I bought a 1997 Impreza last month with the plans on 22b style wide body, and RHD. I bought the front clip from a 94 STi. This is my first Subaru, so there is alot of learning to do. So any ideas and suggestion are welcome. I will be running a 2.2 closed deck motor with WRX heads and a 35r. Here are a few pictures of it now. I will take some pictures throughout the build. The Impreza I will be building is hit pretty hard in the front. So I will be replacing most of the front end with the used clip. I will be starting on it in a couple of weeks. I also have been searching Nasioc for a while now looking at different builds. Hope you won't mind if I have some questions through the build. Pretty excited to get started. :D
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/imprezatowed.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/IMG_1262.jpg
Here is the front clip I bought. Everything to convert to RHD.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/RHdash.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/RHmetal2.jpg

The car isn't wrecked anymore. And it is now RHD.:D

This is after my prepulls to get the new clip to fit. And also to get my door gaps back.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Afterpulls.jpg
My first cut. I cut the front end off to make it easier to get to all of the welds.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/firstcut.jpg
Trimed up, and ready for the new clip.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/firewallcut2.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/firewallcut.jpg
The front clip all trimmed up and ready to fit on the car.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/clipcut.jpg
All welded up. :D
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/insidewelded.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/fixed.jpg

Here is where I left off tonight. I will add some more picture tomorrow after work. It is starting to look like something. :D

I love this picture of how wide the rear rocker is now.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture020.jpg

The break duct still needs a lot of work. It will look much better than this when done. Completly fuctionable. :D
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture019.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture018.jpg
Here are a couple of more pictures.

This is where I had to relocate the fuel filler neck. I wanted to shave it, and put a fuel cell in. But I have a lot of people watching this build in thoughts of having me do theres also. The fuel door, and taillights are most of there concerns.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture033.jpg
Due to a large amount of rust, I am making my own rear section of the quarter panel. I sill have a lot of work to do on this peice including adding the fuel door.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture032.jpg
A couple more pictures. Starting to look like a car again.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture043.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture042.jpg

subscribed!!

WOW crazy. Looks like it'll be fun.

cheers

garrett

good luck Jaymzz! I know you got the skills to pull this off.

i'm watching.... :D

how are you going to pass wa emissions with a 94 wrx motor in a 97 it won't have the obd-2?

eeek on that hit

good luck

I plan on using a newer obd2 wrx wiring Harness. My friend is learning what needs to be done with the wiring to make it all work. And there are ways to pass emissions.
Thanks Brydon.
Here are the pictures I saw that made me want one. The plans are for mine to be similar.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/thumbnail_img_0_subaru_impreza_22b_.png
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/2506859_13.jpg

Looks like fun.

hey you bought ERConcept's car!! lol have fun with the build! I can't wait to see it, about to start one myself.

lol, I just pm'd him about this thread. He wanted to see the car when it was done.

I know you'll take care of her bro, Just so you know her name is Penny.

^^^ Thanks. But I think I might have to change it to Pretty Penny. That is what it is going to cost me by the time it is done. :D

You can have the interior trim parts back if you need them.

Thanks for the offer, but I won't be running any interior.

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54307&page=8&pp=20

This might be a good cheap option for you. Wrecked GD fenders are cheap and I know you can do great body work!

Thanks. I can get some for pretty cheap from Keystone.

Cool, If you do this and it is not to time consuming let me know if you would do it again. For a price of coarse. :)

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54307&page=8&pp=20

This might be a good cheap option for you. Wrecked GD fenders are cheap and I know you can do great body work!

Craig and josh are great guys.

that is a really cool project.

I plan on using a newer obd2 wrx wiring Harness. My friend is learning what needs to be done with the wiring to make it all work. And there are ways to pass emissions.

this is a poor choice, very poor
you will have to:
change the crank and cam sprockets
use a wrx throttle body and block off the old IAC
relfash out the tgv codes
install all the required odb-2 sensors
and it still may not work
matt M worked on this for a while its not worth it

if you have a 02+ wrx harness go find a wrx long block

whs^^ or megasquirt.... :D

i cannot wait to see the process really get going.

this is a poor choice, very poor
you will have to:
change the crank and cam sprockets
use a wrx throttle body and block off the old IAC
relfash out the tgv codes
install all the required odb-2 sensors
and it still may not work
matt M worked on this for a while its not worth it

if you have a 02+ wrx harness go find a wrx long block


Can't change the cam sprockets without some welding. The Ej205 camshaft is a larger diameter core center as were all cams from MY00 and later. And you can't put the modern cams into that old Ej20G cylinder head. The only way this is going to work is to switch to Ej205 or Ej207 heads along with the modern WRX wiring.

Personally, if this were my project, I would just sell the Ej20G swap (engine, wiring harness, ECU, and older style boost senors, ignitor, etc) and use the mechanical parts that are required for the RHD. Then I would go find an EJ205 swap to replace what was just sold...

I didn't get the motor with the front end. Just the front structure and parts to go rhd. I am planning on buying a 02 up wrx or STi heads and wiring.

very nice:D

Pulled the motor yesterday. Towed it to my work tonight. I am putting it up on the frame rack tomorrow night to pull the front end. Hopefully it will be rhd by sunday. I am hoping to have it home, and start on the wide body in a few weeks. I got my second sponsor for this car yesterday. Getting pretty excited.

