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Tweedbean

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Posts posted by Tweedbean

  1. Posted · Report reply

    9 hours ago, Samwise said:

     

    Way ahead of you there Martin 😁 I've laready got myself a set of quickjacks exactly the same as what you pictured. I'm itching to get them set up and the car up in the air on them! Hopefully next weekend I can do just that. new wheels on, new brakes on, the lot!

    Interested to hear which one you went with and how you get on?  I have been looking at a set of these for a while but never pulled the trigger on a set. 

  2. Posted · Report reply

    This week I fitted Vland V2 tail lights to my Subaru BRZ. They are 2017 facelift style lights with the added bonus of sequential indicators. It was super easy and I made a how to video. The before and after difference is amazing, it really refreshes that back end.  This is the updated video including torque settings for the bolts and ensuring you do a leak test once fitted.  

    Tools required:

    8mm socket and wrench

    Small flatheaded screwdriver

     

     

    https://www.instagram.com/tweedbean

    www.youtube.com/tweedbean

    49642841233_f53d7965ac_c.jpgFacelift Style Sequential Lights Vland by James Baker, on Flickr

     

    49649501012_1567326d0b_c.jpgDebadged rear end by James Baker, on Flickr

     

    49648680243_66d18c4dd2_c.jpgWhat a difference by James Baker, on Flickr

    GT86-Ian reacted to this

  3. Posted · Report reply

    2 hours ago, BRZ-123 said:

    Superb stuff. I take that this car is going to be a keeper, if you are going to spend this much time and attention to it emoji3.png good luck and I will be watching from the sidelines.

    Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
     

    Thanks , yes this will be a keeper.  To be very open about this build, as it helps others who want to do a similar thing, my aim is to have a road legal working BRZ with a facelift front end for a budget of £7000 all in including the purchase of the car.  The car itself was £4200 and an additional £160 to get it transported to me.  Currently I have zero labour costs as 75% of the work I can do myself, the only labour I will incur is the cost of welding the slam panel in and a check that the front end is straight.  I have about 95% of the parts I need already on order or purchased used.  I know there are going to be bits missing when I start to rebuild it but theres space remaining in the budget for that.  

    This will then give me a cheap stock car to then go onto modify in the future.   The cheapest BRZ on ebay/autotrader is £12,995 so for me its a much cheaper way (and more fun for me) of getting into a BRZ and I certainly wouldn't get near a facelift for that money.   

    The only thing this does not take into account is paint, I could have waited and got second hand parts in the same colour as the car and within the budget, therefore I wouldn't incur any paint costs however my plan has always been to go for a none factory colour therefore is a separate cost.  Even with the total paint costs and a number of mods I have already purchased out of the 7k budget, such as lip kit, rear lights, headunit etc I will be no-where near £12,995 cheapest BRZ. 

    BRZ-123 reacted to this

  4. Posted · Report reply

    1 minute ago, BRZ-123 said:

    Good luck James. Following your thread carefully. Some initial thoughts- Vland tail lights are great, I have them but am not so sure of the Head. American cousins advise that the light quality and brightness is insufficient for road use. Have a rethink about them.

    Toyota parts are cheaper due to higher volumes and they import straight from Subaru Japan to Toyota UK while Subaru import from Japan to Subaru Netherlands and then to International Motors UK, the Subaru Franchise here. Margins and transport costs add up.

    Where do you plan to get a respray and how much does it generally cost?

    Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
     

    Ive seen the Vland headlights in action and seemed good to me, but I will do a full and honest review on them.  I know theres plenty of bulb options for them to which could help brightness.  Worst case if they are pants then I can swap for some stock ones later on.  

    Bodyshop wise, I use a place close to me called Autoworx, they have painted two cars for me now.   My R53 which was a full respray colour change from blue to Porsche RS Green, I still own this car:

    Before:

    24525691690_23b413921e_c.jpgClean by James Baker, on Flickr

    After:

    48086354988_979d63c986_c.jpgJUNE 2019 R53 by James Baker, on Flickr

    48086356273_9c363ec88f_c.jpgJUNE 2019 R53 by James Baker, on Flickr

    And my Mini Clubman, which I have now sold on.  They resprayed the entire car this time no colour change it remained chilli red but I got rid of the ugly silver contrast roof etc.  The bodywork was awful to start with, plenty of rust spots, dings etc they repaired the lot:

    Before:

    43082625154_94a1667897_c.jpgAnother project by James Baker, on Flickr

    43799192941_f184e5ff03_c.jpgAnother project by James Baker, on Flickr

    After:

    33836008898_d7288decb3_c.jpgCLUBBY by James Baker, on Flickr

    47660203352_d10178dc0f_c.jpgCLUBBY by James Baker, on Flickr

    46797018805_8d5451cbc8_c.jpgCLUBBY by James Baker, on Flickr

    Price wise it all depends on so many factors including the colour you pick, colour change vs keeping the same colour, size of car, amount of separate parts etc

     

  5. Posted · Report reply

    Day 2:

    Time to get ordering parts, so far:

    Front Bumper

    Im going for a facelift front end so I will be ordering the bumper and all associated parts from Subaru including the facelight light trim etc

    The one part I left out this order will be the main grill/moustache, from what I understand the UK part come with two big holes to bolt a front plate on.   As someone who runs removable plate brackets on all my cars, I have ordered a US spec part from ebay International. 

    s-l1600.jpg

    Headlights

    Having been impressed with the Vland rear lights and recommendations from another member I have purchased the Vland headlights.  There are two reasons why I have gone aftermarket, firstly they have black housings, saving me joey modding a set of lights.  The second reason is down to price, headlights are between £575-£700 each plus VAT and finding a decent pair of used BRZ headlights is very rare(Dont want to fit GT86 lights).  I purchased my Vland headlights through their ebay store (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264414046349)  They are listed at £419 delivered however I had an offer of £380 delivered accepted.  

    s-l1600.jpg

    Radiator Assembly

    Next up the radiator(£295+VAT)/fan(£232+VAT)/ac condenser(£280+VAT) assembly was destroy in the crash.  New these were over £800 plus VAT, this doesnt include all the little brackets etc.  Matt Baker over at MB Developments helped me out here.  They are a Subaru specialist who are building a BRZ based track car, their build looks epic.  They had no need for the stock parts and I managed to get all the above for £80 collected which is a super bargain and I really appreciate it.  As a bonus is the entire assembly with motors, brackets, filler, pipes etc  I was very lucky with this:

    49642841188_afb32eb76e_c.jpgRadiator, fan assembly and a/c condenser by James Baker, on Flickr

    Bonnet and Crash Beam

    Next up we have the main body panels so a bonnet new from Toyota is around £390 plus VAT, I managed to pick up a used one for £150 from SJ Autosport in Birmingham who are breaking a BRZ.  I also picked up the crash for £50 from the same place, instead of £147.97 plus VAT from Subaru.  The foam part is £25.49 plus VAT but I can reuse my old one which survived.  

    49644670878_a08b8bcb07_c.jpgBonnet, wing and crash beam by James Baker, on Flickr

    Front Wings

    I also need both front wings, not many decent used examples about so I am going new on these, the one in the photo above is damaged so decided against using that.  From Toyota the wings are £109 +VAT new compared to £151+VAT from Subaru so I will be getting them from Toyota.  I also need the brackets that sit under the wing to hold it in place, again these are cheaper at Toyota at £19.71+VAT new compared to £20.87 from Subaru.  Again going new with the brackets as they are easily bent.

  8. Posted · Report reply

    First two mods already done I fitted Vland V2 tail lights to my Subaru BRZ.  They are 2017 facelift style lights with the added bonus of sequential indicators.  It was super easy plug and play.  The before and after difference is amazing, it really refreshes that back end:

    Here is a how to video I made for installing them:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_oGWm4Y2Y0

    49642841233_f53d7965ac_c.jpgFacelift Style Sequential Lights Vland by James Baker, on Flickr

    49648680243_66d18c4dd2_c.jpgWhat a difference by James Baker, on Flickr

    I decided I wanted to also debadge the rear end of all chrome lettering.  Much cleaner, below is a link to a how to video on removing the chrome lettering:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YO00wD4HgU

    49649501012_1567326d0b_c.jpgDebadged rear end by James Baker, on Flickr

    I then set about stripping the front end removing the damaged metal such as wings, bonnet and parts of the slam panel.  Basically anything damaged that wasnt welded in has now been removed.  This is how I left it at the end of day 1:

    49649486287_0626cf7685_c.jpgEnd of day 1 by James Baker, on Flickr

    Next steps are to call Subaru and Toyota tomorrow to order up all the parts needs for the front bumper as well as two wings, wing brackets and slam panel.  I will share the part lists and prices as and when I get them for anyone thinking of doing the same.  Most parts are cheaper from Toyota I have found, however the bumper is a Subaru only item so I need to go to them for that.  Its crazy how many individual parts there are on the bumper alone.

