stewartkb

Hi all - So I figured I'd start this thread now to get further ideas floating in the air and to get some community feedback. As you know, we are very limited to what is available for our Subarus in terms of aftermarket and stock parts. Currently I am in the process of creating fiberglass accessories for my 81' Wagon to spice it up a bit. This includes a sun visor, front & rear fender flares, and possibly a fender/hood setup. I am in the VERY early stages of creating my plugs, but the molds I pull from them will be quality enough to produce many parts. I use a quality gel coat and resin system, as well as quality fiberglass, so everything I create should last for a very long time. I also have some OEM add-ons such as the rear wagon spoiler that I am contemplating creating a mold from. I don't know how many people actually like the look, but I do. My essential goal is to create my take on a "rally" package and to expand it from there. I also have some ideas for utilizing HDPE and creating custom mud flaps, but that is even further down the road. Long story short, I'd like to see what everyone thinks, and what ideas you have for custom parts/reproductions. Teaser:

Thanks for the info Tom. I am ordering a new thermostat and will report back. I usually fill with the front end jacked up, so hopefully everything will work out this time.

Hey all - I need some insight here on some heater/cooling issues on my 81 DL wagon. I have recently replaced the heater core. I get somewhat decent heat while I idle and allow the temperature to go up, but nothing impressive. If I sit and idle, the car with eventually overheat. If I begin driving, the temperature gauge goes down really low, and then my heater begins to blow cool - especially at highway speeds. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and heater core within the last 1-2 months. I have flushed the system twice and filled with new coolant both times. While burping the system today for possible air bubbles, I noticed that I did have "flow" while watching the coolant level, but the thermostat never seemed to open up. I never noticed a drop in the coolant level. It eventually got to the point where it started boiling over, so I just shut the car off. Is it possible to install a thermostat wrong? Spring faces inward toward the engine - And as far as the "jiggle pin" on the thermostat itself, does it matter it's orientation? I have read somewhere on the forum that people recommend an OEM thermostat only for EA81s? Something to do with the OEM thermostat being longer than aftermarket. Does anyone have further info on this and/or part numbers? Or am I going in the wrong direction? Any help is much appreciated. Some eye candy for your help.

Thanks for the info wagonist. I think I got everything I need, including new seals!

So mine is early enough that you do have to remove the 2 halves of the box to get to the core. Went to a junkyard and got the stuff I needed. I got everything back together, put dash back in, and now have a serious leak from the heater control valve, which was never touched. Any ideas? This Is becoming seriously frustrating..

Thanks for the info Caboobaroo! Gloyale, I see no other way of removing the core, what am I missing? Thanks

Appreciate the insight all - I've been fairly busy and have done some tinkering here and there on it. Lots to do still. As of 11/21/2014 Since last update ... - New heater core installed. (See below for issues with this.) - New rear hatch supports installed. Hatch stays up now like a champ! - New LED light bar. Installed using a Painless Wiring Fuse Block that has additional accessory ports (Waiting on Maxima Alt swap to run it properly. Anyone have one laying around?) Stuff still sitting in the garage: - Weber carburetor (Still looking for someone local to help me with the swap and emissions system cleanup.) - A/C Compressor & other misc AC items with retrofit high/low kit. (Waiting until HVAC is fixed and dash reinstalled to tackle this.) - Exhaust Grommets. - Differential & tranny fluid change. Things I still need to track down: - Maxima Alternator Upgrade New Issues that have come up: - When swapping the heater core, noticed the HVAC box had broken rod connecting clips, which operate the doors. Also noticed that the blower motor resistor was corroded and needs replacing. Made a separate post to identify them, so it looks like I have to hunt down replacements in a junkyard. Updated Pictures:

I pulled my HVAC unit to replace the heater core on my 81 DL. Finally ripping it open and swapping the cores, I discovered some broken plastic clips that hold the little door control rods. Also the electrical plugin that has the coils on one side has decayed and is pretty frail and corroded. Does anyone know where I can locate these parts/ correct nomenclature? Much appreciated I'm trying to beat the next snow.

