Project: 555

[555_Si]

Suppose I better start a project thread as today is a new page for me in Subaru ownership. I generally don't buy a make of car twice, especially straight after owning one already, I prefer to move on and try something else. Though recent activities put a premature end to my Subaru driving experience which I wasn't ready to give up, mostly because of the excellent people on here.

It all started about this time last Saturday, when after a year of my wagon sitting on the drive, it was finally back on the road, after a manic week of running around getting everything sorted. We got up early, lack of sleep and generally feeling knackered, Jo and I drove down to the Harwood track day at Goodwood. I was looking forward to a nice day of enjoying my car again. Unfortunately Scott couldn't make it, which I was slightly disappointed with, as he had organised it all, but family illness meant he was on bucket duty.

All week I had been looking at the weather app on my phone and everything seemed perfect. Well seems the rain made an appearance, which appears I wasn't completely geared up for.

My first session I went out taking it easy, getting used to the car again. Chequered flag came out and cool down lap commenced, got as far as St Mary's where I saw a Ferrari in my rear view mirror coming up quite quickly, so I decided to take the bend a little quicker than my normal cool down speed, but no where near the speed I went on the previous lap.......... Something went wrong on the exit, back swung round and after a few nano seconds of trying to rescue the car, the wet grass and the tyre wall did the rest.

Feeling quite ashamed of my stupidity and foolishness, my thoughts now turned to Jo's safety (honestly), then to the reality of, great another Scooby owner crashing at Goodwood and the embarasment of returning. To the pits, tail between legs.

Well Jo was ok, after the initial shock, I was happier as the car still drove, but most of all I was treated by truely kind people I am lucky to call friends, yes you lot. I still had a fantastic day, but my brain couldn't stop thinking about what was next.

Car home I decided I was going to probably repair the wagon and but a hawk front end on it. After several days of changing my mind about 100 times, it looked like I was going to do a bugeye prodrive saloon conversion on the front.

I was just going to order the parts when CJ sent me a message that would change everything.......James Nash's (Angers) caged rolling shell 555 classic was for sale. I have never moved so quick in my life, a few frantic phone calls to CJ, James and the finance Minster (Jo) and a deal was struck.

So where are we now?
Well today is the day, I clear the garage (sorry Golf R32) and CJ and I (big thanks to CJ, a true enthusiast and general good guy) go and pick up the car. I have not felt this for ages, very excited is an understatement.

So there you go, introduction over, let the project begin!

[C. J.]

It'll be a silver lining and may be 555Si for a name lol

[Steve_PPP]

Good luck with it mate. Should be able to pop up sometime on Sunday with the flywheel and to have a nosey

[NL03Scooby]

Si... Been waiting to hear what your future plans are going to be after that fateful day! I am glad that all be it for one day only I got to see you in the wagon, thinking at times maybe you were just a deranged R32 owner who claimed he had a Scoob just to be part of the club...

It's exciting to here about the start of something new, at least you are going to have the caged shell in your life you have often been talking about!

Good luck with the project, hope to see plenty of updates and pics as things progress. Just how much of this new car is a blank canvas, what are your initial plans and ideas going forward?

Sad to hear the R32 is going but if this is a new track weapon then so be it, at least you know where to focus all you attention and the money.

[555_Si]

Yeah, the R32 has a special place in my heart, but i don't know why, it doesn't seem to fit in any partically box for a car i need. I now need the space for the track car in the garage and i can't bring myself to keep the golf outside. so i guess decision is made.

Also the reason the wagon was offroad for so long is i find it hard to juggle all the cars i have and the time needed spending on them, so downsizing to just 3 cars in total....lol. currently got 7 i think.

[Bytes]

I wasn't able to make the track day but I have been following your progress on the forum and am glad you have things sorted and you're both OK. Good luck with the exciting new project

[555_Si]

OK, so to wet the appetite for those that are interested. The car has been a project for several owners over on Surrey Scoobies, so below are the links.

This car has been off the road I believe for about 10 years and the project going for about 5 or 6, hopefully I plan to have this back up and running by the end of the year. I am determined to get this car on the road again. Some of you may know, that when i finally get motivated, i don't hang around.

