bryanthompson

Yup, that's the car. It has a big dent just as you described. Too bad it couldn't have been saved. It's a really nice car. Paul- The carpet and seat-back are excellent. The steering wheel is not so great. Send me some love first and I'll be happy spend another Saturday in the yard pulling parts for you. Hubcaps, etc. BT

Rust Free/Mininmal Rust Wagon. Looks like it just got there. Great blue interior. Nice carpet, houndstooth metallic blue vinyl seats. Front seats are torn but back seat is nice. Grill is inside the car. Too nice to be in there. Cell phone pics- sorry. BT pics: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12998&cat=500&ppuser=19119

And what fun we had! Lamps, blankets, pillows and lots o' beer-n'-brownies! We should organize a Subaru-Drive In event! photos: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12989&cat=500

Bobby- Seeing your BRAT and thinking about Drive-Ins got me inspired. I put out a call for a San Diego Retro-Car Drive In Movie Night this weekend on myspace and I've already got 15 people coming!!! We have everything from my 73 Splitgate Wagon to an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. Can you believe that? You and everyone else are welcome to come on down Saturday night at 800. The South Bay Drive In SD. Here is a link: http://bulletin.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&messageID=1597419173&MyToken=5541687f-d705-4be9-a990-a1f85418d015 Cheers! BT

Congrats! You SO need to make a tray of brownies, fill a cooler with beer and take that truck to the drive-in theater. I did that with my split gate the other day and there is something wonderful about sitting in your Sube, watching B-Movies. But with a BRAT, you actually have seats to face the screen! I love it. Bryan

Hi Fellas- I'm traveling again today and tomorrow but I'll take some more pics as soon as I get a chance. (The car is being super detailed and having its stripes put on right now so I'm anxious to see it) The Gen1 Stage1 Carpet is different from Stage2; judging by the carpet in my 78 Sedan. My 78 has a one piece moulded carpet that covers the entire passenger compartment while the 73 (the one in the pictures) has 4 pieces. The 4 pieces are: 1. Drivers' foot well (with original rubber mats attached) 2. Front Passenger foot well 3. Transmission tunnel (extends to just aft of the e-brake) 4. Rear passenger foot wells(one piece that extends across both foot wells) If you are looking for Stage2 carpet, call the number I posted above and Carlos will find a way to make it for you. I've been very happy with his work.

Hey guys- I know this thread is basically useless with out photos so as soon as I got back into town tonight, I snapped some. Here they are. The white-ish spots are chalk marks from when they postioned the snaps. I haven't had a chance to brush them off. http://www.flickr.com/photos/14961802@N00/236568729/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/14961802@N00/236568730/

I CAN ATTEST TO THE QUALITY OF TODD'S GRAPHICS- THEY ARE CRISP, CLEAN AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THEY ARRIVE RIGHT AWAY. BT

Howdy all- The carpet cost me around 300 dollars but it will be cheaper for you fellows because they now have the patterns. The turn around time was less than a week. The carpet in my car covers the entire passenger compartment- behind the rear seats is a vinyl mat. Hope that helps- I promise to get pictures soon. BT

I found a place that makes great carpet kits. The carpet loop is a perfect match and the craftsmanship is superb. I had one made for the '73 Wagon and put it in today. Its an exact fit with all snaps, rubber mats and insulation in the correct places. I'll put up pics soon. What a difference it made! The car even smells "new" again. If interested, call Carlos in San Diego : 619.302.7371 Anyone got a set of nice '73 bumpers out there? BT

i'll be in two san diego yards this weekend. if i see one i'll call you. bt

Some cars are like super-models. They have a confidence and non-traditional beauty that lets them wear anything and look good. The Xterra is one of those cars. So is the Brat. At Nissan a few years back, we had an Xterra done up in pink to support a breast cancer fund-raiser. Pink is controversial but the positive response to the painted car was overwhelming. You couldn't drive that car without being asked "Where can I get one?" (see pics) If you like it, go for it. The car will look great and you'll have fun. link: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12616&cat=500&ppuser=19119

pink is the new black. i say go for it.

Its a rare car in nice condition. The owner is honest and knows the history. That's worth something. I can't take on a third car with my travel schedule/budget, but if it's still around later, I'll probably pick it up and trick it out. That color is sublime.

Howdy Subie - Community. I love this car but I am going to have to pass on it. If you are interested in it, contact the owner, John at johninez@yahoo.com . Its definitely a gem worth polishing and, who knows, maybe in the future I'd be willing to trade for my yellow 78 Sedan...Maybe. link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14961802@N00/sets/72157594147019724/ BT

Yes, this is it!! Thanks guys. Any year Beetle will do? That's great news because the one I was going to order from Subaru will take a while to get. More pics coming soon. This car has quickly become my favorite- what a blast to drive. BT

Its the piece of reinforced fabric that looks like its made from the inner wall of a tire. I've found a Subaru dealer here that says he may be able to get one; if not I'll follow up on you lead. Thanks for the tip. BT

Anyone familiar with the rag-joint in the steering mechanism on these cars? Mine is shot; need to replace it. Is this an easy to find part? BT

looks amazing! are you going for a stock resto? can't wait for her official debut into subaru society. she's a pretty girl. bt

Fantastic- Looking forward to seeing those. BT

Hi- I'm getting ready to powder coat steel wheels for my 73. Even though they will be covered with hubcaps you can see part of the wheel. I have seen 72-74's photographed in brochures with what looks like both black and silver wheels behind the wheel covers. Is either color correct? BT

Todd- Here are my two cents: In the next five years, there may not be not a huge appreciation, but eventually that car will be a classic. Its a car that everyone remembers, most people liked and relatively few of which remain. If you are sure about selling now, I have had good luck with hemmmings.com If you already have a buyer, offer it for sale higher than you would expect to pay (say, 6,000) . I had a guy approach me once with an offer after seeing a car in my garage. We agreed on a price much higher than the car's actual value because we both understood the value of getting a pristine example versus restoring something in fair condition. Sounds like you have something really special there. Hope that helps. BT

sounds good. i'll probably be done with the rest by then- they'll make a nice finishing touch. thanks. bt

thanks guys- i'm looking into carpet kits now. i'll let you know what i find out. i just put in the new shift linkage and WOW, what a difference. mike,i hope that tranny worked out; hopefully the condition of the linkage is a good sign. anyone got a lead on rubber seals for the doors, a new steering wheel or pristine hubcaps??? bt

"...there is an element of fun. Find the fun and, SNAP! The job's a game!" --Mary Poppins Well I spent a good chunk of the day getting new tires for the '73 and disasembling the interior. This is my favorite part because I get to learn about the car's history. So far, no dark secrets; only great surprises. Check out that rust free floor!! http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12370&cat=500&ppuser=19119 Still don't have any leads on a good carpet kit supplier. This car could definitely use a new rug. More to come in the near future. Hope every one had as good a weekend as I did! BT