How much of that clip are you planning to graft on?

make sure to take lots of pics of the RHD conversion and engine build!

It's gonna be b-e-a-utiful when you're all done Jaymzz :) Let me know if there's any parts you need and i'll gladly get em for you! Of course if you need an extra hand i'll help out as well ;)

On this build, I am going to use most of the clip. Only because the impreza is hit pretty hard. I will take some photos throughout the weekend. I will put them up on the first page.

And thanks slvr02scooby

Added some pictures to the second post. I am going to get it home in the next couple of days from work. I am going to build a stand for the body that rotates. That way I can flip the body over easily to seam weld. Then off to the media blaster.

Wow your pretty legitskies about this. When I heard what you were planning I kind of shoved it off, but damn I'm impressed.

Wow your pretty legitskies about this. When I heard what you were planning I kind of shoved it off, but damn I'm impressed.


I was the same way :D Lots of high hopes on forums with total lack of money, means, and mental abilities... but it seems like you're strong in all 3 :)

Good luck to you, what town are you in btw?

WOW, i did not realize this is what you were building!! I guess i was not paying much attention. I cant wait to see this thing out at some meets. Are you going to have it done by summer?

do you have an idea of how long this will take to complete?

knowing jaymzz it could very well be done in several months, depending on its priority. looking forward to tracking the progress.

did you ever decide what ECU you will run?

I was the same way :D Lots of high hopes on forums with total lack of money, means, and mental abilities... but it seems like you're strong in all 3 :)

Good luck to you, what town are you in btw?



Sup Josh...

he lives in Portland metro... how is your project coming aloing?

it says vancouver now lol

hows my project? or his?

Looks like alot of fun! Can't wait to see this come together.

Subscribed** Nice progress...In for more pics!

Thanks everyone. I am thinking about running wrx wiring, with a hydra. But depends on the funds at the time. I have been looking at the dash wiring, and think I can flip the wrx wiring from a lhd wrx to fit mine. The car has to be obd2 to pass smog. I don't know how long it will take to finish this project. It all depends on the funds. I am also going to have to make a lot of my own parts. I want the turbo on the left side, not the right. So I will be making my own exhaust, and ic pipes. But on that note, I think I figured a way out to have very minumum ic pipes. Maybe about one foot per side for the front mount. I do have two sponsers so far, and a big name interested when the widebody is in primer. :D So, for now my main concern will be to get the car caged, seam welded, and widebodied.
And I just moved to Vancouver, WA from Salem, OR. I hope I answered all of the questions.

Why do you want the turbo on the left side?

I have always wanted my cars to be different. When I went to Subiefest a couple of weeks ago, all of the cars I looked at were all pretty similar. There were a lot of very nice cars, but all looked about the same with a different brand name. IMO. So I want my car to stand out as much as possible. I am thinking about building rhd Imprezas and widebody Imprezas for a living. So with a rhd widebody Impreza with the turbo on the left side, hopefully will get me some recongnition. At least that is what I am hoping.

I have always wanted my cars to be different. When I went to Subiefest a couple of weeks ago, all of the cars I looked at were all pretty similar. There were a lot of very nice cars, but all looked about the same with a different brand name. IMO. So I want my car to stand out as much as possible. I am thinking about building rhd Imprezas and widebody Imprezas for a living. So with a rhd widebody Impreza with the turbo on the left side, hopefully will get me some recongnition. At least that is what I am hoping.

shooot. maybe you can widebody RHD my car some day

hydra. ill take that. :D

shooot. maybe you can widebody RHD my car some day
You bet. I am having a very hard time finding out some pricing for rhd, or metal widebody work. I want to make sure it would be cost efective to have a business doing this kind of work.
The business in the UK won't respond to my e-mails or pm's. I have been trying to contact them for there CF widebody front fenders. That would make my life a lot easier. They are the only business I have been able to find that does the 22b looking cars. :confused:

You bet. I am having a very hard time finding out some pricing for rhd, or metal widebody work. I want to make sure it would be cost efective to have a business doing this kind of work.
The business in the UK won't respond to my e-mails or pm's. I have been trying to contact them for there CF widebody front fenders. That would make my life a lot easier. They are the only business I have been able to find that does the 22b looking cars. :confused:

**** RHD shouldn't be too hard if you just buy empty clips from swap shops like PIA, PDX, Frantic Four and the others

Scribed. This will be fun.

You bet. I am having a very hard time finding out some pricing for rhd, or metal widebody work. I want to make sure it would be cost efective to have a business doing this kind of work.
The business in the UK won't respond to my e-mails or pm's. I have been trying to contact them for there CF widebody front fenders. That would make my life a lot easier. They are the only business I have been able to find that does the 22b looking cars. :confused:

This is almost like deja vu! I was doing the same thing your doing now. (RHD, 22b style metal widebody) I hope you have better luck, (and ALOT more patients) as it's a huge PITA and expensive to get any body parts from the UK to the states (from my experiences) I hope you don't get put off by the rediculousness of the costs to get it done. (think several Thousand dollars, probably closer to $10k w/ wider wheels, tires, suspension mods, and other requirments for proper widebody conversion) I'm still planning on going full metal wide body(one day), but I have to win the lottery first! :lol: I couldn't justify the costs at this juncture as I still have a few more pressing issues at the moment with my project.

