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Hey, new here,- new owner of a 1979 wagon DL!


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Hey all, I’m a new owner of a 1979 Wagon DL. I have been coming and reading around for a few weeks now and making a list of things I need, questions to ask, and to try to get a clue on what I am going/want to do.

 

First off I bought this vehicle from a co-worker who pulled it from a farmer’s field pretty much. He had to do a lot of rewiring because of mice liking wires, installed a new clutch, new valve cover gaskets, put some nice new tires on it, and some other random stuff that I can’t remember. When he first drove it to work I fell in love with it. Always have wanted a little Subaru 4wd to play in, and I had offered him 1000 for it right up front, a few months later he came up to me and said he would take it.

 

So here I am the new owner! I can say I don’t know really anything about these vehicles, except for what I have been reading the last few weeks. I already did the “stick a quarter in it” fix (last night) and someday down the road will take it to get the exhaust completely redone. I have a nice problem with it backfiring when I turn the vehicle off. Which I’m not sure is 100% the exhaust problem since the engine seems not cut out instantly when I turn the vehicle off. Not too worried about it right now though.

I am worried about finding a red drivers side tail light lens that isn’t damaged because the one I have has a quarter size hole in it. Also wondering if anyone knows some good fits for seats that I can steal out of another vehicle at the junkyard? I’m a fat 5’11 guy, and with no steering tilt it’s a close fit getting into the car. I think some seats that would ride a bit lower would maybe made it better, anyone else have this problem (haha!)? It needs the bottom door panels on both the drivers and passengers doors, new carpet throughout, and I did buy a generic shifter boot on eBay because mine sucks. Going to the junkyard tomorrow to look around and see if I can find anything nifty in for it.

By the way my name is Dan and I look forward to chatting around with all you! Here are a couple pictures.

 

6928227582_2e516fc404.jpg

subfin by dn69141, on Flickr

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Hey man.

 

Awsome wagon!

 

I liftedmy steering column a while back and replaced steering wheel for one a bit smaller.

 

The column is held on by a fairly simple bracket and one long bolt. You can re-drill the bracket to lift it. Might need to get creative with some of the dash plastic to make room too.

 

The centre console around the gear shift was ruff in my car so I just tore is out to make more leg room.

IMG_0403.jpg

 

cheers

 

Dirk.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for the compliments and suggestions! I soon will get under the dash to look at this steering wheel situation. I must report that this weekend (friday night) I went out and around the countryside. I live in Nebraska and its all farmland out here, with that being said, that means lots and lots of trail roads. The subaru did amazing! Loved every moment of it. I did happen to blow the rear defrost/turn signal fuse though.

 

Anyways there is one big problem I am worried about, my back window is about to literally fall out. The window seals are pretty much weathered, shrunken, and all round bad. It has some big gaps in the corners and I don't know how long it will last. Are these difficult to find or where should I start looking? Any help is much appreciated.

 

I did buy a generic shifter boot and installed it. It didn't like the fit so much, so using the old boot and the new boot together I made it work rather well. So for 12 bucks I can't complain, no more hole, no more dust, no more noise! I will take pics of it and post sometime.

 

Still never made it down to the junkyard to look around, but since there is zero leg room for any passengers in the back seat I think the original seat is coming out and going away. I am thinking of something crazy like putting in just 1 seat, and then I can position/build what I want around it. Before that though, the thing needs stripped and new carpet thrown in!

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  • 1 year later...

Check Vintage Subaru Restoration - Subaru3's website for correct application , but I 'm sure you cab use a particular era of the VW Beetle rear window seal. I'm pretty sure Todd recommends the California style where you won't need to worry about the chrome plastic inserts.

 

Skyway - what color interior? 

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