914er's project "SPOILED BRAT" progress thread

[ninefourteener]

Thats right....

Just bought a 1st generation, first YEAR, 1978 Subaru BRAT!

I've wanted one for awhile... been watching eBay for well over a year searching for the perfect project. I hate the later 80s model BRATS with the plastic bumpers and ugly grill.

Found this on eBay... I've only seen one other 1st-gen brat sell in the past year....... it sold for over $3000, and it didn't even run.

The seller listed it as a "1978 Subaru"...... not a "1978 Subaru BRAT" as he should have. Had no idea what he was sitting on (or he just REALLY needed to sell it fast)... and set the Buy-It-Now at only $1000. The very second I was able to secure a truck and a trailer... I bought it, sight unseen.

It has some rust issues that need to be dealt with.... but nothing I haven't seen before. The interior is in GREAT shape, and it actually runs pretty good, although it overheats after about 40 minutes due to a bad water pump.... no biggy.

I've already thought about the direction I want to go with this thing..... A WRX motor is definitely getting transplanted in the Summer after the bodywork is done. I'm going with black NASCAR style steelie wheels..... FAT.... gonna try to go with 17x10s. And I'm going to go with a matte-black paint job... rat-rod style. The suspension will be lowered.... not rediculous... just enough to hug the massive tires underneath.

I've already secured a rental Suburban, and a trailer... I'm headed down this weekend to go pick it up.

Wish me luck!!!

[oriol]

congratulations man i wanna see that....

[06wrx4me]

Thats awesome!! I have often thought of doing a swap like this.

Couple pointers:

17x10's probably will not fit without a cut out style pocket flare. ALthough a pocket style riveted on flare would look cool with your theme.

Buy actual paint when doing the flat black. don't settled for just primer as primers is porous and without UV protection so all your work will be for naught and rust will prevail beneath the surface. PPG sells a single stage "Hot Rod Flat Black" as does SEM Color Horizons. A two stage flat paint job is a nightmare as the matte clear is horrible to try and spray perfectly.

AS for the wheels, I always prefer these type with the large bead protector cause the hardware and gloss finish make them look mean!!



So are you gonna do a WRX motor RWD or WRX motor AWD? I think this may be a prime candidate for a WRX RWD transformation, using a Richmond Gear 5MT. As you can see they are very affordable (cheaper than Subi 5mt) and a quick call to Advance adapters will net you all you need to hook it up.

[06wrx4me]

This is the style of flare I meant:

[ninefourteener]

Thanks.... and yes, those are the style wheels I want to go with.

I've thought about flares.... it would make that size wheel much more obtainable..... and it would allow me to cut out the parts of the fenders that are rusted... save a lot of work..... just gotta find the right set of flares.... most are made for lifted brats...... not lowered ones.

As far as paint is concerned..... there is NO WAY I'd try to get away with a rattle-can job.... I'm a perfectionist--LOL

Thanks all.... LOTS more to follow.

[TRAIL BOSS]

This is going to be a sick project...

[mycologist]

Very cool, subscribed.

[SeattleJeremy]

It's even got the JUMP seats! hellofafind!

Can't wait to see the build.

Your not going to paint it PSM are you? Gosh I hope not.

[ninefourteener]

^^^ Nope, going flat matte-black with the paint..... Gloss black with the trim, grill, and wheels.

Both front and rear marker lights are going to be shaved and blended

I "might" lose the front bumper to make room for the intercooler.

The only thing silver or chrome will be the headlights, maybe an emblem or two, the door handles, and maybe the lugnuts.

Thats my plan anyway.

[Donkey]

Nice bro!!I tried to buy one last year but the auction went over my max bid.Is it the turbo version?

[cavallino333]

Sounds like a really cool project.

*subscribed for eventual results*

[p0rnstar19]

you have to keep the rear seats! can't wait to see what you do!

[Anub1s]

Damn that sounds like a fun project. Congrats mang.

[ninefourteener]

Thanks all....

Truthfully, I'm far from a "BRAT" expert.... in fact, I've never even driven one.

Of course, I'd never driven a 914 the first time I bought one either--LOL

With that, I don't think the turbo brats were even available until well into the 80s.

It will be a turbo car though

[indytruckboy]

I "might" lose the front bumper to make room for the intercooler.

I would do something with the bumper, but I would make it TMIC, with a snow-shovel scoop