Ottawa FR-S

[jvincent]

Just finished my trans/diff fluid swap.

For those that haven't done it yet, be careful when you open the transmission drain plug. I underestimated how far out the fluid would shoot and had a bit of a mess to clean up.

[PNA]

First, hi! Long time lurker. I don't think I'll join the many of you on the track, but I am looking to tinker with the car on the less performance aspects of it.

I'm about to buy a new car, and I wanted to make sure not to forget to do any important things. I'm still a little on the fence about drilling for front plates vs re-locator, same with opticoat or some sort of clear bra (any negative with corrosion? just fender or whole front?), and even tint. I've heard to ask dealer not to wash the car or wax it, is that really important? Is that only if you opticoat? I've probably been reading too much and am a little confused now and worried of making some mistakes.
I'd really appreciate suggestions from places in town to have that work done(tint, 3M films, etc)!

I plan to drive it year-round, and I guess I have some time to consider rust-proofing- I plan on it, but I'll have to decide which kind and drilling/no drilling.

And I will likely get the weathertech mats for the front, then look for something in the rear. I might also get the plastic trunk liner.

Is there anything else that I should decide to do right away upon purchase that would be more complicated to do later on?

Thanks. I hope to meet some of you during my (relatively simple) DIY adventures that are sure to follow.

[UMB FR-S]

Originally Posted by jvincent

Just finished my trans/diff fluid swap.

For those that haven't done it yet, be careful when you open the transmission drain plug. I underestimated how far out the fluid would shoot and had a bit of a mess to clean up.

Thanks for the heads up as I will be doing this shortly!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[Pbrown]

Originally Posted by PNA

First, hi! Long time lurker. I don't think I'll join the many of you on the track, but I am looking to tinker with the car on the less performance aspects of it.

I'm about to buy a new car, and I wanted to make sure not to forget to do any important things. I'm still a little on the fence about drilling for front plates vs re-locator, same with opticoat or some sort of clear bra (any negative with corrosion? just fender or whole front?), and even tint. I've heard to ask dealer not to wash the car or wax it, is that really important? Is that only if you opticoat? I've probably been reading too much and am a little confused now and worried of making some mistakes.
I'd really appreciate suggestions from places in town to have that work done(tint, 3M films, etc)!

I plan to drive it year-round, and I guess I have some time to consider rust-proofing- I plan on it, but I'll have to decide which kind and drilling/no drilling.

And I will likely get the weathertech mats for the front, then look for something in the rear. I might also get the plastic trunk liner.

Is there anything else that I should decide to do right away upon purchase that would be more complicated to do later on?

Thanks. I hope to meet some of you during my (relatively simple) DIY adventures that are sure to follow.

welcome and congrats on the new ride.
1. I wish I would have protected the whole hood and front fenders on the car along with the rear trunk lid ( many scratches now from hockey bag and golf clubs.)
2. look to buy your winter tires now ( tirerack ) as they will have some end of season clearance going on.
3. Krown. Have gone through 2 winters on mine and no rust underneath at all. Drilled by the way.
4. Unless your friends are smurfs don't bother with the rear matts. LOL

[Slick]

Originally Posted by PNA

First, hi! Long time lurker. I don't think I'll join the many of you on the track, but I am looking to tinker with the car on the less performance aspects of it.

I'm about to buy a new car, and I wanted to make sure not to forget to do any important things. I'm still a little on the fence about drilling for front plates vs re-locator, same with opticoat or some sort of clear bra (any negative with corrosion? just fender or whole front?), and even tint. I've heard to ask dealer not to wash the car or wax it, is that really important? Is that only if you opticoat? I've probably been reading too much and am a little confused now and worried of making some mistakes.
I'd really appreciate suggestions from places in town to have that work done(tint, 3M films, etc)!

I plan to drive it year-round, and I guess I have some time to consider rust-proofing- I plan on it, but I'll have to decide which kind and drilling/no drilling.

And I will likely get the weathertech mats for the front, then look for something in the rear. I might also get the plastic trunk liner.

Is there anything else that I should decide to do right away upon purchase that would be more complicated to do later on?

Thanks. I hope to meet some of you during my (relatively simple) DIY adventures that are sure to follow.

