VABrat

Bear with this amatuer shade tree mechanic. Where is the fuel pump on my 85 Brat? I'm not getting any fuel in the carb--I can give it a shot of ether and it starts right up. I've changed the fuel filter, and fuel separator, and the gas in the tank is probably contaminated. I was thinking that I could run a hose from the fuel pump, turn on the ignition and drain the tank, but I cant find the darn thng. Thanks, VABrat

An apology might be in order--a few threads ago, I asked for some advice on the brake problem I'm having with my 85 Brat. No pressure in the system. Pedal to the floor. Cant pump up--cant bleed with the pedal. Someone suggested to look at the vacuum booster and I thought they were teasing me. Is it possible that a faulty booster could cause a total hydraulic failure?

Thanks. Worth a try. I guess it's possible that the MC is defective, too--I installed a rebuilt unit last fall, and I remember rounding off the line fittings when I removed the old one. But you would think I'd see brake fluid coming from the lines where they come into the MC. I'm going to get into this seriously tomorrow morning--need some good subie vibes.

OK. My 85 Brat which I love--first new car I ever bought--has been wasting away in my driveway. It's been sitting for 3 years, and I've made the decision to sell it. My dream was to restore this car to pristine, but I dont have the tools, facilities to make this dream come true. I'd really love for the person who buys it, to be able to drive it--but I cant get any pressure in the hydaulic system for the brakes. Here's what I've done so far: Replaced the Master Cylinder. Tried to bleed the brake lines--starting at the right rear wheel. Opened the bleed valve, pumped the pedal--Nada. No pressure, No fluid. Got a vacuum bleed tool from the parts store (loaner tool) Hooked it up to the same wheel and pulled out some nasty brown fluid, and lots of air bubbles. Fluid went to clear (after filling the reservoir several times) but still bubbles and air in the system. I haven't been able to detect a fluid leak from any of the calipers or wheel cylinders--could the pressure leak be present without any presence of leaking fluid? Where should I go from here? Thanks for your help, and the Brat is still for sale!

Just printed out some for sale signs. I'm not in a big hurry to sell, but I expect to get some offers, soon. Spent a little time trying to solve the brake dilemma I'm having. Cant seem to get any pressure in the hydraulic lines. Thought that I would flush the old fluid, but the fluid wont flow after I open the bleeder valve and pump the brakes. Brat is located in Round Hill, VA about 40 miles west of DC. VABrat

I know it's ugly--but Subaru built these bodies out of tin foil.

Have Decided the restoration is beyond my skills. If I had a garage and better tools, I could go for it--but I dont. So I'm going to sell the Brat. Would rather have someone from this group buy it, so I'll wait a week before putting a "for sale" sign on. Here are the details. 1985 all original. Engine has 231 K, still does not burn a drop of oil, and the oil pressure is excellent. Transmission and drive train excellent. Rust in the normal Subaru places. Wheel arch, rockers, drivers side floor. Brake lines have lost pressure, so it's not driveable. Hole in the y-pipe. Asking $500. VABrat

Alleyboy and 86Bratman, I really aappreciate your advice. Rust is not nearly as bad as the pics you posted--I had the Brat treated by a Quaker State Rust Protection Dealer when it was new--carried a lifetime warranty--but after looking at the fine print--saw that I needed to get a booster treatment every 3 years. John, I agree with you completely. My Brat has been sitting idle in my driveway for almost 3 years. No "For Sale" sign--but I have at least 6 unsolicited offers to buy my Brat every year. This car is collectable--and judging from the Brats for sale nationwide--restored cars are selling for 5-9 thousand dollars. Investment possiblities are nice, but the bottom line is, "I really love this car." I love the lines, I love the simplicity, I love the performance and economy. 86 Bratman, I'm in Round Hill--not too far from Tazewell--if you know of any boneyards that have fenders, parts, etc.--would love to hook up with you and compare notes. Thanks guys, Chris VABrat

Thanks for all the advice, excluding the vacuum booster quip. Treat all newbies like that? In Virginia, I can get Historic Plates at 25 years, which excludes me from emissions test--but that's a couple years away. My goal this summer is to get the Brat safe for the road, inspected, and start to treat the rust problem. OR--sell my love--not donate it.

Need to make a hard decision, and would like some advice. I am the original owner of a 1985 Brat, which I drove daily for years. Developed a hole in the y pipe about 3 years ago, so I couldn't get tags renewed. So my baby has been sitting in the driveway, wasting away. Had some time last weekend--so I charged the battery, fired the Brat up, and it still sounds great. Need to get the inspection current, and thru emissions and then decide whether or not to begin a full restoration. Couple of questions: 1. The Brat has rust in the usual places--rear wheel wells, rockers, lower doors. What should I look for on the frame and undercarridge to decide wheter the rust has gone too far? 2. Brakes have lost hydraulic pressure. Replaced Master Cylinder with no result, so I'm guessing the wheel cylinder(s) have dry rotted, or maybe the caliper pistons. Any tips on troubleshooting? 3. Have found an aftermarket y pipe replacement online, but I know a shop that does their own bending. Will I an need impact wrench to do it myself? Thanks for any help, VABrat

Crostbolt and others, Most of the online quotes were about the same--for a Baja Sport (no leather) and the only other option was the bed extender-- 19-6 plus tax and tags. Includes a 1,000 rebate. Dealership will try to add on with a document fee, or processing fee, but when I called them on it--told them it was a dealbreaker--they took it off. I did go with Subaru financing so that made them happy--I'm sure they get a kickback on that. VABrat

I love this message board! Just took my gen 2 Brat for emissions test--to the Sub Dealer in town--what a huge mistake! they told me they couldn't even run the test until I gave them 600 bucks to replace the Y pipe. (after I told them this was a likely problem to my backfire problem) I'm going to try and find the hole, clamp it, and see if this solves problem. Unfortunately, I cant do the quarter trick until I pass emissions. Another problem which I knew about is a rust hole in the gas tank. Fuel system not holding pressure. They wanted me to by a new gas cap. If you want it done right--If you resent being raped by so-called mechanics--you need to do-it-yourself. I do have another option--thank the Lord--my son lives in neighboring Clarke County, VA, and they dont require emissions test. I'm going to give him the Brat, get plates there, and stop worrying about it. Then I could put on a webber and forget the problems. Thanks again for all the great advice VABrat

Thanks for the feedback. Went online today, got 3 quotes, only had to haggle a litte and got a great price on a new Baja. Thanks for the advice on the tonneau. I pick the car/truck up on Friday! I'll post a pic of my old Brat and new (Brat) Baja when it's delivered. VABrat

Recently totaled my drive daily car--(also own an 85 Brat with 230 miles) and I'm gettin serious about buying a new Baja. Any feedback from current Baja owners would be appreciated. Thanks, VABrat

All, Thanks for the tips. Yes, backfire problem happens after accelleration when you let off the gas. I have an anti-afterburn valve on order (exspensive sucker) and should be in within a few days. Will let you all know if this solves the problem--from what I'm hearing, I just wasted a buck and a half. Have to get the Brat thru emissions within the next few weeks (pain) but if I get it to pass, I'm planning on sinking some bucks into this project--rust removal, paint, new exhaust, etc. Sub friends--I cant get out of the parking lot without someone asking me if my Brat is for sale. What is it about this car that has captured the imagination? Maybe the fact that I have 230,000 miles and the EA 81 is still not burning one drop of oil! VABrat