Nick (Bomag) - original instigator - http://www.surreyscoobies.co.uk/foru...ht=project+555

Then onto Tom, visually the game changer - http://www.surreyscoobies.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=42530

The car then went to James (Anger), and at this point I am not sure what was done in the last 9 months or so, maybe he can fill us in?

[Rdlangy1]

Can't wait to see the results Si

[Banstead Stig]

Glad you're sticking with it and particularly pleased to see this shell is going to be used and hopefully finished.

It was a shame Tom never got to finish it, given how far he got it and, as you say, how good he has the shell looking.

Best of luck with it.

I'm sure CJ will be able to offer plenty of tips on reshelling a bug into a classic!

[Mortster]

Swing by mine if its on the way back, you can raid my spare parts shed.

[scotty]

Nice one si looking forward to this thread was reading all about it on Surrey scoobies if you are needing trim clips I'm you're man lol .

[555_Si]

cheers everyone, Morster, i think CJ and I might pop up your place tomorrow if you are about, i hope it's a big parts bin.

[Hongkongfooi]

good luck

[Ginola]

This is a brilliant plan Si I am really looking forward to seeing this project progress, and lending a hand too will be upto see you soon

[Scooby_Greg]

Good luck with the project Si - some things just seem that they're meant to be. I look forward to seeing progress and the finished article. Although they're never really finished from my experience - there's always something else, which is part of the fun

[555_Si]

Thanks everyone, not much done yet, but didn't have much time yesterday. Bucket seat in and tested, though will need to come out again as work commences, and different set of wheels on, as I juggle parts around.

At moment I am planning the running gear swap, hopefully should have that in over the bank holiday, weather permitting.

There are a few things on the car I am looking at changing slightly. Rear arches haven't been cut out enough, so in with the cutter and welder. To also keep things simple for now, I'm going to loose the "ground effects" on the back and just put a normal bumper on.

Some new rear lights to be sources (Jdm sti) , also looking at getting rollcage changed slightly so that we have front suspension turret pick up points, this will give front end more strength.
Then to figure out how to fix the newage dash in with electrics etc. I have a Newage spec c rack to go in, so probably put newage column in.

Trying to decide loom wise what to do. Cheapist would be to use wagon loom. But am thinking of making custom loom and ditching ecu for a syvecs, this allows things to be a lot simpler moving forwards.

While slightly daunted at size of project, I am really looking forward to get the mechanical parts over and moving on to the interior parts.

[Rdlangy1]

Well from all that I reckon I could have bought the shell......................and that's about the limit of my skills!!!! Ha ha ha

Looks like u have a lot to do but sure you and Jo will get stuck in and it will be interesting to keep an eye on this post

Best of luck mate...

[555_Si]

Some pics from yesterday:


So off to its new home, the car went as fast as it is probably going to for a few months, on the back of the trailer.

[IMG][/IMG]


Then after my few bits done yesterday.

[IMG][/IMG]

[C. J.]

Lol won't be long then ��

[Rdlangy1]

Looking good

[NL03Scooby]

Looks exciting, and totally mad! Should be one hell of a project. You have plenty of time to get it ready for Germany... 😉

[Banstead Stig]

Nice of James to colour coordinate for the occasion.

Did Math have his wagon there? It's a kindred spirit with the look of your new acquisition!

[Steve_PPP]

Looking good mate, lots to do but plenty of time and sure you'll get there

[C. J.]

[555_Si]

Well not much to update today, more a planning day for me. Thanks. To CJ and Morster though for hooking me up with some parts. Got another rear bumper to put on. And door lock catch as one door is missing it, I thought I had internal handle as well, but when I got home discovered I hadn't, doh. Also some trim for door area.

Thanks guys.

[Hongkongfooi]

if you need an extra pair of hands one day Si let me know.

[Ginola]

Originally Posted by Hongkongfooi

if you need an extra pair of hands one day Si let me know.

+1

[Anger]

Will get the spare doors and side repeaters down as fast as I can Simon

[555_Si]

Cheers James, no rush.

[Scott.T]

Great news Si and looking good.
But please tell me your going to make those arches look part of the car instead of bolt on's (just my opinion on em')

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Wagon_Si

Well not much to update today, more a planning day for me. Thanks. To CJ and Morster though for hooking me up with some parts. Got another rear bumper to put on. And door lock catch as one door is missing it, I thought I had internal handle as well, but when I got home discovered I hadn't, doh. Also some trim for door area.