Welcome PNA! (since we don't know your name, lol)

• I would get your dealer to NOT install the front plate bracket. I don't have a relocator but I have it mounted inside the grill, but if they place it in the OEM location as specified, then you'll have 2 big holes into the painted bumper. Get the dealer to write it on the purchase agreement to make sure.
• The don't wash thing is nothing to do with Opticoat, just that you don't want monkeys washing your car. If you are planning to Opticoat, you will likely bring it a detailer like Vlad and I'm sure he would prefer to wash your car himself first to ensure proper prep. If you decide to Opticoat at a later time, or even if not at all, you are still better to properly wash it yourself than letting the dealer do it. Depends on the dealer, as some will do a better job than others, but typically its a quick wash with dirty rags or brushes. Take care and do it yourself and save your paint the damage. Chime back in if you need more info on proper washing techniques.
• Paul chimed in re; the 3M film and Vlad can do it also, makes a big difference. I'll show you my paint compared to others to prove, wish I had mine done.
• Weathertechs are a great investment.
• What dealer are you looking to buy from?

[Slick]

Originally Posted by UMB FR-S

Thanks for the heads up as I will be doing this shortly!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Yep, here too. Probably next weekend.
The Baby Ferrari is still parked outside due to boxes in garage.

[PNA]

Front license: you tied it with zip ties? I'd like to see a close up photo if you have one. Makes sense though, if I can figure out how to do it. I'll have to confirm that the holes haven't already been drilled! And if not then make a HUGE deal about it to make sure they don't when they prep it.

Who is Vlad? Any idea how much it costs to do the whole front? I'm guessing I would get a lot of dings from salt and rocks on these roads. It would be nice to keep it looking good. Does the car colour matter? (Black).

Proper washing techniques would be appreciated. I'm sure I can search through many threads with conflicting information but clear info here would be appreciated.

Otto Subaru. Any advice with them?

Buying winter tires now makes sense. I'll start looking right after I buy the car.

Thanks to all.

[Slick]

Originally Posted by PNA

Front license: you tied it with zip ties? I'd like to see a close up photo if you have one. Makes sense though, if I can figure out how to do it. I'll have to confirm that the holes haven't already been drilled! And if not then make a HUGE deal about it to make sure they don't when they prep it.

Who is Vlad? Any idea how much it costs to do the whole front? I'm guessing I would get a lot of dings from salt and rocks on these roads. It would be nice to keep it looking good. Does the car colour matter? (Black).

Proper washing techniques would be appreciated. I'm sure I can search through many threads with conflicting information but clear info here would be appreciated.

Otto Subaru. Any advice with them?

Buying winter tires now makes sense. I'll start looking right after I buy the car.

Thanks to all.

No zipties, used the factory supplied screws but mounted it in the grill instead of the painted section.

Here's the FRS setup typically.

Mine:


vs factory install:



But forgot you have a BRZ so there's less room in the "grill" part. So either a sidemount or in grill installation for your car, unless you're okay with the factory location.

Factory:




Tow-hook sidemount:


Lower grill location (unsure how mounted, looks like zipties):


Another drill-less option in this thread:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35261

[Qsig]

I had Xpel (similar to 3M) done on my full hood, full front bumper and trunk lip. It was around $1500 to $1600 at Autotrendz in Stittsville. I had a buddy do only the first 12" of the hood (He has a Lancer) and regret it because he started getting dings past that point. I'd recommend getting full hood if you can afford it.

Vlad runs Upper Class Detailing which I plan to use in 11 days for a full detail but everyone says he's great and his work shows that.

I bought from Ottos and didn't have a big problem. I did ask not to drill but they did anyways but I'm over it, it's not terrible to me. If you don't want them to drill, get it in writing.

[KingGeo]

Originally Posted by Slick

No zipties, used the factory supplied screws but mounted it in the grill instead of the painted section.

Here's the FRS setup typically.



But forgot you have a BRZ so there's less room in the "grill" part. So either a sidemount or in grill installation for your car, unless you're okay with the factory location.

I was going to say, if it was an FR-S from TG they are good about not drilling the bumper or putting dealer stickers on.
at least i didnt even have to ask, they just did it 'correctly' by default.
with a BRZ, different.

PNA, I would also suggest to tell them not to put any stupid dealer stickers on the back.

[jvincent]

Just got back from some driving with the new fluid in the tranny/diff.

I'm going to miss the notchy shift into second.......... not.

[SciOnDrifTtSlIdeR]

took mine out yesterday been loving life again... def need to swap all fluids tho!

[roddy]

Spring cleaning! Does anyone else find the inside of the rear window a huge pain in the arse to clean? WeatherTechs are out, carpet mats are back in, and the summer wheels are back on. Next up is a fluid change for the trans and diff. I'm going back to Pentosin for the trans this time...I haven't found anything as good yet.

[86gt?]

Originally Posted by roddy

Spring cleaning! Does anyone else find the inside of the rear window a huge pain in the arse to clean? WeatherTechs are out, carpet mats are back in, and the summer wheels are back on. Next up is a fluid change for the trans and diff. I'm going back to Pentosin for the trans this time...I haven't found anything as good yet.

Paul has an elf he can lend you!