MarkJHarris Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 So, I changed my cam belt and took the opportunity to de-gas and change out the leaking condenser too. On inspection, the lower radiator panel, mounting brackets top and bottom and front of the subframe and also inner bumper are all rotten. Nice. Rest of the car is nice and cleaned, undersealed and waxoiled. So, now ordered new upper and lower rad panels, front stay and new brackets too. Bumper will go to be blasted and powder coated in primer and subframe likewise in black. I'd check your cars out under the front, it's not pleasant. The metal is cheap and plentiful in stock at Subaru...I suspect mine isn't the first to need attention. Link to comment
The Don Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 48 minutes ago, markjharris said: The metal is cheap and plentiful in stock at Subaru...I suspect mine isn't the first to need attention. Cheaper than ICP ?? https://www.importcarparts.co.uk/parts-info?id=11459&cat=96&sub=183&sec=349&var=85&dc=0&gen=&searchKey=&searchPart= Link to comment
ScoobieFloz Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 When my rad blew a few years ago my mechanic was surprise mine was in such good condition, he said he was expecting to order new parts but so far so good. I don’t want to go and check now Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted February 20, 2018 Author Share Posted February 20, 2018 ICP is always a bit cheaper, granted, but not a lot in it. I got the top and mid stay panels too to be sure. Bumper cross frame and subframe is being powder coated, and the new lower loom brackets are also being powder coated to add more protection.... they're VERY rusty. Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted February 21, 2018 Author Share Posted February 21, 2018 Had a good look today and really should have ordered a full front panel. Ho Hum. Front edge of roof is showing rust too. Why Subaru have to skimp painting the bloody shells so badly is beyond me.. It's quite dark as a lot of ACF-50 had been applied to the rusty areas when I first saw them to stop it getting any worse. Anyway. In the body shop now so I'll get a few pics of it with the front cut out tomorrow. Can't wait to get it back on the road to be honest. Not driven it for 5 months now. Link to comment
leon77 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Wow well its' in the right place now and with getting those bits sorted she will look amazing again and your be glad your back on the road I'm going to be putting mine in the end of year for a full strip down a body spray started noticing bits on mine are slowly getting eaton away I am lucky it' only just started after 20years it can soon take hold... pics when she' finished good luck Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 Right then. Here's the offending worm's dinner plate. I was right to get it done it seems.... Hate to think what this is going to cost me though... Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) He's going at the remaining rust with a miniature sand blasting set before welding all the new panels back on this afternoon. Should be ready to paint tomorrow. Then the fun starts working out which bolt goes where... It'll rest over the weekend and get a full underseal and wax oiling before re-assembly. To be honest, the metal around the front is painfully thin. I know modern cars are designed to implode if a pedestrian is anywhere near, but even this surprised me. As you say, it's in the right place to be sorted. Edited February 22, 2018 by markjharris Link to comment
The Don Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 How's your water pump to oil cooler (modine) pipe?? Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted February 23, 2018 Author Share Posted February 23, 2018 (edited) OK to be fair. I should pop it off and powder coat it to be honest while I've got the chance. Edit: looked this morning and it's fine. Just light surface rust, but for £14 I'll replace it anyway. Ordered a genuine Subaru middle gauge pod too. More money I don't have right now.... Edited February 26, 2018 by markjharris Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted March 17, 2018 Author Share Posted March 17, 2018 Final bill was just shy of 2K! However, that includes painting the boot and roof including all pillars and into the rear quarters. Looks like new though. Check under your radiators folks, and try to catch it before it rusts too badly! Link to comment
MarkJHarris Posted March 18, 2018 Author Share Posted March 18, 2018 Indeed. Looks new now. I'm just sorting the ride height in this weather as the new struts are 20mm shorter than the last ones. My mistake. On full length they sit lower than O.E. and I'd forgot that as I'd ordered the last ones +60mm on standard. The helper springs are now fully compressed and i will probably just run without them from now on. Just bought a 6.7litre vacuum pump to do oil changes and stuff. Works a treat to vacuum bleed brakes. Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now