Subaru BRAT rescue
Discussion
Nik Gnashers said:
Thank you for the update.
I know it might seem like nobody is interested, but I'm sure there are many like me, who don't post on the forum that often, yet love reading about stuff like this.
Really impressive work, and I cannot wait to see it progressing further.
Yup.I know it might seem like nobody is interested, but I'm sure there are many like me, who don't post on the forum that often, yet love reading about stuff like this.
Really impressive work, and I cannot wait to see it progressing further.
I'm still watching too.
The Brat is a funny little car that I'd not normally be into however it looks like the perfect blend of cheap vs utility which is really what a pick-up should be. I don't need a heavy-hauler but just something to throw tools and materials into, and maybe bikes and camping kit. It's really quite a brilliant idea.
The Brat is a funny little car that I'd not normally be into however it looks like the perfect blend of cheap vs utility which is really what a pick-up should be. I don't need a heavy-hauler but just something to throw tools and materials into, and maybe bikes and camping kit. It's really quite a brilliant idea.
Hello again!
The only trouble with using a skilled craftsman is his waiting list!
I’m using the waiting time to completely rework the garage / workshop and create a larger “safe space” for the Brat to live in where it won’t get stuff piled on it and knocked by bikes.
Things have got worse before they will get better…
The only trouble with using a skilled craftsman is his waiting list!
I’m using the waiting time to completely rework the garage / workshop and create a larger “safe space” for the Brat to live in where it won’t get stuff piled on it and knocked by bikes.
Things have got worse before they will get better…
Back from a long spell away with work.
Very pleased she started first time! Went for a short drive up the closed road to celebrate. One drum still sounds like the shoes are rubbing. Will have to take another look.
Finding the inspiration to build a ramp in the workshop to allow easier working beneath the truck without having to jack it up every time.
Very pleased she started first time! Went for a short drive up the closed road to celebrate. One drum still sounds like the shoes are rubbing. Will have to take another look.
Finding the inspiration to build a ramp in the workshop to allow easier working beneath the truck without having to jack it up every time.
DaveEvs said:
I’m not surprised by the lack of comments on recent posts. It’s not the most exciting phase.
Here’s a photo of a painted control arm with new bush to liven things up a little.
I’m also spending a lot of time lying under the car with paint and sealant. I’ll spare you this level of boredom, but promise a photo when she’s next out of the garage!
COMMENT HERE! Here’s a photo of a painted control arm with new bush to liven things up a little.
I’m also spending a lot of time lying under the car with paint and sealant. I’ll spare you this level of boredom, but promise a photo when she’s next out of the garage!
We're still watching, keep it upGrowing up in Yorkshire farming country as I did, these things (and the estate versions) were an instant hit with the thriftier local landowners. Many of whom could have afforded a Range Rover for every day of the week, but preferred to spend as little as possible for a capable-enough 'throw away' vehicle
They were given the usual agricultural diet of a hard life and zero maintenance, so most of them were rusted out within 5 yrs or so. I's a pleasure to see one being brought back to life.
They were given the usual agricultural diet of a hard life and zero maintenance, so most of them were rusted out within 5 yrs or so. I's a pleasure to see one being brought back to life.
Thanks again for the support. It does help me!
Where I grew up in rural wales these were very popular with farmers who definitely couldn’t afford a range rover, but wanted more comfort (and cheaper purchase price) than a Land Rover.
After 5 years of pulling 3x their weight in an Ifor Williams on the back, most reached the stage where they wouldn’t even pass an MOT in the pub and got relegated to “off road use”. They then spent another 10 years being ragged around fields by teenagers before rotting out behind a barn.
So glad others recognise them as the classics they are!
Where I grew up in rural wales these were very popular with farmers who definitely couldn’t afford a range rover, but wanted more comfort (and cheaper purchase price) than a Land Rover.
After 5 years of pulling 3x their weight in an Ifor Williams on the back, most reached the stage where they wouldn’t even pass an MOT in the pub and got relegated to “off road use”. They then spent another 10 years being ragged around fields by teenagers before rotting out behind a barn.
So glad others recognise them as the classics they are!
