Subaru Crew - Modifications II

hondafriek · January 2002

Way to go, takes a big man to admit he has done something dumb.

Cheers Pat.

lucien2 · January 2002

Wowee what an improvement, and well under budget, too! Why weren't these seats part of the GT package to begin with? I know I know, right down to the hood scoop, the GT is basically a poseur. Ah well, I am quite pleased now. Real bolsters, real lumbar, and real hip support!

miksmi · January 2002

When I get into situations like that, I try to take a break for a while or get a second, less jaded, pair of eyes for untainted ideas (hooray for wives!). The hard part is remembering either in the midst of the frustration.

Glad the seats are in. Undoubtedly your auto-x times will improve. ;-)

..Mike

ateixeira · January 2002

Pat: in that case I am a very big man. I goof up all the time! ;-)

What year RS are those seats from? I think the GT is more of a touring vehicle, and maybe they figure older (read: heavier) people buy them and want comfort over support.

-juice

paisan · January 2002

I was going to say the same thing Juice. The seats are too small for me in a WRX/RS for my rather large butt!

-mike

locke2c · January 2002

I don't think you really want a 5spd manual behind the H6 unless they build a new one. It would be smarter to just use the 6spd since it resolved the strength and durability issues the 5spd had.

Small problem about getting the six speed production ramped up though, or so I've heard.

-Colin

ateixeira · January 2002

I fit in the WRX seats, but snug. So maybe I'm right at the limit.

H6/6 speed? I'm drooling. I would buy one for the wife's birthday in March. Wrap a ribbon around the top, the whole enchilada.

-juice

qbrozen · January 2002

this was probably mentioned before, but refresh my memory for me: are the RS seats the same as the WRX? Will either or both fit in the Forester? Anybody tried this? I really hate our Forester seats, and so does my wife. A change would be nice. And I LOVE the WRX seats (although they wouldn't match our interior by a long shot).

locke2c · January 2002

no, the WRX seats have a tad more bolstering and are considerably heavier due to the side airbags (which won't function in anything besides a WRX of course).

both seats are better than average for most cars with sporty intent, and quite comfortable in my opinion.

whoops, didn't see the second part of your question. I don't know if they will fit the forester because the forester is tall. (ask Ken about his short shifter.) if anything I would suspect that the seats are compatible but you might have to deal with a ~2" shorter seat height or having to adapt the forester's seat bracket to the impreza seat.

-Colin

ateixeira · January 2002

Look closely at the Forester's seat track, though, because it does tilt downward towards the front.

I have a STi shifter, which is about the same height as the Impreza's, and it is 1" lower, but easily within reach. It could even be that the seat tracks are laid out 1" higher.

-juice

lucien2 · January 2002

RS seats not quite as bolstered as WRX but stil a HUGE improvement over stock. And a lot cheaper (+lighter) too, without those airbags.

After a day's driving:

Lots more lumbar support; really forcing me to maintain correct posture, and feels much better on my back.
Better side bolstering by a long shot; nice and snug, especially when I got a little slideways on an entrance ramp that must have had a little ice in the shade left over from the morning :-o No worries, I caught it with plenty of room to spare.
Sits a little higher (!) than the GT seat, and angled a little to the rear. This forces one's butt into the most communicative part of the seat, and provides better thigh support. Less leg weight on my heels, and heel-toe now less stressful.

I am one happy camper.

armac13 · January 2002

seats in my Forester, but I'll have to check with Rufus and see how he feels about such surgery.

Ross

kens · January 2002

The Forester stock shifter is fairly tall so any aftermarket shifter will drastically reduce the shifter position. I tried installing a Kartboy shifter on my Forester and the thing was down by my knees! IMO, the best height for a shorter Forester shifter would be something similar to the stock RS shifter. I had Kartboy lengthen the shift lever for me to bring it closer to the stock Impreza RS shift lever and voila! -- perfect height.

If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to improve the Forester shifter height and throw, I'd recommend getting the OE Impreza RS shifter.

Ken

ateixeira · January 2002

So now you have a better butt-dyno!

As far as shifters go, you have:

OE Forester: longest
OE RS: about 1" shorter
STi: same as RS, with a little more leverage for a shorter throw
Your custom Kartboy: similar to STi
Kartboy: another inch shorter (2" shorter than Forester OE)

I think the Forester's seat actually has more side support than the GT's seats. But not as much as the RS or WRX.

-juice

hammersley · January 2002

from sticks to speakers:
Got the tweeter kit as advertised, and trying to install them, but have reached a hangup on trying to remove the door panel - can't get the door handle trim panel loose to reveal the hidden screw. I'm afraid to pry too hard... any hints would be welcome. The rest of it looks easy - find the connector, thread the wire up, plug & play!
Thanks in advance, folks!
Cheers!
Paul

subearu · January 2002

At least on the '00 Outback, the wiring was directly behind the plastic piece where the tweeters went, just tucked behind the top of the door panel. So, I didn't have to remove the panel to get to it. The plastic pieces were just held in by rubber lined holes.