Good luck, I'll be keeping a close eye on this, It may force me to step it up a notch, again! :devil:

Thanks for the good luck. I will have to check out your project.

AWEsome project, man!! I can't wait until you finish this!
Interesting idea... starting a biz to do widebody Imprezas -there's certainly interest and a huge lack of products to fill it.

Why do you want the turbo on the left side?
I was wondering about this as well... is it because you're doing RHD and all the steering gear would get in the way on the normal side?
Speaking of which... why are you doing RHD?:confused:

anyway, good luck!
Very cool project...
Russ R

I am a bodyman by trade. I wanted to be a bodyman to do custom work, and fabrication. I went to rhd to be different, and that is also why I want the turbo on the left side. I have been looking at different intake manifolds and think I found one I can flip, and have very minimull IC piping. About two feet max. I want out of collision, and want to do the fun stuff. I am hoping that this build will get me closer to my goal. :D

Oh I'm with ya- you're totally building my dream car; WRC/22B fenders, fat freakin' tires, STi drivetrain w/ reversed manifold to run a V-mount IC (=VMIC? Ohmigod a new acronym? :lol: )

Okay, for *my* purposes I'd want LHD, but no matter- it's cool that you're experimenting. Jeez, it's kinda like watching Lou on Spike tv's "Musclecar"- cutting, welding, fabbing, etc..
Anyway.. good luck, and keep posting pics!

Russ R

Thanks, and will do. :D

Thats crazy. Crazy amount of skills you have there. Both me and my friend rock RHD GC8's I have a v2 and he has a v4...but our firewalls looked like crap haha. We drilled out the spotwelds on the old brackets and riveted them into the LHD firewall to make it work. Welding is of course better but my friends car has held up fine and it's been rhd for nearly 2 years.

^^^ Very nice. Glad to see some other people liking rhd. I can't wait to drive it. I think the weirdest thing driving a rhd car will be having my right arm out the window, instead of my left. lol

It's really not that hard to drive. I found the hardest part just that you tend to favor the left side of the lane. Otherwise it's pretty easy.

cheers

garrett

I found the hardest part just that you tend to favor the left side of the lane.
garrett

i tend to follow the right line

http://photos-634.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v63/58/64/1046190060/n1046190060_30015634_3104.jpg

My beautiful duct taped firewall right before the ej20g went in haha.

I actually prefer RHD. It's easier to park, I'm left handed, I prefer shifting with my left hand. I could drive it the first time I sat in it, shifting was no problem but its just like poormansporsche said....what side you favor in the lane. I too seem to favor the left side a bit.

I just scored some 05 WRX front fenders for free. I will use them for the front arch around the tire. Getting some 220 put in the garage this weekend for the welder and compresor. So I am hoping to get started on the widebody either this weekend, or next. :D

220 is in, and got the car up on jacksands and started to do some measuring. Bought a sheet of sheetmetal today. I also bought some metal to make a stand for the car to bolt to. I am going to seam weld it, so I figure I might as well make a stand that I can turn the car on its side to make it easier. I will hopefully have some more pictures up in the next week or two.

You bet. I am having a very hard time finding out some pricing for rhd, or metal widebody work. I want to make sure it would be cost efective to have a business doing this kind of work.
The business in the UK won't respond to my e-mails or pm's. I have been trying to contact them for there CF widebody front fenders. That would make my life a lot easier. They are the only business I have been able to find that does the 22b looking cars. :confused:

Good luck with this. I tried contacting Roger Clark Motorsports in the UK for the metal panels in November 2006 and they just responded a month ago. They're still working on it.

HTAuto has fiberglass fenders that fit over the regular fenders but I think full metal replacements are the way to go for the rear fenders.

Someone on the board discussed getting a Taiwanese company to make the metal stampings but I'm not sure what happened. In all honesty, even if you could get the stampings, would there be a market for it? Would people really pay money to get the job done right? You might have to continue the collision work or take on non-subaru jobs to keep the business going. If you do manage to find a reliable source for the stampings, you can sign me up as a customer :)

I know that you are in the midst of a project right now, but I have another one for you if you are interested. Its nothing at all, yet exactly the same as you are doing here. Since it sounds like you will have the stand and stuff built already. It would be another project to add to you portfolio for moving out of Collision and into the fun stuff. :) PM me if you are interested.

HTauto is one of the companies I have tried contacting. But there lack of responce has ruined there chance of doing any business with me. And then for my business ideas, I have been thinking of also building Subaru offroad parts as well.
I own a pretty big Carclub/forum that is all makes and models. So I will be working on some different makes also. But my main business idea is dealing with mostly Subarus.

All pm's responded to. :D

Did you add an extra beam to make this structurally sound?

I saw this done on some TV car show and they said this was a pretty important step to living....

i also remember the Pimp My Ride one where WCC refused to "pimp" a car because it was 2 car's simply welded together.

Did you add an extra beam to make this structurally sound?

