bryanthompson

thanks for the tip. i am getting ready to replace mine. what year impreza are you using?

a new project begins... check out that uncracked dash.. i didn't know they still exist! http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12338&cat=500&ppuser=19119

Thanks- I will. I have both trim pieces (for tach or coin box) If anyone wants the coin box, let me know. Its flawless. BT

Howdy- Anyone have tips on pulling out the shidt linkage from a 73 DL? I have been reading about it in my manuals in reparation for a visti to a yard on Saturday. Any tricks I should know? Thanks, Bryan

will a 73 work on that car? there is one in a yard here in san diego. i would be willing to remove and ship it for time/shipping compensation. call 858.220.2820 if i can help bryan

This is an aftermarket tach. (see pic) Would this have been a vent before the tach was installed? Strange-there isn't another hole like this on the passenger side. Would a tachometer like this have been added at the dealer? http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12171&cat=500

Hi Todd! You can have the mirrors. What I want most from Santa-Paul are those NOS hubcaps. They are gleemingly delightful! BT

Thanks, guys- Still undecided about the wood. Its just so outrageous. I love that crazy kitsch "Americanization" of something so very Japanese... I can tell I am going to have even more fun with this one. That super-low tailgate is an idea that needs to come back. Its the perfect height to sit and chill with friends. Drive-In theater anyone? This car needs a little more mechanical work than the previous one but its nice. There isn't one ding in the body sides. Incredible. From what I can tell from the records, the 43k miles are original. Hot damn!

Howdy! Just got this today. Its the one from Petersen. The guy who won didn't take it. Here's a concept rendering of what I have in mind for it (please forgive the quick-job photoshop work) Opinions? Any one know where to get that vinyl-wood decal? Also needs a new cooling fan and possibly transmission. Hope everyone is staying cool! Bryan http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=12169&cat=500

That, my friend is a beautiful piece of art! It's so modern, clean and bold. It looks like Gundam robot details. Good for you for saving all this stuff. Enjoying the eye candy. BT

All right fellas- more photos: What am I lookin' at here? Do you see anything worrisome? I noticed that the logos (Subaru and Front Wheel Drive) are in the wrong places and it's had a bit of body work. That doesn't bother me too much, but I don't know how to tell if the rust is serious. Thanks for the comments! I guess I'm like a ferret. I just get obsessive crazy in my search. This one I found via Hemmings. Its in Iowa and I'm cosidering a drive-it-home vacation. Unless someone closer by wants to work out a driving deal or a meet-halfway. (Any takers???) Link to new photos:

USMB- I am considering this one and would like your expertise. The advice and observations helped tremendously on the 78 DL. What do you see in the pictures that I may be missing? Here is what I know: It’s a 2 owner car, 33,000 original miles, some rust but over all appears to be really nice. It’s not as pristine as the one I just finished, but 33k miles is hard to beat. The owner seems very straight forward. What’s a reasonable price? Thanks again - BT http://www.flickr.com/photos/14961802@N00/sets/72157594147019724/

Nice car! It looks so modern sitting next to the American cars. The world needs more far out design like that! BT

You're killing me with these pics! I want everything. I have two new finds on the horizon: A 73 Spligate wagon and a 76 4-door sedan. Both are very nice. Which sounds more fun? I'll probably have to pick just one. BT

let me know when you are ready to sell. mine are still bent. thanks bt

Sorry about that. Try this: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=11911&cat=500&ppuser=19119

Pics of the car: In my opinion, it looks like a nice, easy restoration project. I found another wagon closer to home. Enjoy! BT http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&disp=imgs&th=10c9194939a0c563

