Subaru Crew - Modifications

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Comments

  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Yeah I took my dealer's plate holder out. Heck i was thinking to just remove the front plate all together. But I figure that would attract the cops tho... Not to mention expose my radiator to rocks and stuff....
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I lost my dealer's plastic plate holder within 5 minutes of getting home (and I like my dealer). I just don't believe in free advertising. Fortunately my dealer doesn't use the stickers or the glue-on badges so I didn't have to mess with them. However, I've always taken them off on previous cars. Speaking from experience, they're alot easier to take off when the vehicle is still new.

    -Frank P.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    My salesman says, "Some folks want a free license plate frame from us, Do you?" "Not really." "Good. I think they look cheesy. Let me get the plates on it and you're ready to go."

    He is actually the reason I bought from Valley Motors. very cool, no nonsense guy who admits it if he doesn't know something. Also made sure to engage Kirsten in discussions, which a lot of salespepople did NOT do.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    My dealer places a decal (black on light cars, white on dark cars) on the trunks or liftgates and attaches a plate frame with its website address on the rear. I had both removed as a condition of sale (no added dealer prep charge). I replaced the rear frame with one from my undergrad alma mater.

    Foresters don't have front plate holders - they bolt directly to the bumpers (bad move - Patti, are you listening?), which isn't a big deal when you live in a 1-plate state like I do. However, I did have a South Carolina state flag plate (it's the palmetto and crescent, not the Confederate battle flag) that I wanted to attach. (I grew up there and my family still lives there, even though I doubt I'll ever move back.) So I covered the outside edges of the back of the plate with double-stick tape without removing the backing on the side that would be facing the bumper. So far, so good.

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good idea, Ash!

    I removed a stick-on badge from Farrish Subaru, especially since I left with a bad taste in my mouth. The "AWD" stickers in the windows and some of the huge air bag warnings too (there are still plenty of them left).

    I wouldn't mind having a license plate frame, to mount backwards, though. Right now both plates are just bolted on. The front one kind of hangs there looking odd (right on, Ed), but the rear looks OK.

    Dave - great idea. C'mon, SoCal folk. It's about time you guys had an event.

    Well, just got the 18mm rear sway bar, and HOLY COW! It's massive! You could lift weights with that bad boy!

    I can't imagine what a 22mm bar would be like. I could probably barely lift it!

    Still waiting for the bushings, but I hope to install both this weekend.

    -juice
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    OK right now the only thing that tells others that I'm driving a Subaru instead a pimped out Civic is my Subaru center caps on my 16" rims. Oh and the front badge. But no one cares anyways.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    So you de-badged the rest of it?

    You could get the STi bunny front badge, too! They don't only come in pink.

    Where'd you get those center caps? Are they for the stock RS wheels? I have "Sendel" center caps which I'm not crazy about (they're chromed). Are they all the same size?

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bushings are on the way! Yahoo!

    That means it should go on this weekend.

    Now I really can't wait 'til it snows! I should really be able to get the tail out...

    -juice
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    they are stock Subaru stuff.
    The rabbit? hmm.... where can i get one?
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    How do I contact Darlene? is it autoparts.com? I forgot....
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    qsubaru@aol.com
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    thanks colin,
    is she with subaruparts.com?
  • qsubaruqsubaru Member Posts: 37
    No.....I have better prices......lol

    Darlene
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cracked me up. ;)

    Don't forget Darlene is lurking on occasion. Not that it's a bad thing - she keeps us posted on recalls and TSBs.

    -juice
  • qsubaruqsubaru Member Posts: 37
    There is now one for the 2000 model year Legacy's and Outbacks. The ECU (engine control module)
    Only the 5 speeds are affected. Your dealer will check the numbers on the ECU and if need be, replace it. Also if there are any check engine lights, the O2 sensor will be replaced also.
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Thanks, Darlene. What's the number? Anyone have the website handy?

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Have you heard anything about redesigned front stabilizer links for the 2000 Outback that cure a knocking/clunking sound from the front suspension over bumps?

    Craig
  • qsubaruqsubaru Member Posts: 37
    It is recall WXV-79
    I'm not sure if it's available on the web site yet
    www.subaru.com
  • qsubaruqsubaru Member Posts: 37
    I haven't heard of any redesigned parts. I'll call SOA and ask if they have any updated information. I'll let you know asap

    Darlene
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    (and have a good memory) Erm, since I, uh, well, since my wife's driving it today, I'll email you tomorrow. Thanks!