I saw this done on some TV car show and they said this was a pretty important step to living....

i also remember the Pimp My Ride one where WCC refused to "pimp" a car because it was 2 car's simply welded together.
What beam? I havn't heard about any beam. Something to do with RHD? Or are you talking about the front reinforcement?

I am working on the front lower section of the quarter this weekend. I moved the wheelwell up about a inch and a half, relocated and removed a lot of brackets. Where the quarter goes from a reverse curve to a positive curve, I thought that would be a great spot to put some break cooling ducts. But to do this, I have removed, and relocated some key structure parts. Thinking I have removed about ten pounds from one section so far, while making the car much stronger. It is proving to be a lot of work just in one section. I was trying to get the lower section done today, but not thinking it is going to happen. I have been studying what I can of the Jun and Opera cars to see how they remove, and relocate structure parts to make the car lighter, and stronger. So far, been a very good challenge. :D
I will get some pictures up tonight when I am done for the night.

I am going to build a stand for the body that rotates. That way I can flip the body over easily to seam weld.

That's how VSC does it. You're really going all the way with this! :banana:

Picture added. :D

Did you add an extra beam to make this structurally sound?

I saw this done on some TV car show and they said this was a pretty important step to living....

i also remember the Pimp My Ride one where WCC refused to "pimp" a car because it was 2 car's simply welded together.


He is fixing/ pimping this car the way is "should" be done. He has removed and replaced all the parts the proper way, at the factory seams. This means the car will be just as strong as it was when it was new.

I honestly grimmaced when I saw the first photo where you hacked the front off. Although I was sure you were getting it done right when I saw the next spotwelld drilled photos.

Nice work!!

Josh

Thanks. I have seen some people try to cut and butt weld frame rails. That is some scary stuff. I hopefully will have some more pictures up this weekend. Planning on working on it all weekend to try to get the right quarter panel all welded up.

for those widebody pieces you are looking for you might have some better luck getting them from japan.

check out the body section for GC's on japanparts.com They have a full kit available, but im sure you can get just the fronts if you wanted to.

gl
_billy

^^^ Thanks, I will check it out.

good luck with the RHD,

you do realize you're gonna have to go through the drive through in reverse now don't ya? :p

good luck with the RHD,

you do realize you're gonna have to go through the drive through in reverse now don't ya? :p
LOL, my wife asked me what I was going to do about that. So I told her I will have to back through. :D

A couple of pictures added.

good luck with the RHD,

you do realize you're gonna have to go through the drive through in reverse now don't ya? :p

there's no need for all that just reach over the pass seat. the drive thru employee can reach out the window. been there done that...

Or you can just use one of those grabber arms.

I plan on using a newer obd2 wrx wiring Harness. My friend is learning what needs to be done with the wiring to make it all work. And there are ways to pass emissions.
Thanks Brydon.
Here are the pictures I saw that made me want one. The plans are for mine to be similar.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/thumbnail_img_0_subaru_impreza_22b_.png
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/2506859_13.jpg


the top pic reminds me of Spy Hunter for some reason...

Or you can just use one of those grabber arms.

:lol:

Can't wait to see it all finished up man, let us know if you need any more parts!

Can't wait to see it all finished up man, let us know if you need any more parts!
Will do. Thanks.
I want to thank simplysubie for all of there help and support. They are awesome people, and will help with anything and everything to do with Subaru's.
www.simplysubie.com

Added a couple of more pictures. The right quarter panel is almost done. I think there might be one more weekend and the one quarter will be all welded up. Just picked up a hood today, so next I will start on the fenders.

More Pics!!!!

^^^ Thanks, I will check it out.

We can add a Wide Body GC-8 Kit ( or parts of a Kit ) to one of our Long Beach containers and quote you to WA and/or Canada for that

If you want the 22B look: L'Aunsport make a great Kit, and will sell parts of that Kit also

L'Aunsport make a replica Front Bumper that's very similar to the 22B, so do JDM Subaru, we can supply both

Those big Gold STi Wheels can be had for the 22B

I put 15,000km (9,000 miles) on my 22B when I owned it; a simply awesome car ( Sold it to buy my Tokyo house *blub* )

Oh; I can supply you the 22B ( No Airbag ) steering wheel to; that's a *Rare* part!

Let me know what we can help with; I'm very familiar with the 22B, if you want the 22B "look" then a few strategic parts, a lot of WRB paint, and you'll have it nailed

Graham Ware
Export Manager
Japanparts LLC
* Since 1996 *

:banana: :banana: :banana:
I'm eager to see this one through....good work thusfar;)

Thanks Japanparts!
I didn't work on it this weekend. Took the weekend off to go race the Evo and spend some time with the family.
I am now working on another widebody Subaru also. Sorry there won't be a write up on it until it is done. Which will be a long while away.
I plan on working on the Impreza all next weekend. So there should be good progress by next Sunday. Have been trying to find somewhere to have the car acid dipped, but not having any luck.

Update?

Sorry, I havn't had a chance to work on it. Fried my Evo clutch at the drag races last weekend. So that has been my project for the week. But I decided from this picture that I need to reshape the quarter a little bit. Having the wheel on backwards is like having an eleven inch wheel. :D
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture.jpg

yeah... that's just a wee bit too wide :p

yeah... that's just a wee bit too wide :p

not it's not :devil:

anyway, subscribed

I like how wide it is. Just need to reshape the top section. To me it sticks out a little to far. And Evo's suck to put clutches in.

