Introducing: Subaru BRAT WRX STi!

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Subaru WRX STi Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain vehicle, AKA Subaru BRAT. Subaru’s first cute-ute from the ‘70’s.

Kits used:
AMT Subaru BRAT
Revell Suburu WRX
Fujimi Subaru WRX STi

My desire in the beginning was to use the new Revell engine/drivetrain in the BRAT kit. However none of the modern Subaru or aftermarket wheels would fit the model with it’s dinky wheel openings. I needed to flare the fenders to accommodate the new wheels so they wouldn’t stick out and look so huge on the model. I then looked at my crappy Fujimi STi and realized it did have a purpose in life, that would be to donate it’s fenders and wheels and emblems to the cause.

I carefully lined the bodies up, measured, and hacked away. In no time I had grafted the STi fenders to the BRAT body. I had some issues w/bodywork when the body flexed, worked out over time and helped w/the addition of epoxy putty under the fenders to prevent flex…it’s almost as stiff as a diecast now.








Most underhood items from the Revell WRX, suspension/chassis/driveshaft and rear differential is from AMT, interior is AMT bucket/dash combined w/Fujimi steering column/wheel and Revell seats and console.

I struck out finding Tamiya Mica Blue the other day @ the LHS, so I bought metallic blue and it looks close enough to WRC blue. I did use a very thin mid-coat of transparent blue because some of the metallic chips were too close to the surface. Wheels were repainted in Alclad pale burnt metal, I wanted them gold but toned down slightly. I drilled out the chrome headlights and used some craft store lenses that are similar to MV’s. Time to build: about 1 month. I still need to tweak a few items like wheel positions and the turbo inlet to air cleaner before taking it to the NNL East next weekend. If I wasn't so lazy and fumble-fingered I'd wire and plumb the engine compartment, but that ain't gonna happen

[stryfe101]

that is very cool! I like it...gives me an idea for a p/t brat..lol

nice..

Gray

[DasWiesel]

Very nice work! I could never do this. Destroying a whole car body would hurt me too much.

[KTem]

Cool! The original car rocked already, but this is even better. Excellent job blending those two cars together.

[Jmich]

Wow... great job!

[freakray]

Bob, I gotta see that in person, it's just awesome!!

[freakmech]

Awesome job! I look forward to seeing at NNL next weekend!

[GTI1800]

wwwwwhhhoooo... That4s A Great Transformation......made By Zoomzoom Mx-5........great Works

Laurent/gti1800

[blubaja]

*Another kit I'll have to steal from you....sheesh...But WOW Bob!!!!! That is simply amazing!!!!!! Will and I have thought about doing this...not involving the destruction of a Brat kit tho. Hehe...I do have that extra Brat tho....hmmmmm...Keep up the GREAT friggin Suby work Bob!!!!!

[Cobra Colors]

Very innovative and skillful kitbash. Nothing about it looks contrived. Excellent!

[GTI1800]

wwwwwhhhoooo... That4s A Great Transformation......made By Zoomzoom Mx-5........great Works

Laurent/gti1800

[675datsun]

This is genius!
I wish I could blend in fender-work like that...It looks so "right"

I like it better than that current montrosity Subaru calls a "baja"....you're "brat" is what they should have made!

Very cool I'm gonna show this to my Suby buddies at work tomorrow!



I

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Thanks for the comments, I knew the Subie contingent especially would love it I'm thinking about building my Scooby Doo figure and sitting him in back for the trip to NJ I also need to do a custom tag for it.

I can't believe it's the only Subie I've built so far, they really are some of my favorite cars. I kept this one a secret until it was done, the only person who knew I was working on this was one of my best/oldest friends who recently bought an '06 STI and has let me drive it a couple times. I can imagine how a lighter BRAT would feel w/that drivetrain, it's already a beast

When I talked about building my newly-acquired BRAT a couple years ago, Jay/AF sent me the following link for inspiration. I sure wish the AMT kit were the later model BRAT like this one, but I'm happy regardless. I'd love to snag another BRAT to build a bit more like the standard one...and perhaps w/a bit of age.

Looks cool, the only thing is the intercooler.

http://photobucket.com/albums/v347/lewlew/

[willimo]

Looks cool! In the first pic, the brat looks a lot like the old Skyline in the front. Great blending work, can't even tell there are joints. That's still something I can't do. I looks just great over all. Top work!

[drunken monkey]

really hate to ask such a question but which revell kit is that engine from?