Blue Suede Outback

[EnderDragoon]

Beginning to work on my 97 OBW. This will be my log for interior modifications on my car. The idea is to make an sti interior with blue on black. After much research I found the cheapest I could get the blue alcantara material was about 65$ per yard so I settled for a suede material I found on clearance at Joann's for 4$ per yard. With no experience with upholstery or interior work like this I didn't want to start on an expensive material like alcantara where I knew I would make mistakes. Suede is a very easy fabric to work with and appears to be tough enough for high traffic areas like the center console arm rest. Fading due to sun exposure is yet to be seen.

The dashboard has some sunbleaching so the next thing will be flocking the dashboard black(flocking kit is still in the mail). The front seats will be changed out with sti seats once I find a descent source for them. New floor mats and stereo with an sti wheel and she will be done! I will post more pictures as the project comes together.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0295-1.jpg

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[harrymaneuvers]

Looks pretty good! You planning on doing an accent color like the red stitching/lettering in the STI's?

[EnderDragoon]

I've thought about it, and I would like to but I haven't come up with a good way to incorporate it in yet. No sewing machine at home!

[Lancaster6]

I just saw this over on subaruoutback.org, I thought this looked familiar. Looks cool! I really like the door cards

[Reason]

Looks good, you should take a crack at a DIY write up thread next time you suede anything.

[EnderDragoon]

There are a few around here and on nasioc but I could write one up anyways, would be fun. Can't hurt to have more DIYs around right?

[MonstarMotorsports]

Gorgeous!! you really need to wrap the dash in black now.

[EnderDragoon]

I have a black flocking kit coming tomorrow :) hopefully the dash will be black like this by the end of the weekend:

http://www.banburyflockingservices.com/resources/images/peugeot-flocked-dashboard_1269203743.png

[MonstarMotorsports]

I retract my previous statement.

new one is:

You sir, are a badass :)
Love it!

[EnderDragoon]

Now I'm back and forth over whether I should do blue/yellow or blue/red on the interior, probably color overload but maybe blue/yellow with very small amounts of red. I did a quick render of the exterior and where I want to go with that and would like to bridge the interior/exterior somehow. Maybe just blue/red inside and blue/yellow outside is fine? I need ideas...

PS: How do I force the image to a different size? I tried the but no dice....

[img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzzsZMjpdCI/UEAnjTlpFtI/AAAAAAAAADo/uiXNN6o-fMM/s1600/Legacy+Max+12.jpg

[EnderDragoon]

Flocking kit finally came in from http://www.donjer.com. Was about 50$ but enough flocking material to cover approx 130 sq ft. This weekend we'll see how it turns out on the dash but I might try it on smaller pieces before then. http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t107760 ... -dash.html (http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t107760-diy-flock-your-dash.html) is an example of where I'm going with this:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/IMG_1787-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0296-1.jpg

[MonstarMotorsports]

Stoked. hurry the F up and impress me lol

[EnderDragoon]

Hard to see through the wax paper but this is going on tonight (front/back windows):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/20121025_131138_231-1.jpg

[EnderDragoon]

Started with flocking a few small pieces today. I must say I am thoroughly amazed with the results of the flocking kit from donjer. I thought I would start with the dome light between the sun visors. I will write up a full DIY later if there is interest. Keep in mind these pictures were taken with my phone and do absolutely zero justice to how good this glistens in the sunlight.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/20121026_100820_58-1.jpg

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Final pictures coming tomorrow as I'm just installing it and it's dark out.

[RandyMarsh303]

Really excited to see the final results with this stuff. I just recently heard about this from a friend that has been thinking about doing it.

[EnderDragoon]

Hard to tell in the pictures as it looks almost shag-like in the closeups. This material has a very present yet subtle sparkle in the sunlight with a soft texture. I am completely happy with the results and will be doing the dash with this process and other interior pieces. I am currently torn between wrapping the a/b/c pillars in suede vs flocking black.... Ideas?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0299-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0297-1.jpg

[MonstarMotorsports]

id finish the dash first and get it all put in so you can see something closer to the final result. then decide on the a pillars.

[EnderDragoon]

This is true, that puts my mind at ease, lol. I'm working on some exterior decals and smaller pieces to flock today. Might start working on dashboard if college doesn't get in the way.

[EnderDragoon]

I'm working on repairing the sun rotting on the top edge of the door panels, I'll have pictures soon. More flocking and suede on the way... For now though, flocked window switches to cover up that wood trim stuff and window decals! I gotta say the yellow decals over blue interior is striking :)

PS - Keep in mind, work in progress pictures.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0301-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0302-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0303-1.jpg

[EnderDragoon]

I left this image full resolution so you can see the brilliance of how good the flocking looks in direct sunlight:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0321-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0322-1.jpg

[RandyMarsh303]

Based on that high resolution photo I now have to try this stuff. It looks awesome, I can not wait to see the entire dash done next to the suede.

One question though, does it flake off at all when you brush you hand over it?