Dually-Impreza, I wonder what a Dually Baja would look like?

Sorry, but there will not be any progress on the Impreza for a few weeks to all that is watching the build. I own a car club that has a lot of events for the next couple of months. So I will work on it when I have alittle spare time.

Thanks Japanparts!
I didn't work on it this weekend. Took the weekend off to go race the Evo and spend some time with the family.
I am now working on another widebody Subaru also. Sorry there won't be a write up on it until it is done. Which will be a long while away.
I plan on working on the Impreza all next weekend. So there should be good progress by next Sunday. Have been trying to find somewhere to have the car acid dipped, but not having any luck.

Looks like a very worthy project!

Good luck with that

Best

GW
Japanparts.com

Thanks. You also have a pm Japanparts.

I am planning on something like this but just welding on wrx front and rear fenders.

I am planning on something like this but just welding on wrx front and rear fenders.
I thought about doing that. Would be a lot easier for sure. But figured I would make my own for the challenge.

any updates yet?

No sorry. Been very busy with everything but the Impreza. Picked up a hood for it. Hopefully I can get started back on it in a few weeks. I will keep everyone updated as soon as I can get back on it. :D

wow subscribe!

Picked up a few more parts for it this week. Got a vented hood, mock up grill, fenders, and a few other odds and ends. The last race is in two weeks. So hopefully I will be able to get back on this project after that. :D

nicee

Not sure if you need it, but I have a steering rack from a RHD v7 that I got when a shipped an engine back from Japan. Also some Ver 3/4 doorcards (but those are from a sedan so I don't know if you could use them).

Just an offer....


Derek

Thanks. How much for the steering rack. I have one but wouldn't hurt to have a backup incase something goes wrong with mine.

Any updates ? Looking great so far! Good luck with the completion!!!!

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1235258 i made theses a while back. im also making my own rears. going a different rout with my rear quarter panels. im making a mold than flexing metal over it so that way i can easily fabricate more if someone want to buy a set. =)

Updates are that I finally get to start working on it again. Cleaned out the garage so the car is visible again through out the week. Now that racing is over I can focus on the Impreza and my newly acquired VW bug.
And ovedrivex Looking good. I do have some wrx fenders that I will be using the wheel arches from and thought about using the wrx fender like you are. But I want a more round shape like the 22b.
So I am not sure what I will be starting on this weekend yet. Since I have to cut apart about half of what I have already done, thinking about starting on the other quarter panel. Hopefully if my plans will stay as planned, I would like to have all the metal work and cage done by November or December. That way I can ship it down to have it acid dipped.

I cut the left quarter panel apart this weekend. Also made the brake vent tube today. I spent most of the day taking out seam sealer and sound deadening on the left side. Nothing worth pictures yet.

pretty dang sweet the fenders are to wide IMO.

pretty dang sweet the fenders are to wide IMO.

no such thing

Anything done since last update?

Wow man, I'm speechless. I know that it looks like a mess right now because its a work in progress, but I can see in my mind that this car is going to look AMAZING when done! It would definitely be one of the widest GC8's I've seen.

You should keep it green too :)

Sorry no updates yet. Have been really sick. I have been really trying to work on it, but every time I get a chance something comes up. :(
Did get a few more body parts and pieces for it this morning though. I have been looking at two colors for it so far. One is the Dodge Neon gold/orange. But not sure of that color yet. The color I have been really considering is the Audi green/blue/purple color. I think the pearls would really highlight the widebody.

subscribed.

subscribed

subscribed

Heres a pic to get you motivated
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5244/3847316si4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Heres a pic to get you motivated
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5244/3847316si4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Do you have any more pics of those cars? Especially the yellow 2 door wagon. I was thinking of doing that but wasn't sure if it would look right.

they're demos from a British company that makes replica wings and wide bodies. I don't remember the name though unfortunately, or I'd get them for you myself.

they're demos from a British company that makes replica wings and wide bodies. I don't remember the name though unfortunately, or I'd get them for you myself.

L'aunsport

you must be joking right?

theyre HTAutos
http://www.htautos.co.uk/

i just dont get why everyone throws around launsport as if theyre the only one

you must be joking right?

theyre HTAutos
http://www.htautos.co.uk/

i just dont get why everyone throws around launsport as if theyre the only one

hahaha my bad. just the first one that came to mind.

;)
c'est la vie

you must be joking right?

theyre HTAutos
http://www.htautos.co.uk/

i just dont get why everyone throws around launsport as if theyre the only one

Thank you.

Stoopid exchange rate ftl:furious:

Do you have any more pics of those cars? Especially the yellow 2 door wagon. I was thinking of doing that but wasn't sure if it would look right.

It's not a 2 door, it just loses the rear handles with the widebody conversion.

It's not a 2 door, it just loses the rear handles with the widebody conversion.

Yeah, I see that now that I have seen some other pictures.

LOL, thanks for the motivation.

