11 replies to this topic

[Durania]

One year ago today I bought my 83 BRAT from an ad here in the for sale forum. http://www.ultimates...at gl knoxville

It was a long rainy drive out to one of the most rural areas in the state. Surprised the dude even had internet access out there along with running water. Got the thing back into Crossville and was pulling into my buddy's apartment where I had left my truck and the throttle stuck on the weber so when you started it, it was like the pedal was all the way to the floor. Took my dad and me 2 hours to figure out what was wrong with it.

Here she is the day I got her:


It has been the most temperamental vehicle I have ever owned.

Here is the list of things Ive done to her since I bought it. Its a long one.

-New 185/70R13 Tires
-New wheel clips for center caps
-Replaced Starter
-New Alternator
-New upper and lower radiator hoses
-New OEM Subaru thermostat and gasket
-Replaced windshield wiper motor
-Replaced both t-top wind deflectors
-New windshield wipers
-Fixed major electrical issues under dash from ignorant previous owner
-Replaced gauge cluster with one from 83 Brat with 65k
-All new bulbs in gauge cluster and climate control
-Replaced shifter knob with an original
-New OEM Subaru clutch cable
-New OEM Subaru oil drain plug and crush ring
-New clutch pedal return spring
-Installed original “fun roof” sticker
-New heavy duty floor mats
-Replaced window crank mechanisms and handles
-Replaced door panels
-Camper top to preserve bed
-Weber carburetor
-New alternator/water pump belt
-New driver side CV axle
-New passenger side wheel bearings.
-New passenger side rear wheel bearings
-New brakes front and rear
-New passenger side ball joint
-Re-wired front speakers from previous ignorant owner cutting them.
-New rear u-joint
-New heater core hoses
-New throttle return spring
-Original Subaru factory tool kit
-Replaced rear view mirror
-Replaced drivers side mirror
-Replaced glove box mirror
-Replaced fuel door with rust free one
-Replaced fuel cap with OEM
-New spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotary button.
-Replaced T-Tops
-Replaced Fuel Pedal
-Replaced Both Seats
-Replaced Entire Center Console
-Obtained “Dual Range” Emblem for console
-New Subaru OEM Intake Manifold Gaskets

Lets hope she stays true for another 24 years.

[backwoodsboy]

Hmmmmm.... birthday! It must indeed be a happy one with all the new parts on your subie.

If you have some pics of what she looks like now, post em up!

[Subaru_dude]

I don't remember ever seeing this add for that Brat, but I was the 2nd person to respond? My memories wacked, lol. Happy birthday! It's nice to see a Brat in such good condition here in the SE. Hopefully I'll be on the same train, may have found a Brat in good condition not too far away.

[Durania]

This is the most recent with the camper:








This one is my all time favorite, my white parts brat that is off by 4 on the VIN number,

[backwoodsboy]

Im loving those rails on your camper-top!

....and how come that sweet red hatch is sitting?! They are getting as rare as brats almost.

[Durania]

Im loving those rails on your camper-top!

....and how come that sweet red hatch is sitting?! They are getting as rare as brats almost.

The motor is shot in it. Been using it as another parts source.

My buddy just stopped by in his WRX, took some pics for this occasion.

[hatchsub]

Im loving those rails on your camper-top!

....and how come that sweet red hatch is sitting?! They are getting as rare as brats almost.

Hey Jon if your interested in a almost rust free hatch u should call charlie down in colchester connecticut. I was just at his yard last week and he had a 78,000 mile 4x4 hatch. I think he said 800 bucks would take it. Its got some fairly good sized dents on the drivers door and rocker but nothing that cant be fixed. I was debating getting it for myself. But i have no room and dont want to spend money..even though that sounded like a steal for a southern car.

[Subaru_dude]

Looks like you could use a tail-gate for your Brat. And yes, that's a very nice camper top. When are you gonna lift it?

[Durania]

Wish I could find a good cosmic blue tailgate. Dont plan on lifting it, been going for a restored look.

[mykingcrab]

Man that thing is sweeeeet.Im glad to see you put all the care into that
brat. Happy Birthday.

[daeron]

Get the tailgate in any color, and get some Rustoleum and re paint her!!!!!!

nice BRAT, I envy.

[Durania]

Thanks guys for the compliments on my BRAT, this thing is my pride and joy and awesome conversation topic at gas pumps.


As for the camper top, the rails are a nice touch. Thought at Christmas time riggin some lights up to it and entering it in the local parade in the vintage auto division. Ive never heard of the brand and not had much luck in a google search either "Trav-A-Cap" is the name of it and has a 1-800 number but its for a home financing company. Also said it was made in Goshen Indiana if that helps. I checked the topper example pages and dont really see any that match it closely.

Anyone else heard of the brand?