-Brian

hammersley · January 2002

Looks like the instructions are trying to tell me the wire is clipped to the door or panel below the top edge (it's a 97) Can't get the door panel loose enough to peek. I'll keep scowling & frowning at it while I pry gently & hope nothin' breaks!

Cheers!
Paul

miksmi · January 2002

This is for an RS, but try http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=158&highlight=tweeter

Also, search on "tweeter"; there are 3 threads.

..Mike

c_hunter · January 2002

I don't know if this will help, but here are some detailed pics about door panel removal on a 2002 Outback. I have noticed that Subaru uses a somewhat common door panel attachment design on all their models.

http://homepage.mac.com/craig_hunter/window/

Craig

ateixeira · January 2002

Way to offer resources to help! :-)

-juice

miksmi · January 2002

Just wish I could find them when someone needs them. Lucked out this time.

rangerron7 · January 2002

Thanks for posting the door pics - very helpfull.
It may just give me the courage to fix that annoying plastic buzz/rattle that I hear in the passenger door.
Anything I should beware of before attempting it??
Thanks again!
Ron

hammersley · January 2002

A million thanks for going to the trouble to post those links... neither one of them were specifically what I needed, but they did give me a chance to scratch my head, go "Hmmmmm", and go back & take a second look. Said a prayer, closed my eyes (not really) winced a bit, and tugged at the door panel! Tah-dah! Got the top of the panel just loose enough to find the wire without having to find the mystery screw, and to make a long story short, success! Even better, got the panels back on! And the speakers work!

This is what a 5-star horoscope day is supposed to be like!

Cheers!
Paul

PS Juice: They are Legacy-specific... $17.30 with the sales tax. Had to be ordered, but only took 2 days. ph

oclvframe · January 2002

I am still waiting on Subaru to send me the one remaining part I need to finish out my swap. Has anyone else done this recently? If so...any problems with getting the part referred to as the cup holder cap?

-r

c_hunter · January 2002

Other than the pics and instructions I put on the web, the only other thing I can say is to have a slow hand, take it easy, and be careful to wrap any "prying" tools in tape so as to not scratch the plastic trim. For removing the power window switch bezel, use cardboard to pry against in order to protect the plastic of the door panel. If you have any questions while taking the panel off, e-mail me.

Craig

ateixeira · January 2002

Paul: you mean the tweeters? You don't think they'd fit in the Forester? Did you get a photo of the kit?

-juice

hypov · January 2002

rangerron7 Jan 23, 2002 3:29pm

Ron-

just confirm that it is not the seat-belt doing the buzz/rattling first

-Dave

hammersley · January 2002

Juice: The tweeters are triangular, and fit right at the top of the door panel, at the intersection of the door panel & the a-pillar, opposite the mirrors. (mirrors are outside, speakers are inside). I've never looked at that location in a Forester, so I can't tell you if the fit would be the same. Others here are way more qualified to speak to that, although the parts guy seemed to think they were not the same. ($.02) The kit itself is nothing more than the speakers & instructions. No pictures, sorry. Digital camera is in the plans, but keeps getting pushed further down the list!

The good news is the door panels went back on, no parts left over, and the speakers work.

Cheers!
Paul

ateixeira · January 2002

I wonder if I could cut the backing to fit, and perhaps drill holes where needed.

The Forester's are towards the front of the inner door handles. It's actually easier to access. I think I'll pop off the cover and take a look, then ask to see the parts before I buy it.

You believe the Impreza and Legacy/Outback tweeters are on sale, but the Forester's is not?

I also checked crutchfield, but tweeters starts at $50 a set. Not worth it for someone who listens to "Sesame Street" most of the time. ;-)

-juice

bkaiser1 · January 2002

Nice pics of the door panel! I just wish I had seen that before I took my front door panels off a few months ago to replace the stock speakers...I did not know about the "hidden" screw behind the power switch plate and just used a firm pull...OK, it was a REALLY firm pull to get the panel off without removing that screw. Both doors buzz over rough pavement now

. It's my fault, I should go back into the doors and fix it.

c_hunter · January 2002

I tell you, we need to set up a website with a database of install pictures and experience all of us have gained in our various Subaru mod/repair adventures. Fixing the lousy (useless) search function here on Edmunds would be a start.

Craig

paisan · January 2002

I'm working on setting up http://subarucrew.com to be similar to http://isuzu-suvs.com If anyone wants to send me writeups for the FAQ and/or How-to Section please do.

-mike

mike@iace.com

mdisaacs · January 2002

I found all the package 'add-ons' instructions in the box with my trailer hitch when I took delivery. Outback 2002 4EAT. These instructions included:
Sub/Tweeter/upgrade speakers
Security System upgrade
Trailer Hitch
Rear gate bar
Acrylic Hood deflector
Rear window air dam/deflector (not spoiler)

They are official instruction sheets from Subaru, I was surprised they passed them on to the consumer. I can scan them and send them to Paisan for the site if you folks think it could be helpful. Granted if you bought the part from Subaru it would/should include the same installation instructions.
-Mike

miksmi · January 2002

Craig,

Peaty Romano et al at www.scoobymods.com are happy to host instructions and photos. They recently upgrade their server software, explained here: http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=189

And, yes it has a search function that works. :-D

I suggest we not re-invent the wheel and use scoobymods. (though being an inventor is fun)

..Mike

ateixeira · January 2002

Those are useful, Mike. mdisaacs, that is, because the last three posters are all named Mike. You guys are starting to rival the Daves!