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Darlene: Thanks so much for checking! On the ECU recall, can I assume the VIN range that you gave to Mike applies to Outbacks as well?

    Mike: What, you don't have the VIN memorized?? tsk,tsk.

    Craig
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Shh Craig, our litte secret. Quite embarassing.

    ..Mike

  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Juice - it's amazing what you find out you can handle with one partner out of work. I'm saving a bunch in child care. Life is short. If you can work it, do it!!!

    Tati will be older so soon. I was shocked at our recent "Back to School night". My daughter (11 yrs. old) had broken up with her "boyfriend". His mother asked my what she meant when she told him that their "relationship" was "pointless". I'm not sure where it is coming from, but, I'm concerned I missed something along the way. Her Dad chuckled and wished the man that marries her luck. . . .was he referring to my influence??
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I'll let you know as soon as I hear about the wagon!
  • shndvnshndvn Member Posts: 22
    This is probably not the best forum but since
    it was discussed recently.... is it possible
    to remove those air-bag-warning stickers from
    the driver & passenger sun visor things? I've
    removed most of the stickers by just peeling
    them off (still have a window one that looks
    like it'll need a hairdryer or something) but
    I can't seem to grab a hold of those air-bag
    ones on the visors. Has anyone done it?

    (I have a 2001 Forester, btw)
  • bogusbobbogusbob Member Posts: 13
    I too am interested in a way to remove the warning stickers from the visors. I would also like to know if anyone has installed a video camera in their RS coupe for use on track and autocross days? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

    Thanks......bogusbob (Ken)
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    I jsut emailed you. Let me know will ya.
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    Thanks Patti. Subaru Canada can't confirm that a similar recall has been made here.

    Ash
  • gedwardsgedwards Member Posts: 18
    Hello Canadian owners,

    I have looked into a recall for Canada similar to the one noted in prior messages.

    Nothing has been announced yet, but I can tell you that some type of announcement is being prepared, but it is expected to affect a very small, if any, number of customers.

    In the meantime, as this is the modifications section, I bought a nice little pair of headlight protectors for my car (2000 Legacy GT for those who don't know). They are an inexpensive item, but make the car look pretty sharp, and will protect me from some more expensive repairs should one of my headlights get smashed on any of my forays into Northern Ontario.

    I also have the hood protector and sunroof deflector, though the headlight protectors are clear whereas the other pieces are smoked. I would like the smoked headlight protectors, but we on't make 'em and they're illegal to use at night, even downtown Toronto, where headlights are not of much use anyways....

    Next Sunny day I will get a digital camera and take photo to show y'all...

    Have a great (Canadian) Thanksgiving long weekend!!

    Greg
    Subaru Canada
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Actually for best pictures, you want a cloudy day. It gives out a better contrast.
  • deadboltdeadbolt Member Posts: 6
    I just wanted to let everyone know about this, the site isn't quite finished yet, but there are going to be lots of goodies on there, some of them that no-one else is offering. Check it out:
    http://www.prestige-motorsports.com
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe Ash's engine is affected by that recall. It would be nice to resolve that once a for all.

    Craig - is it possible to add lithium grease to the links to quiet them down?

    Shane - it would be hard. The air bag stickers on the visor are kind of, well, part of the visor.

    Greg: looking forward to those pics.

    Just got the 18mm rear sway bar mounted. It was easy with Ken's instructions!

    Couple of differences on mine - the rear skid plate meant I had to remove the bar rearward, and the vaccum canister was lower because I have the hitch - so I did not have to remove those hoses.

    Haven't driven it enough yet, but I'll try it over the weekend and share my thoughts.

    Also got new wiper blades on.

    Finally, I washed the undercarriage and there was plenty of sand coming out. I'll share a funny photo next week.

    -juice
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    What brand?

    ..Mike

  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Just called Darlene to order some gaskets.

    You can read an update on my cam install here.

    I'm scooby-less this week! I'll survive.

    -Colin
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    btw, Darlene was curious what happened. I told her I was just disassembling a perfectly good engine in the search for more power. ;)
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    LOL Colin! You see, Darlene cares. But we already knew that.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Yeah Darlene rox.
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    Juice, Greg, Patti, et al...

    I'm in the process of selling my 2000 OB. Likely the last Subaru I ever buy. A car that's less than 1 years old (<20,000 miles), with two critical failures is <b>not reliable. I've really tried to forget about it, but I just can't feel confident driving it.