    There are plenty more how to video coming up as I modify my BRZ, for additional updates please follow my youtube channel and instagram page:

    https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=tweedbean

    https://www.instagram.com/tweedbean

    Addymk2 reacted to this

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Well this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to these cars having owned two of its sister car the Toyota GT86.  This purchase was a little unexpected and happened very quickly but I cant wait to get stuck into it as its definitely a project.  

    So I've had a search saved in ebay for years now looking at salvaged BRZ's, however it always seems to be GT86 that come up cheap as the BRZ holds its value better due to there being fewer of them.   Nothing significant has come of it until early last week when a 2013 Subaru BRZ with 41k on the clock popped up.  It ticked all the boxes with heated half leathers, back 3/4's spotless, engine running, theres just the small matter of half the front end missing.  It came up cheap so a quick conversation later to Turbo Monkeys in Burton who were selling it and I headed up there last Wednesday to see it.  It was as described so I left a deposit and arranged a tow truck to collect it.  It arrived today and I couldn't be happier.  And before anyone asks the other cars I have aren't going anywhere this is a +1 project. 

    Spec wise its stock, pearl white, manual, heated half leathers, CD player etc.  It is a Cat S, I've seen why and will get it all checked out before it goes back on the road.  

    So what are my plans, firstly acquire all the parts to rebuild it, I have a rad pack ready to go on which means its easier to move around.  I've never attempted such a project before, I normally start with at least a complete car, so this will be challenge and I am expecting bumps along the way.  Once I have all the parts I will fit as much as I can before it heads over to a specialist to ensure its all straight and lines up before everything is bolted down.

    Not sure where I am going with the car right now as theres so many options, but one thing I do know is it needs a facelift as those tail lights are really dated.  So already have a list of parts to fit the 2017 facelift BRZ front end and I have 2017 style rear lights to be fitted later today.  I do know It will be getting a full respray as I've not seen many bodyshops match the pearl paint to a standard I would be happy with, a colour change to something none Toyota/Subaru for sure.  It also will be remaining stock body, no wide body kits here.  

    I also have a HT Auto lip kit ready to go and a Top Sage rear diffuser lip to keep me ticking over while working on the boring stuff up front.  I'm tempted to take the approach of building what Subaru would have done if they had built a proper BRZ STI.   

    Time for some photos:

    49647969237_8d470cb90c_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

    The boot was full of parts clearly picked up off the road following the accident:

    49647685821_6fb471b5c2_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

    The front end, not so tidy:

    49647203388_c229c0b2da_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

    And a better look of the front end damage:

    49647969472_5ca74d01e5_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

     

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  16. Posted · Report reply

    Hi all, I am after the bonnet and front wings from a Gt86/BRZ.  Preferably white pearl but open to other colours if the price is right as I will then need to get them painted.  Please let me know if you have any or know of someone that does.

    After various other bits from the front end such as fan assembly/radiator/AC condenser/BRZ Headlights/BRZ facelift bumper

    Thanks in advance 

  17. Posted · Report reply

    Posting up to say hello again, I was previously a member a few years a go with two GT86's, one of which I think is still on the forum with its new owner Gudzy.  I am still very much into my new Mini's and have two at the moment however I am in process of purchasing a third project car, this time a 2013 Subaru BRZ.  It has been in a front end smash so I will be repairing as much of it myself before passing it to a friend who can ensure everything is straight and fully lined up on specialist jigs etc.  Once the car is in my possession I will be posting up a project thread and covering the build on my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/tweedbean  

    If anyone is aware of anyone breaking a GT86/BRZ or may have items like bumper bars, wings, bonnet, fan assembly, a/c condenser etc please give me a shout.  Going to source a facelift front end for it and get it running before I start on aftermarket mods etc.  

    Details are limited on the BRZ right now, its a 2013, pearl white SE Lux manual.  I've been and seen it, deposit placed, with it being delivered to me next Wednesday.