Thanks guys.

What side you need Si as I've got spare door trim for pre face lift and also a spare set of crystal side indicators too .

[Rdlangy1]

Im useless when it comes to mechanicals - but am always willing to come down and give a hand mopping and polishing once you get to that stage e.t.c.

[555_Si]

Silversurfer - I know what you mean and I do need to do some work on them, I probably won't blend them in though as this a track not a polish and show, so priorities are slightly different.

Scotty - I may get back to you on that, I need to take an inventory of what I do and don't have. Not being familiar with classics, these maybe a little trickier.

Rdlangy1 - those skills would be most welcome at some point.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Wagon_Si

Silversurfer - I know what you mean and I do need to do some work on them, I probably won't blend them in though as this a track not a polish and show, so priorities are slightly different.

Scotty - I may get back to you on that, I need to take an inventory of what I do and don't have. Not being familiar with classics, these maybe a little trickier.

Rdlangy1 - those skills would be most welcome at some point.

No worries si I will put some pics up of what I have got as won't be needing them once my bits come back .

[NL03Scooby]

Again Si, another +1 for any help you might need in the future from me. Got my weekends back proper now my football season has finished.

[scotty]

Si these are the parts I have got spare which I don't need so you are more than welcome to have them the bits on the doors are fitted to my type r at the moment until my bits come back and I only have a drivers inner door handle spare at the moment .
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[555_Si]

Cheers Scotty, I actually need the rubber trim that I guess goes on,inside and outside where the glass goes between, I think I know where to get some of it. Also a drivers inside door handle and connecting rods.

Inside door panels are going to be carbon fibre.

More planning today (as at work), going for custom loom and road legal race digital dash. CJ has a very economical one that seems to tick all the boxes, but I can't help keep looking at the SPA dashes, some dashes are about £2500, so the wallet is helping my decisions.
Need to call Nickson Motorsport to discuss possible mods to roll cage.

Meanwhile found a spare few minutes last night to try up gutter trim and door surround rubbers, I need to find a supplier of the clips that hold these on unless I can rescue some from the bug donor car.

Next thing on my mind is will a sti. 5 or 6 rear spoiler painted orange look ok on this, I want to have the option to swap boot lids depending if using on track or road. I am keen to use orange as an external highlighting colour to make the car more visible , especially on track, as quite often track cars have very poor visibility to start with.

[Rdlangy1]

loving the idea of the orange highlighting the black - it certainly will stand out and be easily seen

[scotty]

Cool si the picture of the lock is the drivers side complete with all the connecting rods that you need and a drivers door handle to match .

[Red Baron]

Are the rods the same length on the 2 and 4 doors, I know the doors are a lot longer on the 2 door, guess if the door handle is located the same distance from the edge of the door they will be ok. As for clips, I noticed my Jayar car parts had a rack on the counter of all different types of trim clips, not sure if they do the ones for holding the rubbers on though.

Shout if I can be of help at all Si, usually free friday afternoons and can drop in on the way back from work.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

Are the rods the same length on the 2 and 4 doors, I know the doors are a lot longer on the 2 door, guess if the door handle is located the same distance from the edge of the door they will be ok. As for clips, I noticed my Jayar car parts had a rack on the counter of all different types of trim clips, not sure if they do the ones for holding the rubbers on though.

Shout if I can be of help at all Si, usually free friday afternoons and can drop in on the way back from work.

Shane that is an interesting one about the rods might be different lengths but we can find out if someone measures the one on the four door .

[C. J.]

I'll pick the bits up that are needed today as over aldershot way

[555_Si]

Cheers CJ.

[tbtstt]

Didn't know about the Goodwood incident, unlucky.

However I've seen this car passing between owners on Surrey over the years and hoped it would one day get finished, so every cloud and all that! Will be following the build thread with interest.

[555_Si]

Next time jo is auditing you I'll get her to bring it lol.

[Stacey]

Looks like you are doing a fantastic job with your car!!, Good luck to the end!! x

[555_Si]

Well the hard work begins today.

My old wagon has been stripped of most interior parts so far, just dash and loom to come out. But today is the mechanical swap, engine, gearbox etc over to the 555.