The car isn't wrecked anymore. And it is now RHD.:D

This is after my prepulls to get the new clip to fit. And also to get my door gaps back.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Afterpulls.jpg



Great Project! You guys use a older Cheif rack at your work? We have a couple too.
Anyway good luck with the build.

Great Project! You guys use a older Cheif rack at your work? We have a couple too.
Anyway good luck with the build.
Thanks. I call her old faithful. I have used a lot of newer racks, and that one has been the best. It is a little on the short side, but hasn't failed me for over five years now. :D

Thanks. I call her old faithful. I have used a lot of newer racks, and that one has been the best. It is a little on the short side, but hasn't failed me for over five years now. :DNice, I have used ours for quite some time also.... Although it is all I have ever known. P.S. It is good to see some body work done correctly for a change.....

Wow, now that's a project and a half...

*Subscribes*

Best regards,

Charles Buren
Safe Drives LLC
www.safedrives.com
cburen at safedrives.com
877-739-1713 Toll Free
503-543-8238 Oregon Local

I want to thank Charles at Safe Drives. He helped me finally find somewhere to get my car acid dipped, and is very helpful in safety equipment.
I will call you tomorrow to order the roll cage. :D

I ordered a 10 point DOM roll cage from Safe Drives for it. The car and parts are finally starting to come together.
Here is where I left off. The quarter panel is cut up and ready to start fabbing some new pieces and weld them in. I will be working on the lower front section of the quarter and brake vent this weekend.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Impcut2.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Impcut.jpg

Here are a few pictures of the left rocker. After looking at the right side I don't like how it looks and needed to add something. I have thought about many different ways to extend the rockers. I even looked at rockers from other cars but decided to build my own.
This picture is the top of the rocker after cutting off the old rocker I extended it out three inches.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/rocker1.jpg

This picture is of the front of the rocker main section.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/rocker2.jpg

Here is the rest of the rocker. It is going to look good when it all blends into the fender and quarter panel. :D
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/rocker3.jpg

Here is where I left off tonight. Tomorrow I am going to start on the lower section of the quarter panel.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/rocker5.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/rocker4.jpg

Break time. So here is a couple of pictures.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Llowerquarter2.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Llowerquarter.jpg

I'm assuming that tube is some kind of brake duct? If so, would it not be more efficient in terms of weight to just have a metal inlet and then use a flexiable plastice ducting?

Nice work. Did you roll and weld that tube for the brake duct?

So after you are all done do you have a guess as to how much this thing will weigh or how much weight you will have added?

I am not sure of the weight yet. I am going to have it acid dipped which will loose some weight. After I get the cage done I plan on removing a lot of extra metal that will no longer be needed. But that is a ways away. I am also looking into a CF roof. It would be a lot easier to weld the roll cage in without the roof on, so a CF roof would be sweet for saving weight.
I did make the brake vent. I was going to go buy a tube for it, but decided I would make my own instead of trying to find some tube that was thin enough. As for the plastic tube I will use that from the wheel well to the brakes. The tube doesn't weigh much at all. This is my first time building something like this so it is all learning for me. :D

so hawt, can't wait to see this beast finished

A stock "L" roof is less than $300 and it's pretty light, as far as roofs go. I looked into a CF roof, and the costs for building one were kinda silly, for what little weight is saved. The biggest weight savings on re-roofing is getting rid of the sunroof, if you have one.

Can't wait to see finished product.

wow what happend to that car. you sliced and diced that thing

Here is where I left off tonight. The lower left quarter still has a lot of welding to do, but I am liking the left rocker and quarter better than the right side. But it sure is going to be a lot of body work.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/lowerquarterwelded.jpg

Good thing I'm a bodyman too!
Awesome job man, now I need to get started on my RX!:banana:

Good thing I'm a bodyman too!
Awesome job man, now I need to get started on my RX!:banana:

It is a lot of work. But when it is done and I am driving it is when it will all pay off. :D


But on a side note, the Impreza is on hold for awhile. With Christmas and out of welding gas it isn't making much progress. But I am buying a house and relocating back to Salem Oregon. So this will be on the back burner for a couple of months. But the good thing is that the house I am buying has somewhat of a shop and I don't have to worry about making to much noise. No neighbors to make mad there. :banana:

Subscribing for updates when you are ready again. I've always wondered how this kind of thing is done. I used to drive a BMW 325iX and daydreamed of putting M3 fenders on it. :)

Good luck there that's a big job !!

These may help if you have not seen them before...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1023928

Good luck there that's a big job !!

These may help if you have not seen them before...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1023928


Thanks. That is a beautifully built car. That is one of the cars I saw that got me started on mine.

wow nice

Getting ready to move. Put the car back on the ground and took a couple of pictures. I can't wait to get into my new house and get started again.

Picture of the roll cage. 10 point DOM S&W roll cage.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture019-1.jpg

A couple of pictures of the car on the ground. The wheels are on backwards because I am not done with the brake vents so the tires wont clear them yet.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture013-1.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Picture012-1.jpg

Mmmmmm, seam welding. NICE!

nice welding! Subscribed!

Any progress with this?

