ricku

Thanks, I'll try to straighten the wheel/trailing arm this weekend. I have access to a junkyard that has a few older Subaru GL 4x4 station wagons, would one from an 88 GL 4x4 wagon fit on the 82 Brat? As for the AC it took a charge (about 20 oz. can) and the pressure was bordering on high so I stopped filling it. The air cooled off slightly, I will just take it in and have it checked out, I've never had much luck fixing AC systems. As for the helicoil thanks I didn't even think of that, temporary brain damage. Do you know of a web site that has a parts cross-reference list to find out which parts are interchangeable? For example, seats, dashboards, engines, trannies. Thanks again.

I am new to Subarus, bought an 82 Brat GL 4x4 a few months ago then bought another 82 GL last week for parts. (Found both on Craigslist). Both run well, but need some repairs. White one: Has 180k miles, needs AC recharged/fixed, door handle on pass side, dashboard is severely cracked, dent in DS door right on the door handle, exhaust bolt holes are stripped on pass side. Questions: How far in can I drill to retap the exhaust bolt holes? (I assume I will need to get a special bottoming tap.) Has anyone stripped and recovered a dash? I tried charging AC with no success, is there anything I should know or look for before I take it in to have it evac-ed and recharged? Compressor seems to work well and I can see liquid and bubbles flowing through the small glass examination port. Red One: has 90k miles, left rear wheel trailing arm bent causing bottom of wheel to be bent in a few degrees, came with replacement hood and left front fender to replace existing damaged ones, needs new left tail light assembly. Questions: What is best way to straighten rear wheel/trailing arm? (I have a hydraulic ram and chains.) What other damage should I look for in the drive train that could have resulted from the wheel damage? Will a tail light from an early 80s Loyale fit in the Brat? Thanks in advance for any advice/help. Expecting many years of fun driving. Rick