    In fact this weekend, I went on a 5 hour trip, but I decided to catch a ride in another car, because I was worried my OB would fail again (since it failed on both the last 2 long trips).

    Maybe I wasn't lucky with this one. But how do you know your next Subaru won't be like your first one? You might only find 1 in 10,000 Subaru's that have a problem, but how do you know you won't get one with no problems? You don't.

    -- ash
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mike - I used refills. The rear was an OE blade Darlene had sent me by mistake. I order so often from her I'm sure she just assumed I'd want one!

    Anyhow, I broke the clip that comes with the arm (DOH!), so I just used the refill portion of it. The rear is 15N (N for narrow type) on the Forester.

    For the front I picked up Anco refills. It's 19N for the passenger side and 21N for the driver, but they were out of 21Ns so I got 20Ns instead. It fit fine, and I actually had to trim the 19Ns with diagonal cutting plyers.

    It's easy - just pull them out from the bottom side. It's hard to get it started, but then it comes right out.

    To install the refills, I installed them from the bottom up, skipping the first clip. Once it was all the way in (past the first clip), I reversed the direction and slid the metal clamp onto the lowest clip on the wiper arm.

    I knew I should have taken photos! The OE ones were OK (32k miles and just over 2 years), but you're supposed to replace them anyway.

    Gus: keep us posted. Have you thought of charting your mileage like I have?

    Sounds like a fun project, Colin. Wish you were in the area so I could drop by to check out the open top end. The Darlene comment cracks me up!

    Haven't had the chance to really wring it out yet, so I can't really comment on the 18mm sway bar. Guess the fact that I haven't been able to reach the limit is a good sign!

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    ash: sorry to hear you've given up, but happy trails anyway.

    You're right about not knowing if the car you choose will be a lemon, but then again that's the case with all manufacturers.

    As you know, my dad gave up on Toyotas when his Camry spontaneously combusted! Ironically, he's now driving a Subaru.

    Hope your next vehicle is trouble-free. In general, you may want to avoid 1st year vehicles.

    -juice
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Aww.... man that means I have to seat thru he new WRX then juice?! =(
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I'll take some good pictures, Juice. Had to call Darlene back to get a few more things... sounds like she's really busy from the website, iclub, here, and local business. I have more confidence in her getting me the parts by Friday than I do my local dealer, not to mention her prices are more reasonable and she's nicer to work with.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Nope, ramon. My Forester is a 1st year vehicle, but I knew that and was willing to take that calculated risk.

    OTOH, if it was an Escape...they're up to 6 recalls now.

    Darlene has never once made me a promise she could not keep. The rear sway bar indeed arrived on Friday. The bushings came separate, so she overnighted them to me so I could get the job done, and still absorbed the shipping cost.

    -juice
  • aussierooaussieroo Member Posts: 78
    I am charting my mileage figures in US & Imperial gallons & litres/100 kilometers.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, I've got photos of the sway bar install. Note that I recommend you use Ken's already excellent instructions, and just refer to my page for more pictures and tips. Start at Part IV of my directory, right here.

    Also, the OBX link is funny. Check out all that sand!

    -juice
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    Not to be a spoilsport here, but to be realistic:


    engine hesistation problems
    premature clutch wearing
    shuddering brakes at high speeds
    failed fuel injectors
    transmission rebuilds


    All these happen and have been reported on late model Subarus (3 years or newer, including the beloved Forestor, Impreza, and Legacy).

  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    Here's a site if you want to read about some of these problems:

    SUV.com
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice -- Nice updates to the website! Homepage.com should extend your server space for all the traffic you must be generating for them! Glad you got the 18mm bar in okay. Let us know when you feel the difference!

    Ash -- Understandable decision. Hope you stay around on the message boards anyway.

    Ken
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    Ken,

    Thanks, I might stick around just because I'd probably get bored if I didn't get my fill of OJ and company everyday :)

    I hope nobody takes offense to me posting other views of Subaru vehicles on these boards. These are public forums, and I think its important to voice all opinions and experiences - good, bad, thrilling, or disappointing. Hopefully, it results in better cars, and also informed decisions for buyers.

    Just my 2 cents (well, since I'm Canadian, that really only works out to be about 1.3 cents US)...

    -- ash
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    and I thought I was the only one odd enough to track mileage in US, imperial and metric. I enjoy being tri-lingual. :)

    Ross
This discussion has been closed.

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