No sorry. I have been working on the house I just bought and have not had time to work on the Impreza. But I am starting to be able to see the car in the garage finally from moving. It was pretty buried. :(

An update finally. Cleaned the rest of the garage and got the Impreza moved around so I can work on it again. Bought some front fenders today that are in great shape. So I will have some good fenders to work with now. Put the fenders on and went to put the hood on and found out the hood hinges are in unrepairable condition. So I am getting another set next weekend. Having a friend come over to get the rest of the glass out for me so I can start on the roll cage. Sorry I don't have any pictures though.

subscribed for future bumps

Cool, glad to hear that this project is moving forward again!

Worked a little on it today. Removed the rest of the sound deadener. The scale I used isn't that accurate, but according to it I removed about 40lbs of sound deadener alone. I also weighed a couple of other parts that I removed. Today I removed about 100lbs of stuff that is not needed. Like headliner, seatbelts, and some bolted on extra trim brackets and such. I am going to start researching what metal I can take out after the cage is in to remove some more weight. But I don't want to just start cutting before I know if it is crucial to structure or not. I was think today about a few companies that remove and relocate inner metal to lighten the car but keep the structure the same or better. So that is the next step. I went to take some pictures but the camera was dead. Next time I am out there working on it I will take a couple. Not much to see though, just a stripped out car. :D

I have been working on the left quarter this weekend. I will post up some pictures tonight when I am done. Sure is nice to be able to work on it again.

Here is a few pictures. Sorry they are kind of crappy. Working on the left quarter panel and wheel well. Going to start putting the cage in next.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Picture060-1.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Picture061.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Picture062.jpg

nice work

Good to see you finally found some time to get some work done on this! I dont know if this has been asked yet but what color will this thing end up being?

Man, this is so awesome. Good luck on the project!

I am still undecided with the color. I want it to be a color that looks nice but isn't hard to repaint. One of the colors that has stuck in my mind is the orange from the SRT4. The other color is the blue/purple Audi color. That is a ways off so I have been watching for other colors also.

those first pics are intimidating. but nothing some time and energy can't fix. best of luck man, can't wait to see how you use the 22b's style in the final product!

Interesting way to do a widebody kit. I was expecting stick ons and BS like that, instead, seam welding and a new front clip. nice!

Thanks everyone for the nice words. I have another project I just picked up and will be trying to get it done in the next couple of weeks so I can get back on the Impreza. I sold a POS truck I had and now have nothing to be able to go get parts and stuff with. So I found a S-10 with a bad clutch and I am stuffing a monster v-8 in it. That should be a good parts getter. :D

quick question i have a 98 impreza i want to go with the 99+ front end what do i need to convert

quick question i have a 98 impreza i want to go with the 99+ front end what do i need to convert

You mean 98 L, right? I believe all that you need is the bumper beam from an RS (or a JDM WRX bumper beam), the bumper itself with everything, fogs, fog covers whatever. For 97+ L models, any 98-2001 hood will fit. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that's all.

I have a 97L that I'm thinking about converting in the future, but to be honest with you, there are quite a few conversions/real things out there, and very few clean L models. I might actually just stick with it and do it right.

There is a sticky about what you need. It isn't much.

Sorry I am not much help on what is needed to do the front conversion. I have been collecting all kinds of front end parts of all years. I figure that way I will just use what works.

yeah thats cool you can weld but why not just buy a aftermarkert 22b kit for like 500-600???its lighter too

yeah thats cool you can weld but why not just buy a aftermarkert 22b kit for like 500-600???its lighter too

Because he wants to make something himself and because fiberglass is pure junk.

Try $4000 or more for a quality 22b kit and good luck trying to get a hold of any of the companies. And fiberglass doesn't hold up to what I want to do with the car. I have considered buying a 22b rear clip and the front fenders, and even found everything I need to make a real 22b body. But I love what I do and that is why I want to build everything I can. I have built a lot of odd and unique cars. You can't buy the parts from your imagination, you have to build them is what one of my old bosses told me.

keep up the good work!! keep building!

nice!

All i have to say is DAMN......this thing is going tobe BAD A$$ when its done.....22b plus an extra 2" wider FTMFW!.....

also noticed....good call on putting the steelies on reversed for like -20 offset!!!!

A little update. I bought a 02 WRX for the wife last year. It had a lot if miles on it and needed some attention as of late. So I have been working on it non stop for the last month. Her car has used all my extra money for the Impreza. There was a small mishap with her car a couple of months ago and I decided it was time to get rid of all the scratches, dings and rock chips while I was fixing the side of it. I am painting it tomorrow and will try to get it all together with some pictures Sunday if the rest of my parts for it come in tomorrow. Sorry the Impreza keeps getting put on the back burner. Between the old fixer upper house and my wifes car I haven't had a chance to even get close to my Impreza. Now race season is here and I want to race the Impreza so bad. Hopefully next year.

For the love of god, hurry up and get back to work on this thing!! I can't wait to see the finished product!

You get your s-10 done?

You get your s-10 done?

I wish. I am teaching myself to do sheet rock. The house I bought was built in 1931 and sat empty for a long time. So a lot of the plaster is starting to fall out. Also been working on the wifes WRX. I am hoping this next weekend I can get the S-10 done since it is a 3 day weekend. At least crossing my fingers I can get it done.

really coming along!

