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Question for hatch owners


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ok, basically, i want to know the wheel base of a standard 1983 4wd hatch, plus the other basic dimensions. They were not imported into New Zealand, so I'm wondering if i can take a fairly common 1983 4wd station wagon, trim out the middle and rejoin behind the front doors and rear side windows, to acheive the same car?

Does anyone perhaps have both vehicles, so they can give me some measurements or a heads up if this may work?

It would be the perfect addition to my 83 brumby and 83 twin carb coupe.

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ok, basically, i want to know the wheel base of a standard 1983 4wd hatch, plus the other basic dimensions. They were not imported into New Zealand, so I'm wondering if i can take a fairly common 1983 4wd station wagon, trim out the middle and rejoin behind the front doors and rear side windows, to acheive the same car?

Does anyone perhaps have both vehicles, so they can give me some measurements or a heads up if this may work?

It would be the perfect addition to my 83 brumby and 83 twin carb coupe.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/80s/specs/general/specyears.html

 

4WD Hatchback wheelbase: 93.3 inches

4WD Wagon wheelbase: 96.6 inches

 

The doors are completely different between the two models. Honestly, if you really want the body, you'd probably be better off finding a body in another country and having it imported. I can't imagine the kinds of problems you'd have with the car after making such an attempt, only ever seen one man take a 4 door and successfully turn it into a 2 door (Chip Foose).

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Coupes and brats have the same doors as the hatchbacks.

 

There is a lot more rear overhang on the wagon compared to the hatchback and the rear gate and taillights have a different look as well.

 

I feel lucky we got hatchbacks in the US, even though they all rusted to nothing up here in the Northeast.

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Coupes and brats have the same doors as the hatchbacks.

If thats the case. You could try cut a Brat just behind the doors, and weld on the back section on a wagon...?

Could be interesting, anyone handy on photoshop?

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Problem is going to be the rear end - the hatch is just that - a hatch. There is like a 10" lip that runs all the way around the back, and the rear door sits on top of it. On the wagon the door opens all the way to the floor.

 

Oh yeah - gas tank in the hatch is shorter too - too accomidate the difference in rear overhang.

 

Sure - something like that could be done, but unless you are a fantastic body guy, it's going to look and function like poop.

 

GD

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Well i doubt the LTSA would ever allow something that cool - but if its for off road purposes i guess you could get one of those lovely brats on trademe and pretend its a hatch...:drunk:

 

KELTIK

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Well i doubt the LTSA would ever allow something that cool - but if its for off road purposes i guess you could get one of those lovely brats on trademe and pretend its a hatch...:drunk:

 

KELTIK

 

Certifier's will allow pretty much anything so long as its safe, and thats the crunch because alot of then seem to define safe as 5 times as strong as factory,with bigger brakes.

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Certifier's will allow pretty much anything so long as its safe, and thats the crunch because alot of then seem to define safe as 5 times as strong as factory,with bigger brakes.

 

I just hate them for snubbing the STI ATV. And the fact inspections cost so dam much.

 

KELTIK

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Oh, i saw one of those for sale only a few months ago!! in chch!! A little blue one, went back to see how much he wanted but it was gone.

 

I know where a yellow one parks during work hours, you should leave a note on the window!

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