DIY Article Requests
 

What would you like to see done in the DIY section?

DIY Armrest

DIY Visor wrapping

DIY Nav Lockout Delete

DIY Driving lights as signals

Umm.... Anything else guys?

DIY brake ducting?

I can't wait to get the car to flood this section. Just kidding, but seriously I have some DIY items I want to post. I guess I will be the pioneer.

I have a couple projects planned as well. Should be fun.

I don't even have my car yet so it's hard to do any DIYs yet :)

I probably will work on the audio system lockout shortly after getting the car, but probably not for a few weeks, will be busy replacing parts on the DD to sell it.

How to remove the door panels
How to remove the stereo

Each step by step with photos so as not to break any of the retaining clips

DIY real carbon fiber dash parts...and backing everything is flat for the most parts so thats easy to cut out carbon fiber and replace old pcs. but we will see :) DIY carbon fiber APR F1 mirrors. DIY front splitter/diffuser, DIY straight pipes :happy0180:

DIY caliper painting
DIY changing bulbs of headlights/fog lights/taillights/blinkers
DIY reverse fog light

First DIY I'm doing - install homelink mirror. Already found the plug, just waiting for the windshield adapter to arrive in the mail.

:thumbsup:

first thing im doing is changing the projectors of the frs.

putting in some TSX projectors

This :thumbsup:

I've always been broke so all my past cars have been modified all by my hands so I look forward to getting my hands on the frs so I can knock out some simple thrifty but clean DIY mods!

DIY section is a great idea. Want to see everything covered!

General Coilover Install Writeup + EDFC Install

http://i47.tinypic.com/vmqfdj.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/xf9u74.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/30bjwic.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/23jj3td.jpg

Shark-fin/Dolphin antenna install
http://i49.tinypic.com/2u4oit4.jpg

Squid Cap Mods
http://i46.tinypic.com/1jqnt0.jpg

Seriously some of you guys need to just try and do some things yourself. Most of these suggestions can either be found in the owner's manual or simply by just looking at it and figuring out. Ie. caliper painting is very universal and is the same for pretty much every car. IMO if you're gonna own a car of this potential level at least be able to work it for yourself, to a certain extent.

This post was in no way tryin to insult people I understand no one is born with the knowledge to work on cars, but sometimes you just gotta ge over the fear of screwing something up and just start taking stuff apart.

True, but also keep in mind that there might be some newbie enthusiast that might be afraid to venture out of their comfort zone. Giving a show and tell, full of pics could help their confidence. I myself used to be there and trust me I have spent me some money making mistakes.

holly shit!!!! EDFC!!! wow i have always wanted that setup....any idea of cost? This is amazing! :happy0180:

True Dark Angle but imo that's the best way to learn stuff is when you break something that way you really remember what not to do haha. I'm all for showing some of the newbies how to do stuff they just gotta know that the best way to advance is to do things on their own instead of other people just holding their hand.

I plan on using some ALSA Ghost Chrome paint to re-paint the silver interior plastics. I want them to look like real metal, and their product seems to really do the trick - expensive, but durable and won't look like paint at all if done right! I'll be taking certain interior parts off and hopefully I'll remember to photograph the whole process. Those cheezy silver plastic parts hafta go!

Here's a sample of the Ghost Chrome:
http://www.kustomrides.com/images/D/ghost3.jpg

P.S. what does everyone think about color matching the dash panel to the outer body? I usually don't like painted interior plastics; it makes me think of Fast and Furious Civics, but I think if I just match that one piece that surrounds the head unit and the dash it could look classy. Either match it or paint it Piano Black. My car is Galaxy Blue. Thoughts?

I was never a big fan of color painted interior trims. I can tolerate it if it's just the center trim and if it's black or silver but actual colors look really tacky to me. I'd much rather go with cf wrapping or a black vinyl paint.

I'm talking about matching the panel exactly to the exterior, gloss, clear coat and all. If I were any good at Photoshopping, I'd do an example.

I still think it would tacky imo.

Do you mind sharing where the plug is? And where you bought everything?

In other words, POST THAT DIY NOW!!!! :lol:

The plug is deep to the driver's side (and a little towards the back of the car) from the map-light opening. You can't pull it closer, so connecting the mirror is gonna be a one-hand job ;)

It's a regular subaru 3-prong plug, all three mirrors I have installed/laying around will plug right up.

Unlike other subarus, you don't need to pull the map-light lens (to undo some screws underneath) - just pry the rear side of the map-light trim and it will come out.

Here's an excellent write-up for the forester and the mirror part is gonna be identical. The adapter piece is the one you have to buy (unless you have it as part of the mirror kit for impreza/forester). Part number is (I think, comes from BRZ dealer accessories list) H501SSA040.

I ordered just a day or two ago, along with a box of oil filters, so it won't come until mid-week. Try some local dealers that do e-parts via parts.subaru.com and enter the part number. I couldn't find a local dealer that had it in stock and didn't want to pay $10 shipping on a sub-10 dollar part, so I bought if from a place that had cheap filter price.

Thanks! Time to see if the FR-S has that plug there. If it doesnt, its safe to assume all the homelink needs is ground and power, right? Is the third wire for ignition?

Last question, but what mirror are you using? Just curious if I should get the BRZ mirror (PN H501SCA100) or look for another one on eBay or the forums.

Bought front and rear emblems from Carson Toyota (here on the forums) revived the
Tuesday and painted them today ;)
Not the best job but it'll do ;) *sory bout the huge pics

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...s/fa8a0aab.jpg

In my legacy the third wire goes to accessory power circuit.

Some random ebay subaru homelink mirror.

I'd like to see the FR-S/Premium BRZ hvac knob rings painted silver. I saw one picture where it looked great, but apparently the production models are all black which looks super cheap.

Here we are...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...on0409/oo8.jpg

How about somebody does a DIY tutorial on how to bypass the airbag sensor for people installing aftermarket seats? (Of course, with the disclaimer that installing said seats will result in gruesome death, yadda yadda...)

hahahahaha i second that!!!! :party0030: and the yadas :)

lol, wtf? anyway to link the bov to the stereo so I can get even more PSSSHH?!?


Justin

heheh...well i figured since we have a OEM intake acoustic speaker, might as well use it for those who use re-circulation valves on their turbo setups.

i agree Im all about noise and i dont hide it! :) I like to hear my cars workin :) This is a great idea to keep her a sleeper on the outside but a beast on the side. interesting!

Maybe we can plumb the valve tick to the cabin too :bellyroll:


Justin

This deserves it's own thread with lots of pics!

ehhhhhh lol

Id like to see.

Guage install

Making the fender vent functional

Rear view swap for frameless

FRS HVAC swap for 86/BRS HVAC

Anyone going to DIY the car with opti-coat?