eatmorepossum

Hello all, I replaced a badge on the BRAT today and thought I'd share how it went. Here's the old worn out badge. I have simulated the removal technique in this photo. Using a straight line twine I slowly but forcefully sawed off the old badge. Looking a the back of the badge, you can see the two wide strips of two sided tape put on by the factory. Using a combination of a citrus solvent and wd40 I removed all the gunk. A good plastic scraper helps to get the thick stuff off. I found the best tool for this was a squared off shovel spoon from my local gelato place. I used an auto double stick mounting tape from 3m. Three strips should do it. I got the new badge from someone who had painted and clear coated it by hand. Not the best job possible,but way better than my faded badge. All told, it looks pretty good on the back of the 85 brat. Glad with how it worked out. Let me know if you have different tips.

I"m also considering adding A/C to my 85 brat which has the badge "Car is equipped for installation of optional A/C". If someone would list what "all the AC stuff" includes, I'd really appreciate it! Is it just the condensor and a belt or two or do I need to grab more parts than that from a Loyale or Brat!? Looks like the whole enchilada is covered here. Which parts are missing in a "equipped for optional" car?

Taking the fam out for ice cream in the 85 BRAT. The kids love to see the look on the drive-through worker's face when they hand the treats to them in the bed.

Ok then. I"ve added them to IMGUR so anyone can see them without creating an account. 471 photos of BRATs

I've have collected 467 photos of my favorite BRATs. Several of the photos are from the USMB gallery while many come from other places around the web. I am the proud owner of two 85s and am looking for inspiration as I fix them up. Below is my favorite BRAT which is currently featured as my computer wallpaper. Some like them slammed, some like them jacked, others prefer stock or almost destroyed. What is your favorite BRAT photo?

Sorry, double post

I have been trying to pick out some new treads for the 85 ea81. Seems impossible to find any badass tires in this setup so I moved on to cheap... What are your thoughts on these skins?

I like the way they look. Most BRAT owners on this forum seem pretty handy with tools. They may sell on eBay though. They'd stand out in the sparse line up of BRAT parts! I"m getting my 85 BRAT next Saturday and may be interested depending on how much budget I have left for audio. What type of bed liner is this?

Hello, I have been eyeing a 1980 Brat with no motor. Wondering how much work is involved in swapping a motor from my 96 impreza and possibly the suspension. Keep in mind I have no idea what i'm doing... so I'd have a knowledgeable shop perform the work. Is this possible, any clue how many man hours would be involved? 1996 Impreza Engine: Automatic, 4 cyl. boxer, sequential multi-port fuel injected, distributorless ignition 16 valve SOHC 2.2L: 135 hp, 140 torque@4400rpm 160k Miles 1980 Brat ala Craigslist for 900 bucks. What do you think? Possible? Reasonable? Worth the effort? Any guess on cost?

Update: I just asked the seller to confirm 5 speed as I had heard the 85 didnt ship with a 5 speed. His reply The plot thickens...

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. I knew it was a good find but now I see it's a bit of a unicorn (among unicorn enthusiasts)! I was simply looking for a cool midlife crisis daily driver once I realized I was too old for a WRX STi. Everyone take a deep breath, I told the shop I'm working with that any mod we do must be undoable so I can return her to stock. However, since you've pointed out that the CB install hacked up the center console, can we write that off and cut in a newer stereo head unit with no remorse? Otherwise I'm sure I can hide it in an existing crevice. The five speed mod sounds intriguing. I want to drive her and see how she feels before making any big decisions. The tires need to be replaced first thing. Thus the interest in lifting a couple of inches. The sale came with the factory tires as well so I could potentially mount two options. Suggestions on tires would be appreciated. As for the price, I paid 6 grand to join this elusive club so far. I'm paying $500 to have her delivered by flatbed car hauler. I'd like to keep the project under 10k in this round of restoration. I'll report back once we get her on the lift and see what needs repairs. Thanks for being so passionate in your love of Subaru history. I promise to treat her gently and have her home before dark.

Hello all, Just bought my third Subie. I loved my 96 impreza outback so much i went older and more badass. I scored this excellent low miles pristine 85 BRAT! The BRAT was purchased by a flipper from the original owner. It has been in Air Conditioned storage according to the flipper since 1991. It appears to be in excellent shape except for one sizable dent in the front right quarter panel. I am having it shipped to me in a couple of weeks and still contemplating mods. Should i raise it two inches... should i lower it... should i leave it stock. I am planning to add a Webber carb and a cat back exhaust. Definitely will hide a better sound system in there and maybe add a roll cage. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated! I'm working with a world class custom shop to bring her back to road worthy. Not sure if the pushbar, foglights, 4x4 visor tint and cap are stock... It came with an extra set of factory wheels. If you have any suggestions on restoration, swaps or otherwise, I'd love to hear 'em. Otherwise I'll keep combing this forum for info. Thanks for hosting this excellent forum which provides so much wisdom on the legend of the Subie.