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My first Subaru----1979 Brat


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Hey to everyone at USMB,

 

I recently just came across a '79 Subaru Brat that is in fairly good condition.

 

I joined the board so could ask questions and show how my first Subaru and first fixer-upper goes.

 

When I first saw this car I asked my grandmother "What the hell is that thing?"

 sitting in an old barn was this bad boy. Not even 23,000 miles on it!!

some quick pre-start work and this bad boy started right up.

 

Looking to get in registered and inspected in PA, will need a front-left turn signal assembly and a rear-left tail light, Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated!!!

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Hey Thanks a lot,

 

Yeah I'm super excited about the car, everyday I feel more attached to it!!

 

 AdvSub. It needs the lights mainly because she is going to be my everyday driver and I need to pass Pennsylvania inspection pretty much ASAP

 will definitely need all brakes all around, a torn CV boot, other little things that will be perfect a beginner mechanic like me

 

I have a feeling its going to a tiny bit of a money pit, but I feel pretty good about that engine and tranny, so hopefully with some time she will be a solid car for another couple years.

But who cares I got my first Suby!!  :rolleyes:

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Welp ran I into a stuck parking brake, my rookie mistake, put it on after running it around a bit.

Took me a bit to find out the old Sub e-brake is hooked into the front Calipers.

 

drained some fluid hoping that maybe would take some "pressure" off the piston, but no luck. Maybe after sitting

 

Most likely will just replace calipers.

 

Yep it will be a few weeks before she hits the road

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t

Wow , super sweety from the northeast.

 

Enjoy !!!

 

 

 

 

 

.......and don't do anything to it !!!!!!! LOL

Yeah I'm a fanatic for this thing already, and wait? do you mean to not do anything to it? like fix it or replace anything??

 

I'm thankful for you guys telling me these things, I've realized in the past few weeks what I kind of classic I have on my hands. I don't think I will be turning this into my everyday driver, Keep it off the roads in the winter here and keep it in storage.

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Don't modify it ! LOL

 

Yes , fix it , and keep it healthy in the same state it exists.

 

Enjoy , and we'll see you at Carlisle PA third weekend in May - OK ??

 

You can drive it up here for a Caffeine and Carbs meet if you like. :) Check it out and no I don't expect you to show but if you did you can park in a side lot and I'm sure you'll get as much attention or more than several lesser known cars that sell for over $300K. No kidding.

 

But Carlisle is plenty cool enough. Cheers!

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Yes!!! got you

 

Thanks for the wise words, as the weeks go on I realize what type of classic car I have.

 

definitely going to keep it as original as possible, the car is pretty solid so just going to take care of cosmetics then brakes, etc.

 

I`d love to come check out Carlisle, hopefully the winter is productive!!!

thanks again every bit of info is priceless to me

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Welp ran I into a stuck parking brake, my rookie mistake, put it on after running it around a bit.

Took me a bit to find out the old Sub e-brake is hooked into the front Calipers.

 

drained some fluid hoping that maybe would take some "pressure" off the piston, but no luck. Maybe after sitting

 

Most likely will just replace calipers.

 

Yep it will be a few weeks before she hits the road

 

The older subarus had a 'ratching' caliper piston. 

They do not reset with a C-clamp or standard caliper tool. 

Check the caliper surface for two slots (grooves) set 180 degree apart. 

Lisle makes a tool for these type of caliper pistons.

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Match the post with the slots, apply some pressure, and rotate clockwise.

 

Congrats on picking up an awesome piece of history-enjoy!

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Cant get the Caliper off!!

 

The chocking blocks are rusted in,

 

I`m going to order new calipers from JC Whitney, does anyone know if these blocks will come with the new caliper?? Just need to know so if I have to keep em I don't bugger them up too much

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I'd say not as they typically don't with other vehicles.

 

Here is the part list from the catalog.  Are you referring to the caliper bolts I have arrowed?  There are 4 of course.

Bratfrontcaliper_zpsa277ba74.jpg

 

If so, I cannot find a part number, weird?!

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Take the little pins out of the wedges? Then use a punch or something and tap them. Better to tap from inside towards outside if you can get in there, and you can. Spray with penetrant first.

 

Bolts as shown above. I've scored loaded rebuilds. Good luck!

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