2manetoys

Welcome to the Show! I've got an 85 Brat that is also a running, driving Project. and this is the place for helpful people and info.

Welcome to the Boards. Wish I was a little closer to you. I'd drive the 85 Brat over to you for a look.

Welcome to the Boards. Wish I was a little closer to you. I'd drive the 85 Brat over to you for a look.

Welcome to the Boards Ryan. New here myself, but I'm liking what I've seen so far.

They Look Great! might have to consider those for my Brat! Thanks for the tip.

Thanks for the tips. I'm not sure that I can recover the dash though. There are pics of it in the link in my post above. It's cracked pretty badly. This is going to be a fun, but probably expensive project. I'm gonna LOVE it!

Here are pics of the seats that I have in it now without the seat covers. Here are some more pics added to the album. 85 Brat pics I'll have a lot of little things to do to it, but first I might have to rebuild the engine. looks like hte valve cover gaskets are leaking, small fuel filter leak (I'm replacing all the fuel line that I can and using Hose clamps instead of the spring clips as well as replacing the vacuum lines.) When I replace the rear drums with the Disc brakes, should I go ahead and swap out the fronts as well?

Jerry, I assume that I need to find the 5 spd D/R tranny first though correct? Anyone have any ideas on where I can find a replacement dashboard? As usual (from what I understand), the dashboard in mine is cracked in about 10 places and looks like a festering wound. I have access to a 91 XT-6 and will need to replace or re-cover the seats as well. Any suggestions on that? I'm not trying to keep it all original, but rather comfortable. I'm LOVING the looks I get when driving it around town. Yesterday I drove through a Kroger (graocery store) parking lot and a guy in his early 20's cocked his head off to the side like a dog when he saw the BRAT. The expression was PRICELESS!

Jerry, I'm Absolutely Interested in all info including prices. right now, I'm more of a part replacer than anything, but I'm eager to learn. Just learned how checking the fit of the Battery cables can save you the price of a Starter! LOL:rolleyes: I have a distinct suspicion that I'll be spending a Lot more time on USMB as I have a lot to learn and there is a very knowledgable crew here. GD, Love the tage below your user ID.

She's a BEAUTY. What year?

How tough is the Rear Disc swap? I've got an 85 Brat and of course it has drums in back.

I recently acquired an 85 Brat with an EA81 (carburated), 4 spd D/R 4WD. and 182K miles on it. The previous owner wasn't very attentive and I'd bet that it sat for a few years. Head gaskets leak, fuel filter is....ahem...... engineered.... in place, needs typical, but not extensive rust replacement work done, new exhaust, replacing rear seal in transmission, lots of little things. I've owned and driven and 82 GLF sedan, and 88 Loyale 4WD wagon and a 92 Loyale 4wd Wagon. I didn't do much in way of maintenance on those either and I didn't have the tools, knowledge or budget to do more than replace whatever broke. I've wanted a Brat since I drove the 82 GLF sedan so this is a treat for me. I know that it needs work and that parts are becoming VERY difficult to find (like the dashboard and rear body parts. Basically, I'm torn between restoration and semi customizing it. For example, I REALLY want to put a 5spd Dual range 4WD in it and maybe fix the rust in the bed and put a Rhino lining or other bedliner in it (that's up in the air though) as well as some of the interior creature comforts like the elbow rest that I had in the Loyales that I could easily swap out. Maybe Disc brakes on the rear. Little things. I don't want to Lift it, Swamp it or make any major changes to the exterior of it, but I really miss having 5th gear and if I'm going to put money into it, (which is inevitable on a 25 year old car), I think it should be something that I enjoy. Basically making it a Mild Custom However, I plan on it being my daily driver so extensive downtime (more than 3 days) is not really an option. What do you guys think? Am I expecting too much? Here's a link to a photobucket album with several pics so you see what I'm starting with. 85 Brat pics

Thanks for the welcome. Been cruising the boards looking at some of the Impressive info out there and trying to decide whether to go restore or enjoy on my Brat. I'm torn between keeping it original EA 81 I think and the love of the EJ22 5 spd 4wd that I had in my 2 loyale wagons. Decisions, decisions.

Congrats on the new toy! It looks sharp!

Hi All! Just found USMB and Scoobytruck.com. Any fellow Subaru Lovers in Indiana? And just recently bought an 85 Brat. Have previously owned and 81 (or 82) GLF (first Soobie), 80 GL Convertible (wish I still had that one), 88 & 92 Loyale 4wd wagons. I hope to add a 05 or 06 Baja to the list in a couple of years Here's My Brat: