Welcome To "Project Subie"

THE CAR: 1994 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
THE COLOR: Faded Dark Blue
THE MILEAGE: 200K miles
THE CONDITION: Poor
TOTAL COST: $0.00 FREEBIE

THE SHOP: Hackett's Auto Center
THE STORE: NAPA Auto Parts/ AutoZone

I'll take you on a restoration ride first, and then a cosmetic ride, and finally ending the trip with completely customizing the car. This car will be shipped out to WEST COAST CUSTOMS on January 20, 2006... That is my deadline to fix everything that's wrong with the car.

Here's a list of problems:

Oil Pan - leaks a quart a day
Oil Pan Gasket - cracked and torn
Brake Master Cyclinder - leaks
Thermostat - stuck closed
Spark Plugs - corroded; cracked
Spark Plug Wires - stripped
Catalytic Convert - missing
Muffler - leaks in numerous places
O2 Sensor - broken
Drive Axle - broken
Brake Rotors - old; worn
Brake Pads - no fronts ; old rears
Fuel Injector - old; clogged
Fuel Sensor - never leaves 'E'
Tires - worn; no traction
Drive Belts - worn; cracked;
Suspension - leaks; no rears

SIMPLE REPAIR COSTS: $801.65

Look forward to reviewing your comments and suggestions.. and if you are in the Connecticut area, tips on shops.

 

I went to work right away, changing the oil. I use Castrol GTX High Mileage. After the oil change, I went ahead and changed to spark plugs. I used the cheap Walmart brand, and realized, I didn't like the way it was firing, so I took them out and returned them. I'll go to NAPA and order a packet of Bosch 4417 Platinum.
I'll be replacing the engine soon enough, but I need the car running now.. so a tune-up is neccessary. I also started work on the severe rust spots on the front fenders; sanding and bond-o. I put primer on the area just so it didn't rust further. No use painting the car, as WEST COAST is putting on a custom 2-tone paint for me. I also did some minor things such as window wiper blades, all new light bulbs, and severe interior cleaning.

Day one ended with it raining me out for the rest of the evening.

 

So what's the ultimate plan with the car? Sounds like a place like West Coast Customs that it's going to be a pretty radical paint job. How about the drivetrain? Are you planning a swap?

With the time and wherewithall- I'd paint mine stark white, with a pair of Sparco Rally seats, a full cage and gold Compomotive Wheels, Group A style. But of course, that's just my taste!

Best of luck on the project!

 

Well, now that I have the subaru back, the ultimate plan is to save up for the newer one so I can buy it straight out, and fix this one to be a beautiful casual ride for shows and stuff.. maybe races. But yeah, I want to go back to doing what I used to with cars. Having fun.