'Back to original' hawk STi
 

Hey guys,

Back to Subaru's after a small break (and a few hot hatch itches scratched!). I decided on a low mileage, as-standard-as-possible Hawk STi. After searching for a fair while, this little gem popped up. I didn't want it to be 'mint' as such as I was after something that needed a little work, especially on the body. I'm a keen detailer and really wanted to put my skills to the test. The paint is badly swirled but it's a rough gem and with some hours pumped into it, it's going to be pretty good (hopefully!)

Having only covered 30,000, it's not been used to much (2 owners). Only upgrades are a carbon splitter, which will come off soon, and a set of mudflaps, which I'm debaiting on wether or not to keep on. Engine is standard bar a K+N panel filter (and defi connections which have been left in, which is handy in a way).

So far, I have fully cleaned a decontaminated the car, blitzed the engine bay and am currently carrying out a full correction.

Future plans.....

1). The wheels badly need refurbing, so these are going in in a couple of weeks to be fully refurb'd in the standard gold color.

2). It currently has RE070's on the rear and new bridgestones on the front (not sure what model). I have 2 brand new RE070's sat waiting to go on the front when the wheels have been refurb'd. It will have original RE070's all round.

3). carbon fibre splitter to be removed

4). if I decide to keep the mudflaps, new 'sti' stickers will be put on as the current ones are looking dated

5). Wait for the inevitable HG failure and get it in for a rebuild lol! I have budgeted for this :-).

Attachment 45556

Before....

Attachment 45557

After.....

Attachment 45558

Before.....

Attachment 45559

Attachment 45560

50/50

Attachment 45561

Nice base car to work some magic on ...

Quick update,

Replaced the fronts with original RE070's today. Also had a full geometry setup carried out. Still unsure whether to keep the splitter on or not?

Attachment 44377

Tucked away for a few weeks now as I'm away with work

Attachment 44378

Great looking scoob you've have there and personally I would leave the splitter on as it really suits the car.

Very nice mate, keep easy answer keep the splitter really helps the front look so much better!!

I would keep the splitter. I think the front looks odd without it.

Looks lovely car, just enjoy it as it is then when it breaks fix it....

Thanks for the compliments guys,

Since I got the car, something has been rattling on the RHS door speakers whenever bass is put through them. I checked everything first to make sure nothing was loose I.e nothing rattling around in the door compartment, the door card was on properly etc.....still got the same, annoying rattling. Had to be something inside. So, I took the door card off and had a nice little surprise....some Edge speakers. Unfortunately, the previous owner had only put two of the three required bolts in the adapter to hold it onto the door.....

Attachment 44359

Anyhow, i didn't really want to go drilling more holes into the door and the speaker was pretty secure already, so I bought some sticky pads to place in the small gap between the speaker and the door (which was causing the rattle I.e the speaker vibrating off the door) and bobs your uncle, a nice cheap easy fix and no more rattling.

lovely car dude

What steps did you take to correct the paint? What's your preferred compounds etc? Did you use a DA?

Thanks mate,

So, the whole process in a nutshell without loads of info......

1). Rinse
2). Snowfoam
3). Rinse
4). Wash
5). Dry
6). De-contaminate / De-tar (followed by another rinse and dry)
7). Clay
8). Take off all old polish / wax using AF rejuvinate
9). Cut
8). Polish / wax / sealant

To cut, I use a G220 DA with Megs 105 compound and green hexlogic pads (6 inch and 3 inch with relevant backing plates)

sounds so simple when you lay it out like that :lol1:

Interesting step that I hadn't considered was removing the old wax. I had assumed (based on nothing at all) that the clay bar; or in my case the mitt would remove some of the old wax along with contaminants but I'll look into that some more. More money to spend! I do like the idea of using AF but it's overwhelming the amount of brands on the market. Trying to stick with Meguiars for most things.

DA for me next, das-6 seems to be the favorite

Again; great to see yours, gives some real inspiration :)

Those tyres too :luvlove:

Hi mate,

I think the stage of removing any old polish / wax etc is more personal preference. Some folk say it's not really worth it, but if you're going to do a full correction, why not start with a totally blank canvas.

You're right though, there are so many products, it's a ridiculously over-saturated market. I think on the best part, it comes down to personal preference, although some products are clearly better than others, for example, I thought AF iron-out was good.......until I used Iron-X!!!

I would recommend 2 products over anything though......Iron-X and Tar-X. Simply brilliant products IMO.

Thanks mate

Little update,

So, the rear started knocking a few weeks ago, and after a bit research, I put it down to the rear shocks, which are prone to going. I'm not interested in coilovers as I want to keep the car as standard as possible, so, after a lot of recommendations, I went for KYB units. Fortunately, I have a few mates who are excellent mechanics and have a big ol' workshop with almost any tool imaginable, so it was mates rates :-)

I also wanted just a tiny bit more noise from the back box, but nothing ridiculous. I went for a scoobyworld racebox bought from a nice guy on here. I have to say, it's perfect. Just a little bit louder but still completely un-intrusive and looks very similar to a prodrive backbox. I didn't want any angled 'jap' style boxes etc.

Attachment 41859

Attachment 41860

Attachment 41861

Attachment 41862

Attachment 41863

Attachment 41864

Attachment 41865

Attachment 41866

Attachment 41867

Nice, but if you're wanting originality - sort that boot badging out.

Unfortunately my 'Type UK' badge has failed to turn up this week which is annoying, unless it comes tomorrow. I received replacement 'Sti' decals for the mudflats to replace the tatty ones on there at the mo, but still waiting on the 'Type UK'.

Nice looking car but get those lads into some covvies! The ASM will go mental.

Where did you get the alignment done ? :)

Could you tell me the model of rear struts, and where you bought them from/price. Mine needs the same!

I
 

That is a beautiful car! Despite the cold, rain and dark I've got the urge to go outside and start cleaning

Quick update. Needed a new set of rear droplinks. Went for standard items :). The old ones were shot!

Attachment 38618

Got some nicely refurbed enkei's to go on. They came with brand new rainsport 3's all round so first job was to get those off and get the RE070's on. Once done and back from the tyre place, I completely cleaned and decontaminated them (as well as cleaning the tyres to remove all the old tyre shine and the white stuff they use when changing over the tyres), then polished, waxed and finally sealed off. They are stunning to be honest. They are gunmetal with silver fleck as well as a slight multicoloured fleck in direct bright sunshine.

Attachment 37881



Attachment 37882


Attachment 37883

Attachment 37884

Attachment 37885

Hopefully you can make out the coloured flecks. Very cool!

Attachment 37886

Unfortunately as I was cleaning it, I noticed that one of my mudflap 'STI' stickers was coming off, so I've ordered a few new ones.