Here is some pictures of my wifes WRX. Just repainted it to get rid of the scratches, dents and rockchips. We have not had it very long and got it for a great deal. Wife is happy and that is all that matters. I just put it all together yesterday. Still needs polished and a detail. :D
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b182/maddy_bren76/Subaru/IMG_2139.jpg

No more spoiler or emblems.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b182/maddy_bren76/Subaru/IMG_2140.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b182/maddy_bren76/Subaru/IMG_2140_1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b182/maddy_bren76/Subaru/IMG_2141.jpg

Here is some pictures of my wifes WRX. Just repainted it to get rid of the scratches, dents and rockchips. We have not had it very long and got it for a great deal. Wife is happy and that is all that matters. I just put it all together yesterday. Still needs polished and a detail. :D
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b182/maddy_bren76/Subaru/IMG_2139.jpg



A new house, sick evo, amazing project car (subscribed), and a wife who not only supports your hobbies, but also drives an insanely clean wrx...

Large amount of win detected in your life :D

Congrats

Thanks. Here is what she looked like a few months ago. The wife is after a FMIC and a bigger turbo. She also wants my built 2.5 from the Impreza for it. But not sure on that one yet.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/Subaru/Picture004.jpg

Why does she want the ej25 from the 22b? It is Na, it can't hold any boost, unless she wants the heads.

Why does she want the ej25 from the 22b? It is Na, it can't hold any boost, unless she wants the heads.
:confused: The 22b isn't N/A and it doesn't have an ej25, it has an ej22k(?)

very cool, ive always wished someone would make a steel wide body.

Why does she want the ej25 from the 22b? It is Na, it can't hold any boost, unless she wants the heads.

:confused: The 22b isn't N/A and it doesn't have an ej25, it has an ej22k(?)
Okay 2 confusions. pheonix991 is confused on it being a 22B. flystiguy14 is confused at pheonix991. I would guess OP has picked up a 2.5 to build and turbo and tweak. Buyeye... great body... engine could use some. I'd likely want the upgrade too. Though my car i'll be droping in a 6.:disco: I love my GF so I vote the built engine stay with the GM. Will also be doing a steal WB. Lot more work getting around those rear doors.:unamused:.... till after:banana:
-Gaddis

The body work looks crazy. Great job so far.

Sorry I should have explained more. The 2.5 is out of a STi. I also have a 2.2 for it also. Not sure what route I will be taking. That is a lot farther away than I was planning.

I have been looking at her WRX and thinking when the Impreza and Beetle are done widening the rear doors and quarters to match the front fenders. I think the four door would be easier to widebody after looking at her car. But the widebody part on a WRX is different then the widebody on an Impreza.

Sorry I should have explained more. The 2.5 is out of a STi. I also have a 2.2 for it also. Not sure what route I will be taking. That is a lot farther away than I was planning.

I have been looking at her WRX and thinking when the Impreza and Beetle are done widening the rear doors and quarters to match the front fenders. I think the four door would be easier to widebody after looking at her car. But the widebody part on a WRX is different then the widebody on an Impreza.
Yeah i would say the lines are different alright. I want to widen my GF following similar to the 22B lines. As for your wife's Rex I would suggest checking out this. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1468754 The guy DUNK did a great clean job even if it is only fr track use. Just an option. And why does everyone chop up OBS's for body work?! Every time I see pannels getting added or hacked for body work they seem to be OBS's and some hoe white on the dark silver. Oh well just an observation I've noticed looking around the forum. I"m ditching the silver for black anyways.
-Gaddis

Nice, I'm very curious to see the finished product as I've contemplated the same thing for my 2000 RS. The 22B is by far my favorite car Subaru has ever made, and it's a dream to own one some day, but I'll probably have to build my own if that's what it comes down to... glad other people have the same interests and appreciation for that car. Good luck with the build man.

cant wait for the finished product...

the Evo could really use some help with either IX tails or VII red tails...the current altezza's don't do the front end justice imo :)

Not a fan of the Evo 8 headlights or taillights either. But will be selling the car soon, so the next person can worry about that.

Just give and update on the car already... don't let this end up like the swedish monster

Swedish monster?

I am sorry to say that I will not be updating this thread for awhile due to some personal issues. I am not dropping it, and still am hoping to have it on the road next year.

Oh Noes!!!

http://members.cox.net/azcyclones/mrbill.jpg

nice work, thanks for all the pix showing welds and sections

A little update to what I have been doing. I have swapped a S-10 with a monster V-8 that is for sale to fund some of the Impreza and Beetle builds. Here it the link to it. Pretty crazy little truck with to much torque. lol
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1541120
And here is another project. My dad bought the 57 when it was new. It has been sitting since the late 60's. Just got it yesterday. It is getting a 2.0 WRX motor in it some time when I have the time.
My driveway for now. Trying to sell a few cars to have more room. lol
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/VW/Picture006.jpg
My new baby. Not in to bad of shape for sitting so long.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/VW/Picture011.jpg
And an interior shot
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/choppedvw/VW/Picture012.jpg

rolfcopter!!!! Lol

So where is this at? Is it still going to get finished?

I am working on it little by little with whatever metal I have laying around. Work slowed down, so everything is on hold money wise. :(