Thanks to CJ for lending me hoist etc, I do have one but not as easy to get hold of today, also my newly acquired Jeep has been lending a hand transporting stuff and also useful as temporary shed for parts while stripping. Ough I need to put a new radiator in it sometime today as well, going to be a busy one!

[Steve_PPP]

Hope it stays dry for the weekend mate. Shout if you want a hand for a few hours at some point

[Banstead Stig]

Best of luck with it.

Look forward to seeing the progress.

[NL03Scooby]

Hope you find a few minutes during this mad build to take some progress pics!

[riiidaa]

Deffo time for a username change Si

Jap_Si would be a giggle

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by riiidaa

Deffo time for a username change Si

Jap_Si would be a giggle

Nicely done.

[555_Si]

Originally Posted by Banstead Stig

Nicely done.

Erm NO!

555-Si is probably going to be requested shortly, erm mods?

[Steve_PPP]

Jap_Si

Can change it to anything you like mate.

[555_Si]

Can you change it to 555-Si please Steve, Jo is going to keep the wagon name alive.

[555_Si]

Well 2 days of grafting by myself and Jo, things were behind schedule, woke up this morning feeling particularly rough, but the show must go on. Things were going slow, but CJ to the rescue. I am sure he only popped round for a quick nosey, or maybe a quick help, but thankfully he pretty well, with a little help from Jo and I, swapped engine, gearbox , front end mechanicals over.

A big thank you to Chris, and his wife who has had to spend most of today without him. You are a star.

The results:

[Gixer]

Looks awesome, good work!

[C. J.]

Enjoyed it ,anytime you want some help I'm more than happy to help 👍

[Rdlangy1]

Looks awesome bud - good u got helpful members to assist

[Steve_PPP]

Nice one Chris

Another step forward Si

[555_Si]

Well another day, felt even worst than yesterday, but Steve_PPP to the rescue then a hile later CJ, along with my long suffering Wagon_Jo, we finally got the wagon stripped and bits ready to put in the Bitzer.

I certainly under estimate the time involved, but due to the fantastic people on this forum we have pulled through.

So whats next?.......... I'm having a rest, just a bit of tinkering now and again for the next few weeks. I havent had a quiet relaxing weekend for a while and the house is looking a bit neglected.

Thanks chaps, a curry is on me soon.

[Banstead Stig]

Excellent stuff.

Just let me know when you get to the "making a cuppa and taking the piss" part of the project, as that's where I can really add value. Until then, useless!

[555_Si]

No worries mate, glad you avoided today as my sense of humour was on holiday, you're welcome over anytime though, even just for a cuppa and a piss take.

[Ginola]

Sorry I didn't make it up but if you had no sense of humour today I would have probably made matters worse! :P Glad your cracking on with it though dude nice name change btw

[Steve_PPP]

No worries mate, always happy to help out. Plus I learned a bit more about how to take scoobs apart!

[555_Si]

No progress today, now at home with fever and feeling damn knackered. Really wanted to go to work and earn some much needed project funds, though I have been deciding about looks on the car. Against Jo's opinion, I am not loving the Morretes and prefer a crystal facelift headlamp with matching side lights, opinions please. I will keep Morretes for if I decide to change back.

CJ suggested. Flipping the intercooler so outlets at top and also sides would follow contours of bumper, so may try this for size over next few days. Along with reversing inlet manifold as I am very limited on intercooler pipe routing space due to tubbed arches.
Need to get newage steering column in, getting car in and out of garage is getting challenging, as if the extra weight hadn't caused enough issues.

[C. J.]

Has the wagon gone?

[C. J.]

This was dans when I did the flip lol😄

[555_Si]

Originally Posted by C. J.

Has the wagon gone?

Not yet.

[Rdlangy1]

Gotta say I like the morrettes - especially in black as I think it keeps with the theme... But each to their own

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

No worries mate, always happy to help out. Plus I learned a bit more about how to take scoobs apart!

Taking them apart is easy... it's putting them back together that would cause me the issue!

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by riiidaa

Deffo time for a username change Si

Jap_Si would be a giggle

Originally Posted by 555_Si

Erm NO!

555-Si is probably going to be requested shortly, erm mods?

Was watching Peter Kay the other evening, this made me laugh Been on any dating sites Si?

http://www.youtube.com/dbilHaLaYvs?t=19m57s

[555_Si]

Luckily I can't see the link.