-juice

paisan · January 2002

I also wanted to have a gallery section of crew member's cars as well.

-mike

rangerron7 · January 2002

Craig: good tip about protecting the tips of any pry tools.

Dave: The first thing I did was to eliminate the seat belt buckle as the culprit.

Thanks

roflick · January 2002

i need information on replacing the bulbs for the fog lamps of a 2001 outback. the manual says not to attempt this and let a service department handle this job. it can't be that difficult. does anyone have any information on how best to approach this? i'd appreciate any help.

bluesubie · January 2002

I can't recall what the current gen. OB's fog lights look like. For my wife's 99, it was pretty simple and the manual has instructions.

People must have messed up their fogs and complained, so Subaru changed it, IMO. Kinda like people were triggering their airbags by running the tow hooks up onto curbs.

-Dennis

paisan · January 2002

There is a group buy going on over in the Tri-state area of the I-club for Tow-straps (2"x30'x30K lbs) with shackles for subies. Might be worth looking into. http://i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=8eb975a308ba367f6f908c1c1354fe4b&threadid=135537

-mike

declansdad · January 2002

Hello everyone, I'm new to this thread and I have a question that may have been answered before, but here it goes: Anyone have any problems installing a Sub bug deflector on a '00 forester? Had a stone chip my windshield a few months back and hope this will be a cheap alternative to replacing windshields every year or so. BTW, my insurance co. had Safelite fill in the small crack (size of a pencil eraser) and it looks good.

Michael

c_hunter · January 2002

Do you know if they can fill chips? I just got a couple of chips on the windshield of my new Bean, and they are right in the middle of my view. I feel like I am going cross eyed. They are both about the size of a pin head, but located 1/8" apart, hence the annoyance.

And by the way, I saw this rock coming at me from "above", as it bounced/skipped off another car. I don't think a hood deflector would have stopped this one!! I did have a hood deflector on my old Outback, and it seemed to stop at least some rocks from hitting the windshield.

Craig

jimmyp1 · January 2002

I can tell you that all those wind deflectors do is keep the leading edge of your hood clear of rock hits. In fact, unless you keep everything out of the gap between deflector and hood (and fabric bras are even worse) you will get scratches, corrosion, damage of some kind. I just had my hood repainted due to acidic pine needles and rocks/salt/sand over the years. So, basically, if I still lived in Colorado, I MIGHT still have a plastic deflector on, but I would feel the need to remove it for cleanings and keep it immaculate at all times, which is nearly impossible. Knowing what I do now, I would lean more towards these applicated clear films. Now that I live in Houston, my car is bare on the front. Oh, and yes, they will fill chips. I think they actually drill it through and then fill it in with epoxy and there's ususally an imperfection left, so it's a judgement call on your part as to which would be worse. My 2 cents.

Jim

declansdad · January 2002

Craig: Chips can be repaired, but some companies will not fill them in if the chips are in front of the driver or larger than the size of a quarter (I'm guessing a liability issue there). Mine was towards the passengers side. Jim is right about the imperfection, the repaired spot does have a slight discoloration but it's much better than before.

Michael

c_hunter · January 2002

I ordered a 3M paint protection system and was going to install it today, but have decided to return it. Two things bothered me: 1) the plastic film won't protect anything but the front edge of the hood, and 2) I've already got 5-6 chips that would be under the plastic film. Not sure how I would go about repairing these or how they would look under the film either way. I should have installed this stuff weeks ago!!

So, I am going to order a hood deflector. I had one on my old Outback and like the design. I agree with what Jim said -- you need to make sure to keep it clean under there.

Craig

hondafriek · January 2002

Not sure about the present but in the not too distant past it was illegal to repair a windshield in the drivers line of sight.

Even small chips could not be repaired.

Cheers Pat. Ps this applied to Canada not sure about the States But I would think it would apply there also.

locke2c · January 2002

err... was this the topic someone was asking about RS and WRX seats?

well anyway, someone has posted on Simon Sirin's hotboard BBS that they have a set of 2001 2.5RS seats for $250.

hope this link works

not a bad price IMO, assuming they're in top condition. these are the black checked seats with fairly aggressive bolstering that were standard in the 99-01 2.5RS. they're lighter than WRX seats too since they don't have side airbags.

-Colin
(no stake in this, just thought I'd mention it.)

ateixeira · January 2002

We had a place try to repair a tiny crack on our 626, but it just spread. I guess a chip is easier to fix than a crack that already started (even a tiny one).

-juice

lucien2 · January 2002

that was me. I bought a set of '00 RS seats locally for $150. Love 'em!

locke2c · January 2002

Score! $250 isn't too bad if someone else is interested...

-Colin

Subaru Crew - Modifications II

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy