Tonyp5143

Miles, so you are saying that I may not have the oil pressure that I think I have? Thanks, Tony P

I will get a seal kit for the oil pump and try that. I did fail to mention that I have really good oil pressure, 70 psi on startup and about 50 to 60 when cruising down the road. Tony P Unionville, NC 1985 Brat Auto Needs: Rollbar Pushbar 14" Pugs

A local Subaru mechanic told me to be sure and check the front diff for proper fluid level. He said that excessive heat from the exhaust constantly bakes the diff seals and causes them to leak. And if left unchecked fluid level will be really low, and I could lose the front diff. Well, the fluid level was barely on the stick. I refilled the fluid to the proper level, and when I drove the Brat, fluid POURED from the diff seals. I drained the diff and refilled with straight Lucas and the leak stopped for now. So I guess I am gonna be replacing the front diff seals soon, but in searching the website, that sounds like a risky job, due to obtaining proper clearance. What would you guys do? Thanks, Tony P

My 85 Brat, auto tranny, about 110k miles recently started a brief, slight rattle upon startup, and then followed my a light ticking, maybe piston slap?? This engine has hydraulic lifters and otherwise seems to be in really good condition. All of this noise started after the weather turned really cold. I am running 10w30 dino oil. I even changed the oil and added a little Lucas Oil Stabilizer, which did reduce the noise a little and shorten the time of the rattle on cold. dry startup. Once the engine warms up it is pretty quiet. I know you guys cannot hear the noise, but I'd welcome any suggestions / comments. Also, I have a small oil leak above the oil filter, that I'd like to repair. No valve cover leaks. Tonyp Unionville, NC

Hey guys, I am going to refinish the topper for my 1985 Gen 2 Brat. It is white and I really do not like the white topper on my silver Brat. I have already stripped and refinished the Jackmans and painted them low gloss black, which I think looks MUCH better on my Brat. Currently when the topper is on my Brat it touches the paint in several areas. So, I am sure at one time there must have been some weatherstripping on the topper to give it a little extra clearance. What are you guys using? Any suggestions? Thanks, Tony P Unionville, NC

Saw this beautiful Gen 1 Brat number 1 in my Subaru newsletter. I WANT it! Tony P Unionville, NC http://drive.subaru.com/Fall06_attic.htm

Thanks for all of the input so far. Fixin to go look at the choke spring thing. I'd still LOVE any ideas on the auto tranny going into 2nd gear at 10mph! Is there something out of adjustment?? Any ideas?? thanks, Tony P Unionville, NC

Gloyale, Thanks for the reply. So, where do I get a choke spring?? tony p

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2079168034.html

Thanks for the thoughts guys! I bought the 1985 Brat, Auto, A/C, 107,000 miles with topper. I plan to go back after Christmas and purchase another with t-tops, 4 spd, hi/lo, and Pugs. tony p Unionville, NC

Hy Guys, I am the proud owner of a 1985 Brat, all original with auto tranny and a/c. Photos soon! I have a couple questions. The truck runs great, BUT~ 1.) When I start it on a cold morning, there is no fast idle. Even thou I fully depress the accelerator prior to starting. Everything under the hood, including linkages looks to be intact and totally stock. 2.) The tranny shifts great except that from a dead stop, upon acceleration, it shifts into 2nd gear at 10mph, reguardless of throttle position! Is there an adjustment in the linkage somewhere to get the tranny to stay in 2nd gear just a little longer?? 3.) The only rust on the vehicle is a totally rusted out rocker panel under the passenger door. Can I buy a rocker panel somewhere, or does it need to be fabricated? 4.) There interior dome light is about as bright as a match! Anyone ungraded the interior light? Any suggestions?? I also, need medication for my new affliction, I have owned 9 Subarus over the years, but this is my first Brat, and I am already planning to purchase another one! Thanks for ALL suggestions! Tony P Unionville, NC

OK guys, I am going to pick a Brat Wednesday. To refine my questions: The 1985 Brat is Auto without Hi/Lo tranny so does it still have lower first gear than a Gen1 4 speed?? The owner of the Gen1 says it has 100k miles on it and lots of new parts including a brush guard and skid plate, no A/C and get 30 mpg. The 1985 (Is that a Gen3?) has Auto tranny, 106k miles, A/C, new windshield, no hi/lo and gets 27 mpg on hwy. Both have nice interiors. The 85 is gonna cost me $700 more than the 78. Can I assume that the 1600cc with 4 speed tranny with accelerate as will as the 1985 1800 with Auto tranny?? Both look really good inside and out and have jump seats and belts. I REALLY wish I could get BOTH of them! Thanks for ALL input, I do appreciate it! One of these will be my 9th Subaru! Tony p

I'd like a pair too! Tony P Unionville, Nc USA

Are there any Subaru seats that will blot up to the Brat w/o modification? I loved my XT6 seats. Any big difference between brakes and power comparing 1978 to 1985?? Tony P

Hey guys, I am new to your board. I am about to purchase my 8th Subaru. I am trying to choose between a 1978 and a 1985 Brat. I have never owned a Brat. 1978 is 4 speed with seats, brush guard and skidplate. 106,000 miles all original. 1985 is Auto, A/C, with seats, and alos 106,xxx miles. Both are about the same money. I can only buy one. I would LOVE to here the pros and cons of each! Also, is the topper the same for all Brats? It looks like virtually NO tires are available for original 13" wheels. Can I put 14" wheels on either Brat with mud tires? Will Pugeot Wheels fit, if so where can I find a set? thanks, Tony P Unionville, NC