scole665

They look damn good!.

Well, I found a car with AC that I could use as a donor. With the help of Terry, I got it out and installed. The compressor was shot so I need to get a new one. The issue I have is that I pulled the AC from an 83 and installed into an 86. Apparently, on the 86 there are two versions and I don't understand the difference between them. So, I bought one off eBay and we'll see if I made the right choice. I do need various O rings. Anyone know a place where I can get these..... or perhaps other options? Once I have all this, I'll be able to load it up with Freon... and try to stay cool in this hotter than hell place where I reside. Getting excited that this project might be coming to an end. Thanks for the help I received.

Well, I bought it... this makes BRAT #3. It's in great shape and runs like a champ. It's got about 113000 miles on her. Passed the emissions test with flying colors. I still can't get over how nice it is.

So, last year I bought an 86 BRAT and it didn't have air. Living in Phoenix, that's not really a good plan if you want to use the car for more than 5 months out of the year. At the time, I thought, heck, I'll put some air in it later. We'll, the time has come. I picked up a junk yard find, but I may be in this a bit over my head. So, here I am presenting my questions to the experts. Please bear in mind that I'm not that mechanical (even that might be an overstatement). So, talk to me like a 10 year old about the mechanical stuff, if you care to help. First off, the donor car is a 1983 BRAT, is that a problem? Same engine size, 1800cc. My goal is to get all the AC parts off the car and, at worst, have someone else install them. At best, I'll do it myself (dreamer!). Is there some documentation that someone can recommend that tells me exactly what I need and maybe how to take it/them off? Right now, I just want to get whatever I need off safely to make sure I have everything for the eventual install. Then, I'll need to dispose of the car and let you guys pick it apart, maybe. Any suggestions?

Sounds like you had a great time in our fine state. You coulda come by to see my two 86 BRATS and my two 92 SVXs if I'd only known. You definitely need to be prepared for desert 4-wheeling. It's no joke out there. That coyote might be chasing you if not!

Really nice and welcome.

Anyone know where I can get an entire kit of stuff I'll need to add A/C to my 1986 BRAT which has never had A/C before? I'm not gonna be able to put it in, but I want to make sure I buy everything for the guy/gal who might do it. In the alternative, where can I get everything I need? Any advise is appreciated. Scott

I have an '86 BRAT which I'm just about finished restoring mechanically. The next step is the interior (and finally paint). The interior isn't all that bad, but I would like to redo the seats. Does anyone know of a place that does something close to original (Blue vinyl with the "checkered" blue/gray cloth)? Anyone have any ideas for me to get this as close to original as possible? Maybe someone has some perfect seats for me! :-) Or any other tips? Thanks, Scott

Enjoy it. They're the best.

I love them both! Really nice cars.

That's the one. The body is 100% rust-free and it just needs some front end work. I'm gonna make it showroom condition!

Two questions on my 1986 Brat. I know that I need CV joints on both sides. Is there a preferred brand? I see lots online, but they seem a little cheap in terms of price. I want to put on the best quality ones I can find so I don't have to do it again in a year. I cannot find Subaru ones at this point. Any ideas or suggestions? The speedometer doesn't work but the odometer does. Any clues what I might have to do to fix the speedometer? Thanks for any advise. I'm going to try to do this work myself (I'm no mechanic to say the least) so all helpful hints are welcomed by this novice.

I purchased a 1986 BRAT with about 214K on it. No rust at all. Bad CV joints and a small oil leak. Given the body I figured I got a decent deal on it @ $2500.00. I just have to work on fixing all these problems now so I can make it a $4000.00 car. However, I think they'll pry this thing out of my cold dead hands.

It took me about 25 years to get the '86 BRAT I always wanted, but the day has finally come. I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her and had to have her. I have a 2005 Baja I bought new and love it, but always wanted the original. The body is solid, no rust (AZ car) but it does need a little engine and front end work. After all, she does have 214,000 on her. Anyone know anyone in Phoenix who I can trust with some engine and/or restoration work?