When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've owned my blob wagon for a few years now. I've done lots of work on it, and continue to do so - I thought it's about time I set up a project thread.
Since, I've had the wheels refurbished in triple bronze and had new Michelin PS4 tyres fitted:
Last weekend I visited a friend in Kent and visited this place to use the self hire ramp: https://www.carramphire.co.uk/ - well worth a visit if you're in the area, makes jobs so much easier. We swapped out the knocking rear shocks for new KYB Ultra SR shocks on PCB Dynamics springs from Peter Cambridge. Also changed the top mounts and bottom rubber seats for new OEM parts. I missed lots of steps but it's a very simple job:
Alignment was out from removing the rear struts, I had camber adjustment bolts fitted so relatively simple to sort out. Front camber wasn't perfect but they charged £20 per side for camber adjustment so I left it as was:
I also adjusted the rear whiteline ARB to the stiffest setting to try and reduce understeer. Car feels great now with the rear shocks done.
We also changed the rear pads as they were running a bit low.
Did a few other jobs over the weekend, more to follow!
Next up is the front brakes. The standard WRX calipers + godspeed discs/kevlar pads have been great. I've always fancied the Brembo upgrade as the car has sti wheels so fitment won't be an issue.
I picked up a set in the classifieds. The paint is shot so it's a good excuse for a refurb. I spoke to a local powder coating firm who specialise in motorbike parts, the chap was very helpful and said he had done lots of bike and car brake calipers. Having read lots about this online I was unsure whether to split the calipers or not, manily due to all the talk of the small o-ring seal within the caliper - this firm said they only work on split calipers, so that made my decision for me.
I'll be splitting, removing pistons and seals, then shot blasting + powder coating. I'll then replace the seals and bleed nipples:
Bought from classifieds
Where brake fluid had attacked the red paint, it revealed the original Brembo gold finish beneath. Goes to show how solid the OEM finish is!
OEM Brembo finish is still rock solid! Pistons out. Splitting caliper now Seals removed. Ready for shot blasting
That's nice. I have a Black 05 Wagon not far from you. Would be interested to see what the SR/PCA combo rides like. I've tried Excel Gs/PCA, Meister Rs and now Koni Inserts with PCA springs. I think that the Excel Gs/PCA were the best for daily driving.
That's nice. I have a Black 05 Wagon not far from you. Would be interested to see what the SR/PCA combo rides like. I've tried Excel Gs/PCA, Meister Rs and now Koni Inserts with PCA springs. I think that the Excel Gs/PCA were the best for daily driving.
Quite a firm set up but it still rides pretty well even over Bristol's shoddy roads!
Do you think its possible to remove the pad guides to clean the back of them without splitting the calipers ?
Had to do this on my other car. The screws had all corroded in place. Had to use oxy torch to shift the most stubborn ones. That was heart in mouth moment but it worked a treat.
Use stainless screws and copper slip on reassembly.
could you share wheel paint specs? matte clear coat?
Hi,
Unfortunately they wouldn't give me the RAL or paint colour code - I needed it to match the centre caps, I ended up using a Ford bronze which wasn't perfect but not too far off.
Turned my attention to the the paint this weekend, the roof was in pretty bad nick, some heavy stains and early stage corrosion so I decided to wrap it in Satin black:
Prepping the roof Wrap down
Was a lot more tricky than anticipated, we got the 3M vinyl down pretty well. Not perfect, but i'm happy with it for now.
Polishing
Then did a quick correction detail prior to winter. Used the megs microfibre correction system, Poorboys black hole glaze and then sealant. Came out very well, headlights and paint came out well.
The only thing i'm not sure about is how subtle the roof wrap looks - thinking I could could go with something a bit more lairy....watch this space!
Quick question for you (and anyone else!) with a WRX running STi wheels (and tyre sizes):
Have you changed the size of your space saver as well? Or would the diff tolerate the slight difference in rolling circumference seeing the STI size tyres are fractionally larger?
I ditched the spare some time ago and just run a can of tyre weld - not ideal I know, but for the amount of miles I do it's not a huge risk.
Next time I have a front wheel off, i'll see if the spare fits and report back!
It will not fit. AFAIK the space saver doesnt even fit over the OEM WRX front brakes, and the solution is to fit the space saver to the rear and move the good wheel to the front, if you have a front puncture.
Small update, fitted a steering wheel from a later model which has been refurbished by Royal - i asked them to copy a version on their website, no doubt someone on here! Looks darker in the flesh, but here it is:
Really happy with how it looks and feels, you can also see I've changed the gear **** too.
31 July 2019, 06:53 PM
Blob Wagon Project
