TheBubbaJoe

when you worked on the brat did you ever replace the rear shocks? if so did you find scrap factories or find something that fit but was for something else?

here the engine if your interested text me at 316-6405691

one more thing i forgot to mention the driver window is gone and the windshield and dashboard are cracked

I have a 1978 blue brat with 100k miles and service records(i.e., the owner just wrote down everything he fixed for 38 years in the owners manual) that starts/drives, but only the E-brake works. There is some body panel rust. I have one full bucket seat, the camper top with some interesting liner in it, working radio, working AC, all the original electronics still work ( amazingly after 39 years) except there's an aftermarket key ignition. Also has the original tool kit, spare tire, and the original jack. I bought this Brat in late 2016 with the hopes of restoring it. I'd still like to if I can find some shop that will make me body panels from fiberglass or something or find new brake lines, master cylinder, and if I'm unlucky drum brakes. When I bought this beautiful Brat, I had imagined that I'd have time to work on it while also going to college for a pre/med degree. Sadly college makes it hard to earn money and buy parts let alone actually work on it. So if you're interested in it let me know. However, this Brat is in Kansas. I've posted some pictures about the brat on the forum, but if you are interested, I can send you more if need be or maybe a recording of the engine running.

anybody know if its possible to get fiberglass or aluminum molds of the body panel?

figured out the fuel pump today. the car started right away and idled like it was 1978 again. drove it around the block transmission is good and the 4wd works. the drive highlighted some critical issues that need to be fixed. -only the driver side front break works. e-brakes work -the front driver side drive shaft is rubbing the steering linkage making the wheel jerk as if it was torque steer. good things that became apparent: - the AC completely works - the radio still works -the signals all work along with the dashboard lights aka most the factory wiring has not become chewed away by rats.

had a little time to wongleflute around with the Subaru today. fuel was not being pumped so i replaced the inline pump and the filter. it still was not pumping fuel. i need to tinker waiting for the subaru shop manunal to come via UPS

i'm picking it up this weekend . ill start out with your advise thanks. this weekend ill put more pictures up of the car condtions and progress

its pretty nice that they left the bed roof on it prevented the bed from rusting

So here i am 2 years later. i had found a 1978 brat for 1200$ 2 years ago but was out bid at the time. i never thought id come across another brat in the midwest. recently i stumbled on another 1978 brat for 1000$ but i got him down to 700$. this Brats history: this 1978 model brat was bought by the owner from a dealership in the late 70's. it enjoyed light country driving for 100,000 miles until the owner became to old to drive it. it was then parked in there lawn for two years where mother nature could bite at its steel panels. other than body rust and interior wear in tear the engine runs fine. when i looked at it with the owner we opened the hood and poured gasoline into the carb. it started right away after sitting for 2 years. i didnt a good look at the frame or the floor but im hoping its not a rusted beyond repair under it. half the exhaust has been eaten away well any way heres the pics. i only have one bucket seat for the rear. the driver window is gone need a new one. the rear fender arches are probably rusted beyond repair and will need new panels. so does anyone have any advise for this project? any passing words of wisdom.

I'm about to buy a 78 brat and i'm wondering if the car is capable to run off of Unleaded gas with out damaging the internal components of the engine. will i need to put a lead additive in my brats fuel system If not what needs to be done to my stock carb to handle the higher burn temp of unleaded gas? Also most gas has about 10% ethanol in the gas now a days, so will that do any harm to the engines? what should i know in general about the old EA71 motor to insure that i can prevent any damages due to my lack of knowledge on 30+ year old carbed engines. For shits and giggles do any of the later engine models fit in the 78s engine bay and are adaptable to the stock transmission

Thanks for the advise. i'm meeting her over the coming weekend to buy it. as i restore it, i will post pics. I'm glad i stumbled upon this site with its plethora of advise and knowledge .

hello.. ive been looking for a old Subaru to restore. ive have never attempted to restore on my own, but have worked as a helper with several friends on restoring old cars. non where subarus but it did give me some experience. i've worked on an old buick and some various chevy's along with my own 86 Corvette (a absolute pain to) i have found a subaru brat made in 78. the condition is good. the owner had passed away and had rebuilt the engine and drive train. how ever the interior and exterior still need some tlc. but its a restoration car whats the fun if its all done the exterior has chipped paint with some surface rust( but not all the way through) paint is also faded the owners wife wants $1200 for it. she does not know anything about cars and is not able to give me a good account of his work so far other than the engine and drive train. but... it does come with the original roll bar( great condition), the original rear bucket seats( fair) and finally the camp shell is included. all this for $1200 should i be weary or is this a true deal of a life time