Paul- I appreciate your candor. I don't mind discussing cost. But its not unrealistic to expect to pay something similar or less for what was done to the car. In fact, for someone who has more time and tools, it could be done for a lot less. Starting with a straight, fairly rust free car is key to doing a resto on a budget. The restoration was minor in terms of what was redone verses what was simply cleaned up and refurbished. Connections help, but they played less of a factor than creativity. I bet most of the people on this board are more talented than me at taking their cars apart and then knowing how to put them back together. That alone would bring the cost down a great deal. I saved money by replacing only parts of the seat vinyl and foam rather than starting from scratch. Also, painting your own parts really helps. I had some of the paint put into spray cans because that is an easy (no clean up) and inexpensive way to work if you don't have a spray gun. Other things like tires and powder coating only cost a few hundred dollars (Discount Tire sells those 13" tires for 20 bucks a piece.) The search for rare well preserved parts is my favorite part because its an adventure that never ends! Take care- BT

Hey Subie Lovers. Subarus and Datsun HoneyBees,... Little by little, the 70's economy cars that no one wanted are becoming classics. Who would have thought that our niche passion would eventually start to go mainstream? Some of you know that I write an online design column (blog) for Bravo. This week it's all about vintage Japanese cars and USMB gets a plug. Check it out when you have a chance and please leave feedback in the comments section if you like what you see. This is a great forum and I'm proud to be a part of it! LINK: http://www.bravotv.com/blog/designblog Bryan

Thanks for the comments! You guys are awesome. This car is a real charmer. I'm so happy to see it evoking big teeth-bearing grins from everyone who sees it. It's right at home on this great forum. Todd -- "addicted" is the best description I've heard! If you only knew. I've already got another set of unslotted steel wheels ready and waiting to be mounted on a certain yellow Gen 1 2WD Automatic Wagon... Paul -- I'm still interested in that door panel. If it matches my car, then I say the only thing better than 'refurbished' is new-old-stock. Let me know your asking price. (Maybe you can deduct it from your payment to me for those parts I sent you last weekend...) -- Regarding cost of the restoration; I'm not sure exactly but it was under 2 grand. I've restored a lot of cars. And I learned the hard way that its cheaper in the long run to start with something that's already pretty nice.

Found this under the seat. Looks like an advisory label for adjusting the hand brake. Does any one know where it should go? Thanks. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=11893&cat=500

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Subaru-Loving Community around the world: Let me re-introduce to you my 1978 Subaru DL 2-Door Sedan. I bought him two months ago because he was in super condition; if a little tired. For the past two months he has been torn down, cleaned up, de-rusted, de bugged, powder coated, retrimmed and painted where necessary. So, Heeeeeeeeere’s Lemony Stewart (that’s his name) List of what’s been done: Seats: Upholstery by Monarch. (858.278.9797) They excel in preserving the parts that count (like the hounds-tooth vinyl) while rebuilding the foam and matching the plain vinyl. Impeccable craftsmanship. Wheels and Bumper Strips: Powder Coated Body and Engine Bay Detailing: By Lajolla Detail. ( lajolladetail.com ) They kept the original paint while color sanding and buffing discolored areas. Minor rust in the trunk and in hidden nooks was treated, sealed and repainted factory Mild Yellow. They are very thorough and disassemble parts when necessary, rather than struggle with hard to reach areas. They also applied the reproduction Subaru graphic stripes (provided by Todd, thank you) Interior parcel tray and steering wheel pad color matched by Brenda Parkin and sprayed by yours truly in Dupont Vinyl paint. New tires all around. Still needed: Subaru Logo for Hood, Carpet Kit, Interior Door Handle Bezels, and either a Unicorn or a new Dash, which ever is easier to find.

More photos tomorrow when its finally ready!! Here's a peak: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showphoto.php?photo=11879&cat=500

That anecdote rings true and brings back great memories! I remember when my dad bought our first Subaru; a 1973 GL Coupe (red with the black graphics.) He called it a "sa-BAH-roo" until my mom finally corrected his pronunciation. We used to laugh about that a lot. Great Arizona car - It's probably still out there somewhere, rust free and sun-baked to a crisp but still running. Regarding the wagon - I will learn more about the car in the next few days and keep you posted. BT

well, with an endorsement like that, who could resist?