windscreen rubber I have found is for the sedans (also on eBay AU) and this might be too short for the coupe. I might be able to stretch but I have always wondered if you could buy two cut them to size and then join them...

This should fit... But it is in the US and not sure how much or how easy this would be to get to NZ: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-GL-2-DOOR-COUPE-1978-1979-REAR-BACKGLASS-HEATED-DEFROSTER-WIRES There was another rear screen that has been listed for about forever but I cannot find it now. Have you tried Cromwell Wreckers?

Rear window is not the same unfortunately, different part numbers. My understanding is the GFT rear screen is longer to allow for a higher roof line and more headroom inside.

I think the seats may be pre Brat too. I have also made contact with the seller and after the initial response, nothing...

Good! Can't wait for more.

The watermark does seem a little disingenuous.

Well... No, an EA81 will not bolt right up if you have an early EA71 with a top mount starter/gearbox. If you have a later side mount starter EA71 or are using the EA81 gearbox then yes, bolt away.

Nice set of Subarus you have Nacho! Welcome aboard.

Simple really, Subaru has always been a relatively small company that does not produce many cars. It is only comparatively recently that Subaru has sold more than 500 000 cars per year and I think they may have finally cracked 850 000 thanks to recent US demand. For most of the 1970s and 1980s they struggled to produce 200 000 per year. These production numbers mean there isn't a huge amount of spare parts manufactured in the first place and not many are left after 10 years or so. Plus unlike Toyota and Mazda (in the past, no so much now) that used to maintain the production of parts for older models Subaru have never done so, again a reflection of their small size in terms of automobile production.

Chinese made and I have not read many good reports about them... Hopefully you will be OK.