[Rdlangy1]

Pmsl

[Steve_PPP]

Bah, it was working earlier, now gives me a 404.

Try https://youtu.be/dbilHaLaYvs?t=19m58s

[555_Si]

Lol very funny.

[555_Si]

Well car funds at all time low at the moment so not much going on, though a sale of some parts has allowed me to purchase some new crystal headlamps and sidelights, so pics once fitted will be up once they arrive.

[scotty]

Only if you went black crystal Si I could have sent my spare side lights to you .

[555_Si]

already got blackish crystals in there, trying to get rid of the black and brighten it up. I promised myself i woul dget some new lights. next up is some jdm sti rear lights.

Also ex Gobstober 5/6 point harnesses turned up today, thanks KrissyB, so feel I am making progress, slowly.

[C. J.]

Much prefer crystal lights to dark crystal 👍
Slowly getting there , as you say no rush ............,till the week before the ring 😂😂😂😂

[555_Si]

i have something else planned for the Ring, clio 172/182 cup car, also for Jo to have a go at Track days.

[555_Si]

Well now completed side and front light transformation, haven't done indicators in bumper yet as the bumper is still on probationary time, not sure if I feel the love for it yet, but do like the idea that it is probably a lot lighter than standard bumper.

From the photo below, a few keen eyes may have spotted that a while back a silver boot and P1 spoiler got fitted, i have also now trial fitted some standard side skirts which i like, so will get them rubbed down and trial painted for my potential colour idea. Door trim/seals are now being sourced and trial fitted so I can then get onto my next part of Lexan side windows ordering and installing.

Newage steering column is in, but along with engine and some other bits going to come back out and car hopefully shipped back to Nickson motorsport for some mods to the cage that they originally built, basically a dash bar and front turret ties, along with maybe a couple of other bits.

I now decided to probably install a newage dash as i decided i can live with the extra weight for the benfit of looking a bit nicer to my eyes and also slightly more useful.

Car won't get any paint on other parts until I finally decide if I am keeping black or going for another colour.

Main project parts for me to sort out next is get rear subframes, diff etc swapped over after getting probably my newage stuff powder coated, then rear bumper replaced with standard item as currently has "ground effects". Also I would like to get some wheels on there, I have sort of chosen what I want, though driven mainly by sizes and offsets.

Anyway car is starting to look like a Scoob again.

[Hongkongfooi]

Looking good. Keep the orange /black theme it looks great

[Rdlangy1]

def agree with keeping the black and orange theme - gonna be a beast!

[Bytes]

[555_Si]

ok, i'll keep the black and orange theme. I am thinking maybe do inside orange as mainly black at moment and looks very dark. Then black on outside with orange wheels, intercooler, maybe grill mesh.

maybe then do rear p1 spoiler orange with black bottled and not sure but orange side skirts?

not sure if it will work or not, definitely a race car only colour scheme.

[Ginola]

I like the orange and black too, the crystal lights do look better than the morette thingys

[C. J.]

Not a fan of black and orange but you already know that 😁
Main thing is everything you do on the project is what you want and not what others want 👍

[555_Si]

Just consider it a bad taste version of your Chris lol.

[C. J.]

Black with a bit of white would look better 😜

[555_Si]

oh Chris, stop it, you know I am having trouble deciding. White would be easier than the orange. Tell you what, just sell me your car.

[C. J.]

White inside works really well 😁

[MSR2012]

Not a fan of the Orange/Black.

Cage looks ok, just the inter cooler looks a bit chav imo!

Headlights big improvement!

[555_Si]

cheers Matt, OK i have decided i might just do a negative of CJ's be easier lol. I'll loose the orange.

[C. J.]

Only loose the orange if it's what you want to do 👍

[scotty]

I bet you have sold the morrettes Si .

[C. J.]

Couple of pics of a black v5 that may give you some ideas

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by C. J.

Black with a bit of white would look better 😜

Originally Posted by 555_Si

cheers Matt, OK i have decided i might just do a negative of CJ's be easier lol. I'll loose the orange.

Bloody panda brothers!

I like the black and orange, as I think black with a striking colour works well. Bright green, pink, red or blue would also look good.

[Ginola]

Would like to see some under bonnet shots from the one you posted there cj I like the custom hood scoop too

[C. J.]

Why Dave , wouldn't look as good as mine 😜