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The Subaru Brat
#1
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:09 PM
Brats were in production from 1977-1986 (Classified as 78's - 87's)
There were 2 generations and body styles made. 1977-81 and 1982-1986
Turbo models were made in 83 and 84 (I believe) and were automatics.
Keep the info coming! I have a few questions about the Brat:
1) Anyone know the production numbers of the Brat?
2) Were there GL models for 78-80 models? How were they classified?
#2
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:16 PM
the trany is a dual range 4speed with the 4wd shifter INFRONT of the 5speed shift not behind like the 80-84 hatches and brats that had the 4wd shifter back by the ebrake handle..
81 brats also could have the ea81 with a top center mounted starter so its the only ea81 that would just bolt into an early trany with the center mount starter.
#3
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:21 PM
#4
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:40 PM
(SP)
I have a '81 / dual range / EA81 / GL BRAT
#5
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:41 PM
This is the best guide you will find for brats (Be aware that its a pdf file)
http://www.ultimates...brats/Brats.pdf
#6
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:42 PM
Do you mean that no other Gen 1 subaru's had dual range? I am confused by your statement. :-\gen 1 brats were the only ones (some 81 i think) that came with a dualrange in the gen 1 bodys(stage 2 i think its called)
#7
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:43 PM
Why did subaru give the brat jump seats? Insurence reasons?
(SP)
I have a '81 / dual range / EA81 / GL BRAT
Subaru gave the Brat jump seats so they wouldn't have to pay import tax on a 4wd "truck" ... with the jump seats it's classified as a passenger car. (At least that is the information I found on it.)
#8
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:46 PM
#9
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:47 PM
#10
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:51 PM
That Brings me to another question, Is the brat a car or a truck?
You got my vote for truck! I don't care what the import tax authorities think!
#11
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:53 PM
not sure if they were the "DL" model or what, but I can get a picture of a white one with a high roll bar and pushbar if wanted.
Hmmm historic forum, I've never had anything older than 82, time to get me a Gen 1

The Gen 1 brats had the quad headlight set up and a techometer along with some other stuffs. The Gen 2 turbo brats were 83.5-84 (Small diffference I know). Subaru put the jump seats in to skirt import tariffs on imported trucks. By putting the seats in the back they could call it a multi-purpose vehicle and avoid the tariffs. In Japan the brat was used as an agricultural vehicle.
This is the best guide you will find for brats (Be aware that its a pdf file)
http://www.ultimates...brats/Brats.pdf
#12
Posted 28 April 2005 - 11:55 PM
eckyThat Brings me to another question, Is the brat a car or a truck?
i dunno about you people in the states but i have to have it as a pick-up...
tailgatewagongen 1 brats were the only ones (some 81 i think) that came with a dualrange in the gen 1 bodys(stage 2 i think its called)
the trany is a dual range 4speed with the 4wd shifter INFRONT of the 5speed shift not behind like the 80-84 hatches and brats that had the 4wd shifter back by the ebrake handle..
81 brats also could have the ea81 with a top center mounted starter so its the only ea81 that would just bolt into an early trany with the center mount starter.
unfortunatly i looked into the top-mounted starter on the 81(because i was looking to swap a d/r into my 79 while keeping the EA71)... and i found an 81 with the d/r and the EA81 in it...
its side mounted...

http://www.ultimates...&sort=1&cat=500
see... i was pissed... but hey, pictures don't lie... except for photo-shop... photo-shop can making lieing pictures... anyway...
and i really like the full size spare tire under the hood... what year(s?) did that go to?
#13
Posted 29 April 2005 - 01:13 AM
#14
Posted 29 April 2005 - 06:40 AM
You got my vote for truck! I don't care what the import tax authorities think!
I spoke to an officer from an old car club yesterday about the classification of my Brat for an upcoming show. I have to enter mine in the antique truck class even though there's a foreign class. hmmm... wonder if there's a prize for "not expected to last longer than the warranty"? He did mention I'd be the only Brat there, since they rusted out years and years ago (east coast).
#15
Posted 29 April 2005 - 06:48 AM
So does B.R.A.T stand for Bi Range All Terrain ?
Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter.
It's a "backronym" ... where a meaning is derived from a word.
#16
Posted 29 April 2005 - 07:11 AM
#17
Posted 29 April 2005 - 07:37 AM
#18
Posted 29 April 2005 - 07:42 AM
My congrats and thanks to all
that pushed for it's creation.
I am new to the Gen 1 and have embarked
on a seriously steep learning curve.
Any one having a FSM for the 78 series
and would like to sell it - please
PM me.
I would kindly ask
What years were the "Cyclops" third eye
"passing lamp" available?
I do not want to add anything to my 78 that was not
factory original equipment.
The sales brochure does not list it as an option
in 78.
Carfreak thanks for the way kewl .pdf link.
#19
Posted 29 April 2005 - 08:13 AM
I think it was 1982 only but maybe '83 too and it was only on the Gen 2 Brats and station wagons. Gary
I am new to the Gen 1 and have embarked
on a seriously steep learning curve.
I would kindly ask
What years were the "Cyclops" third eye
"passing lamp" available?
#20
Posted 29 April 2005 - 08:43 AM
#21
Posted 29 April 2005 - 09:48 AM
Brochures don't mention it any other years...
Glenn,
82 SubauHummer
01 Forester
#22
Posted 29 April 2005 - 10:30 AM

#23
Posted 29 April 2005 - 12:59 PM

#24
Posted 29 April 2005 - 03:19 PM
#25
Posted 29 April 2005 - 03:29 PM
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