Has anyone done this replacement before? My AC compressor was having issues on my 81 wagon, and I forked out money for a new one, not a remanufactured. I have heard that most compressors are shipped dry, so they require oil - Which isn't a big deal, I just need some general info on doing a proper install so I don't destroy the system. I also bought a new Receiver Drier / Accumulator and expansion valve, as it's recommended when you replace the compressor. (Warranty also requires it.) So anyone with some helpful tips on this, I'd appreciate it before I get stuff torn apart. Thanks

So to begin, I knew I had some wrenching ahead of me. I am already over $3000 into this Subaru before I could even drive it. I wasn't 100% sure on how extensive it would be to get her up and running properly. Luckily, after some VERY basic replacements and fixes, I have her running 65-70 mph on the highway with minor hiccups. If this would have been addressed before my adventurous road trip to Arizona, there would have been zero issues on anyone's integrity. As of 11/08/2014 Main Issues that I wanted to address at first: - Loud rattling squeal from an engine bay component. - Low acceleration and top speed. - No heat. - Janky carburetor. - Basic tuneup. Work done so far: - Fresh engine oil change & filter. - New belts. - New radiator hoses. - New thermostat & gaskets. - New heater hoses. - New spark plugs & wires. - New distributor cap & rotor. - New fuel filter. - New water pump and gasket. - Cooling system flush & fill. - Heater core flush. (Unsuccessful, still low heat.) Main issues that have been resolved: - The loud rattling noise was the water pump. I have never seen one so shot before. Replacing it made a tremendous improvement. - The low acceleration problem is now almost obsolete, but the carb is pretty nasty, so I bought a Weber to replace it. Parts on order & not installed yet: - Weber carburetor (Sitting in a box on my couch. May need some help with it. Get at me locals?) - Heater core. (Somewhere lost in shipping.) - Rear hatch supports (NAPA only ordered me one, and they now have zero access for a second, so I have to order elsewhere.) - New A/C Compressor and a few other A/C Components. (Had a lockup going down the highway and almost killed some new belts.) - Exhaust Grommets (Old ones are sagging terribly.) - Differential & tranny fluid change. (Have the gear oil, just need to get at it.) Extras that I splurged on: - Yakima Roof Rack Mounts/Base. - Kuat Vagabond Safari Rack. - Shovel & Axe for Safari Rack. - LED Domelight. Things I still need to track down: - Maxima Alternator Upgrade (If you can help me with this, PM me!) How it looks now:

Now to the good stuff! The actual build! Post was edited - Long story short, bought it for $1800 and ended up having to ship it for around $1200. Story on my expensive experience can be found here: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/149608-wanted-clean-wagon-hatch-or-brat/

Great setup, I'm glad they turned out so well!

Looks awesome, can't wait to see them in action!

This thing is epic.

That is awesome. Too bad it's a concept.

Was wondering if anyone had part numbers for suspension parts for a 1st gen brat. Anything you can think of, I want to get the project at least drive-able and I plan to replace everything. Thanks in advance.

Nice, any progress lately?

The day I picked up my 79'.

Well I got the headliner finished and some interior trim painted today. More to come this week.

This is way cool.

Thanks for the info. I'll see if I can get up there this weekend if they still have it.

It's been quite some time, but I'm back. Subaru has been sitting for like a year, not what I planned. Had her towed to a friend's shop where I have access to air tools. Got the entire interior pulled out today, minus the dash. Also removed the sun roof. Still need to wheel out the floor. Starting restoration at the interior so I don't get too overwhelmed. Have some floorboard sections to replace and going to be turning the interior completely black. I'll be doing the panels with black vinyl myself, and the seats I may have to get quoted at an upholstery shop, but we'll see. Pictures to come.

Impressive.

Stole a pic today.