DaveEvs said:
Thanks again for the support. It does help me!
Where I grew up in rural wales these were very popular with farmers who definitely couldn’t afford a range rover, but wanted more comfort (and cheaper purchase price) than a Land Rover.
After 5 years of pulling 3x their weight in an Ifor Williams on the back, most reached the stage where they wouldn’t even pass an MOT in the pub and got relegated to “off road use”. They then spent another 10 years being ragged around fields by teenagers before rotting out behind a barn.
So glad others recognise them as the classics they are!
Totally. I described them as 'throw away', but that's not strictly accurate, as many were not thrown away at all but simply joined the scrapyard field of old machinery that every farmer seemed to have in those days, and left to compost down;)Where I grew up in rural wales these were very popular with farmers who definitely couldn’t afford a range rover, but wanted more comfort (and cheaper purchase price) than a Land Rover.
After 5 years of pulling 3x their weight in an Ifor Williams on the back, most reached the stage where they wouldn’t even pass an MOT in the pub and got relegated to “off road use”. They then spent another 10 years being ragged around fields by teenagers before rotting out behind a barn.
So glad others recognise them as the classics they are!
Another long absense due to working away, but managed some quality truck time over the weekend.
Wings only offered up: will need to come off to remove windscreen to address a small hole at the base. Many would bung some sealant in, but I’m too far in not to do the job properly. Luckily a replacement seal was sent from Australia and there’s a mobile windscreen fitter to do the deed.
The gods of restoration must have been smiling this evening as the strut-rod bolts (which have refused to move until now) came loose straight away. This will allow me to make the final bushing change and complete the suspension overhaul.
Neil the welder returns in July, and then it’s MOT time!
Wings only offered up: will need to come off to remove windscreen to address a small hole at the base. Many would bung some sealant in, but I’m too far in not to do the job properly. Luckily a replacement seal was sent from Australia and there’s a mobile windscreen fitter to do the deed.
The gods of restoration must have been smiling this evening as the strut-rod bolts (which have refused to move until now) came loose straight away. This will allow me to make the final bushing change and complete the suspension overhaul.
Neil the welder returns in July, and then it’s MOT time!
The beer is non-alcoholic for reasons to do with my meds I won’t bore you with.
Mike - these were never available on the Japanese market for some strange reason. I am rebuilding this one to my interpretation of a “JDM Spec” using Subaru parts wherever possible. It has Outback leather seats, a Justy sport steering wheel and several other small nods to what a top spec Brat may have looked like.
Mike - these were never available on the Japanese market for some strange reason. I am rebuilding this one to my interpretation of a “JDM Spec” using Subaru parts wherever possible. It has Outback leather seats, a Justy sport steering wheel and several other small nods to what a top spec Brat may have looked like.
Cinderblock ramp adjusted slightly for better loading and access beneath the car.
Wheels sit directly over the blocks, and car is fully chocked at front end. I was slightly concerned about the stability of the blocks, but much deliberate pushing and rocking of the truck has failed to produce any movement.
Hopefully this will make transitioning from mobile recommissioning work to welding and back a whole load easier.
Wheels sit directly over the blocks, and car is fully chocked at front end. I was slightly concerned about the stability of the blocks, but much deliberate pushing and rocking of the truck has failed to produce any movement.
Hopefully this will make transitioning from mobile recommissioning work to welding and back a whole load easier.
DaveEvs said:
The beer is non-alcoholic for reasons to do with my meds I won’t bore you with.
Mike - these were never available on the Japanese market for some strange reason. I am rebuilding this one to my interpretation of a “JDM Spec” using Subaru parts wherever possible. It has Outback leather seats, a Justy sport steering wheel and several other small nods to what a top spec Brat may have looked like.
Cheer for the reply. Always liked these and they were new when I passed my test. Sure I saw them in the states as well. I think it’s something missing a standard ride height pick up truck is just such a useful bit of kit.Mike - these were never available on the Japanese market for some strange reason. I am rebuilding this one to my interpretation of a “JDM Spec” using Subaru parts wherever possible. It has Outback leather seats, a Justy sport steering wheel and several other small nods to what a top spec Brat may have looked like.
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