    Here are my previous two GT86's:

    49625525398_d0b4269faa_c.jpgPrevious GT86 1 by James Baker, on Flickr

    49625525328_863baab2f4_c.jpgPrevious GT86 2 by James Baker, on Flickr

    And my current Mini's:

    48086354988_979d63c986_c.jpgJUNE 2019 R53 by James Baker, on Flickr

    49058612096_92faff9d0d_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr  I have OZ Ultraleggera's in matt bronze to fit to this which have just arrived as well as plenty of other little tweaks.  

     

  19. Posted · Report reply

    For Sale GT86/BRZ outdoor cover - custom made.  Its very high quality.  From that I understand this was over £150 new, I am after £60 collected from CV7 due to size and weight.  Discovered a couple of tears and mark from storage, tear is at the bottom of the cover under the front license plate so shouldn't affect usage, these have been repaired with stitching as seen in photos. 

     
    31544737406_2f37bdd136_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
    31544746826_262d56a471_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
    30772638553_ef49c662c9_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
    Cut out for aerial:
    31466505111_68a2cef445_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
    31466499731_cb4931e2bc_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
    31466504561_35c85316c4_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
     
    Lining:
    31210162370_1b6764f4d9_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr
     
    32854678132_ee4ed44fbf_o.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

  22. Posted · Report reply

    For sale are a pair of Recaro Sportster seats from a Corsa VXR.  

    These are half leather seats and would be a great addition to any interior if you are looking to add sporty seats.  They normally sell for £800+ however I am looking for £500 collected from CV7.

    The reason they are priced cheaper is due to the drivers seat requiring the seat cover to be re-attached, you can see by the rear photo where its unattached.  I had purchased these with the intention to send them to be retrimmed however I have ended up with a pair of Recaro Sportster CS instead.  I have been told by a couple of trimmers in the midlands that most trimmers could re-attach the cover.  These are provided with the standard Corsa rails so fabrication may be required to fit in a GT86/BRZ.  

    See pictures below and grad yourself a bargain, especially as the Mini JCW/Clio 197 version go for £1600+:

    32206299445_a892f14967_o.jpgRecaro Seats For Sale by James Baker, on Flickr

    31395999403_dd3b71a591_o.jpgRecaro Seats For Sale by James Baker, on Flickr

    32087863191_476176af7d_o.jpgRecaro Seats For Sale by James Baker, on Flickr

  23. Posted · Report reply

    For sale is my 2012 Toyota GT86 with only 15k on the clock.

    This car is lightly modified and has been professionally setup by Wallace Performance for handling, using a number of fully adjustable suspension parts listed below.  Full receipts included.

    The car has been cherished from new and some of you will have seen the car on the forum based on posts from the original owner.  She spared no expense and it has always been washed with snow foam and then the two bucket method.  Always stored in a garage and well presented.
     
    I purchased this car a couple of months ago with the intention of starting a project however due to a change in personal circumstances I have decided to sell the car on.  I have put zero miles on it other than driving it home from Scotland when I purchased it and it's then been stored in my garage under cover, on a trickle charger to ensure the battery life is maintained.  The interior is in near perfect condition and is great place to be.  
     
    It has a full service history by specialists as the original female owner wasn't a fan of the service at her local Toyota dealership so used well known independent garages:
     
    13/07/2013 Wallace Performance Mileage 5234
    07/09/2014 RA Motorsport Mileage 9799
    13/11/2015 Fensport Mileage 12590

    Now down to price, with the modifications taken into account I am pricing it competitively with a quick sale in mind at £12,500.  


    At the time of list there were only two GT86's on auto trader cheaper than that, but they have atleast double the mileage this car has.  
     
    Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.  

    Located in Balsall Common CV7.
     
    Below is the spec and latest pictures:

    Factory spec
    * 2012 Toyota GT86
    * Orange
    * Manual gearbox
    * Only 15,000 miles
    * Heated alcantara and leather seats
    * Full service history
    * Only ran on shell v-power
    * Female owner from new, until I purchased it in November
    * 10 months MOT

    Handling
    * Wave rear camber arms
    * Wave rear toe control arms
    * Litchfield lowering springs
    * Litchfield rear anti roll bar
    * Litchfield front anti roll bar
    * Professional handling setup, receipt included

    Braking
    * Stoptech discs
    * Carbotech XP8 pads
    * Motul 600 brake fluid

    Other
    * Cc'd shark fin aerial
    * Carbon Steering Wheel inserts
    * 3M Carbon wrapped rear boot handle trim

     

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