Looking to customize an 86 Brat I’m NC

[C-doh]

Hey all — my uncle has an old ‘86 Subaru Brat that I’d like to fix up for road trips and light off-roading. Nothing too crazy, but I’d love to beef it up a bit and modernize the interior some.

Does anyone know a shop in NC or nearby that could handle restoration and a little custom work?

Thanks!

 

[Ben Up North]

Well you're a lucky one aren't you!
I can't help with a shop in NC.

I'm very jealous though.
(welcome to ORS too!)

 

[C-doh]

Thanks I had a 2003 Impreza that I loved, but this will be a fun project if I can make it happen.

 

[El_Freddo]

No idea on any shops and I doubt they’d know what they’re looking at or what am be done with these awesome vehicles.

First step would be to get any rust under control/replaced for fresh metal.

After that interior customisation is limited to your imagination and your wallet if your paying someone to do the work for you.

Drivetrain can be modernised with an EJ conversion. Easily DIYable if you’re handy with a spanner and can read a wiring diagram and apply it to the birds nest you’re looking at when doing a wiring loom cut down.

Gearbox can be upgraded to an EA82 five speed (with dual range selectable 4wd) or an EJ AWD gearbox with some mods to make either of them fit. EJ box will only fit with the EJ engine.

The EA81 is a good engine and the bullet proof one in the EA range that’s readily available. What’s not available are things like the oil pump as a replacement part unless you find someone selling one.

You can do a mild lift and rub bigger tyres for off-roading.

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Kevin]

G'day & Welcome @C-doh It would be a fun project for sure!

 

[carljwnc]

I don't know if he does restoration type stuff on older Subarus, but he might be able to refer you to someone (maybe even more local to you), Boxer4Racing out here in western NC might be worth a call or email.