2004 WRX - Shoopster's build (or rather, repair) thread by Shoopster

3 minute(s) of a 237 minute read

6-23-2013

Plasti-dip on the license plate delete took a bit of a beating, it seems. Gravel and/or high velocity bug splatter, I guess.

Tore off the Dip and the delete's as good as new, so I'm re-dipping it tonight.

The corners inside the lettering - the X in particular - were a PITA to remove completely; FYI green tape (or blue) does it.

6-25-2013

Side-skirts update:

Turtle Wax Trim Restorer for exterior plastics and rubber.

Left/before - Right/After

Believe it or not, the "before" was clean

Doesn't look new, but still looks better than before

7-1-2013

Home from a spontaneous road trip (!) to Burlington.

Picked up an '05 stock catback for $50! Twin tips, yes!  

Here's a pic from the for-sale ad, in decent shape. 

My current setup came with the car. I don't know what this no-name job is, but it's fugly and I can't wait to get rid of it. I don't mind the sound, but the cap rattles and I can hear that, and it's too loud without the cap.

Why stock? Because cheap and tuneless.

Budget is presently dedicated to getting the roof repainted next week, to get rid of some rust that's started above the windshield and around the sunroof, and an overall touch-up/buff for the rest. After that, gotta save up for the winter wheel setup.

Heater's busted, that'll be next. 

Then the catback, 

then the turbo improvements (wastegate actuator, blanket, heatshield).