So I decided the cut a hole in my roof...
 

No not just out of boredom or "for a laugh" :lol1: but cos I decided to fit a Spec C/Type RA roof vent to my faithful old Bugeye GX. That's right, a GX :thumb:

I managed to get an S202 vent including all the bits and pieces I needed (except for 1 interior clip!) from a Subaru breaker on eBay. I wanted to avoid forking out for a brand new one from Japan as the current exchange rate is shocking and customs/taxes are always a pain in the bottom.

After having the vent resprayed 01G Premium Silver, and collecting all the necessary tools for the job according to Frayz's guide (what a legend), it was time to get to work.

I did plan on taking a plethora of photos documenting the installation step-by-step but due to concentrating more than ever I sort of forgot and only managed to take 3! :brickwall

Anyway here is one straight after the removal of the interior map reading light bracket - the first stage of drilling!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0195.jpg

Then, after pilot holes were drilled in the roof making the outline of the vent hole clear, it was time to cut the roof with the Dremel. Here is a picture of my mate putting the finishing touches to it:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0196.jpg

Eeek.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0197.jpg

Anyway, after around 4 hours (we took our time and it kept raining) plus a trip to B&Q for some more Dremel disks (:freak3:) the job was done! A new interior clip was sourced from my local Subaru dealership, and I couldn't be more pleased with it!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0211.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0208.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0212.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0210.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0222.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0216.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0220.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0217.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0223.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...K/IMG_0221.jpg

I doesn't leak nor make any wind noise when closed, and I've even mastered the art of having it up on a cold day with the heating on :lol1: You know, just to get maximum use out of it ;)

On a serious note though, it's a great tool for getting a nice flow of fresh air into the cabin :) I'm one of those people that always drives around with the front windows down a bit so this is just great.

It looks a bit good too.

Big thanks to Frayz for writing the good old guide, Merv for all the advice, and Simon for help sourcing the interior clips :thumb:

Tom

Looks good, I'm trying to get hold of one too:thumb:

Like you say, much prefer fresh air:D

Job is definitely a good un.......looks fantastic mate, gx or no gx.......well done!

Good job there Tom :thumb: looks spot on!!

Bet you had an arse twitching moment when drilling your first hole, thinking what the hell am I doing :lol1:

Brave man lol looks great :thumb:

looks brilliant but i would of been bricking **** doing that to my roof, I WOULD def have on for sure

Top job mate!

Cheers Myles, I'm really pleased with how "stock" it looks - especially on the inside :)

I think there's one on eBay at the moment for £250 or best offer. It's a little steep but take a look...

Cheers Paul, I certainly did mate! I had the tip of the drill bit touching the roof and I was just, "Hmm shall I just take it to Wales and get it done by a pro?" :lol1:

Nice one Rob, it's a big shame the Hatch Spec C's aren't fitted with these :(

Haha thanks Neil! Trust me I was bricking it but I had a "what the hell" moment and just went for it! I think that's the way you've gotta do it to be honest. Best mod/upgrade I've done to my Impreza by far though, and very satisfying knowing I did it myself (with help here and there lol)

Did you get it from Imprezabreaker in Norfolk?

If you did then it's off my previous Impreza, a black S202, nice job on the install by the way.

I don't know mind if I could have the cahoonas to chop my roof up. :thumb:

Nearly forgot did you have a problem in the end obtaining the missing clip?

Yes mate - didn't realise it was from your old Impreza :(

Cheers though, no problems thank you mate ;) just had to wait the best part of 3 weeks for it to arrive from Japan :lol1:

No problem, bit of a coincidence though. :)

It was written off by the new owner after 2 weeks, I was absolutely gutted when I found out. :cry:

It was the only black S202 in the UK and probably one of about 10 ever made in that colour. :(

Anyway glad to see that bits of it are living on at least. :)

That's a crying shame, it was such a tidy car too:(

Looks good Tom, have seen it in the flesh, top job done.
Looks like its catching m8, must be a cutting a hole in your roof bug going around :norty:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...1/IMG_0526.jpg

Ah mate that's gutting. I'd be crying if that happenned to my GX let alone an ultra-rare import!

I saw they're selling the steering wheel from it too but this project has cleaned me out for now ;)

Its wonky ;)

I chopped two rather large holes in my car last week. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...908_115920.jpg

Looks like i used a lot less masking tape :D i also apeared to have used a bigger grinder (3" air powered :D )

double spazmatron, IB sort your ****ING ****TY SERVERS OUT

looks great

The worst bit for me was cutting the headlining :eek:

Bloody hell lads it's like Chop Shop in here! :lol1:

StickyMicky it's not wonky you joker! ;) Although you've taken it to the next level with wing vents! You should do it on a Scooby :)

Stuart when did you do yours mate?! Yep headlining was the trickiest bit for me too, it just takes ages cos of having to cut a bit away, test fit it, cut a bit more away, test fit etc etc. Plus the headlining is a lot tougher than you think! :eek:

Cheers guys :thumb:

Did it today m8, did you not get my progress texts. ;)

Just need the clips to finish it off.

No mate? :Suspiciou

Nice one, look forward to seeing it tomorrow :) Phil @ Carstins assured me your clips will be with him soon!

Just need to do the head lights black now :cuckoo:

Bloody hell Ty, didn't know it was written off :cry: Gutted, all your hard work wasted!

I like it. :)

you've got balls :thumb:

looks good mate :thumb:

Cheers mate, twas £200 and he's accepted my offer of £170:D

Well done Jon, looks like there will be another member of the flap club shortly. :thumb:

Christmas is my next time off work:(