[EnderDragoon]

Nope, the best I can think of to describe it is that felt/suede material that is along the top of your door panel that seals against the window from the inside. That soft yet durable material is very close to what flocking is like. The fibers I got with this kit are just slightly longer and give a softer texture. I've been told flocking isn't the best for high traffic areas but I have yet to see any degradation. I won't know first hand how well it holds up on stuff like buttons and such for a while.

[EnderDragoon]

Here is a quick photolog of doing the suede on a small piece for those that are interested:

I wanted to do the door handle while I had the panel off for the vinyl repair so...

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0304-1.jpg

Handle removed:

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Scrap section of suede fitted perfectly to this piece:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0308-1.jpg

Spray on adhesive applied to the handle and suede wrapped around the to-be-seen side:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0309-1.jpg

Excess trimmed off:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0311-1.jpg

Spray on adhesive applied to back side and the suede that will be folded over (effectively sprayed on both materials for maximum adhesion) and pulled tight over the back side of handle:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0313-1.jpg

Using a razor blade I trimmed out the hole for the plug. Reinstalled:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/IMG_0316-1.jpg

In total, with taking pictures, took about 10 minutes.

[MonstarMotorsports]

i never even knew that piece came off, and i've wraped countless door cards off these models haha.

[EnderDragoon]

More progress on the project. I was able to remove and flock the dashboard today and will be installing it with new seats I'm picking up tomorrow.

Removing trim pieces:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0330-1.jpg

Dashboard out:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0334-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0336-1.jpg

Wires protected from flocking:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0339-1.jpg

Airbag flocked:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0341-1.jpg

Makeshift flocking booth on back patio:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0343-2.jpg

Partial shot of the dashboard:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/20121103_171120_695-2.jpg

I'll have more pictures of the flocked dash and install tomorrow. Off topic but I repainted the wheels, I think they turned out perfect for rattle cans:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0349-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0351-2.jpg

[EnderDragoon]

Quick update. Seats acquired. Dashboard installed. Went on a 4 hour road trip down to Phoenix to pick up the seats with the dashboard installed and I've gotta say the results are awesome. I love the black on blue color schemes and the best part is there is absolutely zero glare now. I was concerned that the shiny/sparkly black complexion of the flocking would be reflective but even in direct sunlight I am hard pressed to notice any detail of the dashboard in the windshield. It's hard to get lighting such that my camera doesn't saturate the blue when focusing the black but here are a few shots until I figure out the lighting.

Quick side note though: on their instructions they say the adhesive has a 10-15 minute workable range but I had never really tested the time on this before starting on something as big as the dashboard. In Arizona I would say you have more of a 3-5 minute workable range because of the dryness and higher temperatures. I had myself and a friend applying the adhesive and I started applying the flocking roughly 5 minutes after we started and some spots were already too dry to accept flocking and it became a psycho rush of me reapplying adhesive in certain areas to recover the project as you can only do this once and not in sections. This was certainly nerve racking but the results turned out better than I expected. There were some light spots but they are difficult to notice. Odd thing about flocking is it looks 20x better in direct sunlight than otherwise. So if you live in a dry/hot area... do this in a garage, run a humidifier and do this at night while it's cool out. Have at least 2 people applying adhesive and a third person delivering the flocking as immediately after the adhesive as practical. Anywho... Pictures:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0352-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0353-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0354-2.jpg

[Barbbachello]

Wow that looks mad. Love those STi seats as well

[Graver]

I wasnt a fan at first but as it gets further along I am liking it more and more, great work! Only thing I would say is go with a different shifter boot.

[JBCLEGACY]

Nice work! I did this a while ago for my grey/stained dash in the 92 Legacy, love how it came out and it helps with an updated look. No glare!
I did want to contribute some advice; its a good idea to paint the surface the same colour as the flock before the application. There's less of a problem with color bleeding through.
I used plastic/interior dye on my dash, it did a good job of keeping the colour evened out

[MonstarMotorsports]

loving it more and more each step!
More pics!

[EnderDragoon]

Donjer, the company I got the flocking kit from color match their adhesive with the flocking material and it works out very well. I love my Subaru! Repainted hood coming soon.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0358-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0361-2.jpg

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[EnderDragoon]

I wasnt a fan at first but as it gets further along I am liking it more and more, great work! Only thing I would say is go with a different shifter boot.

I will be getting a redline shiftboot (http://www.redlinegoods.com/Legacy9599shiftboot.php) in black alcantara with blue stitching soon, the blue suede shift boot is a temporary placeholder for the worn out prior original boot.

[MonstarMotorsports]

love love love love it

[Huffer]

Nice work!

[EnderDragoon]

Finished repairing the upper edge of the door panels and repainted the hood. I know the color of the hood looks goofy with the black but I wanted to see what it would be like with the rally blue/yellow on an Outback. As you can see the hood was very sun faded, had millions of cracks and several dings down to the bare metal. At the least I needed to reseal the hood and 10$ of rattle cans goes a long ways.

Damage to the top edge:
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https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/20120929_154452_871-1.jpg

Using a razor I cut a clean line back far enough to remove the damaged vinyl:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0318-1.jpg

Using a razor, scotch pads and alcohol I removed the remainder of the foam padding and any residual oil/dirt as well as removed the window seal strip (~8 tabs to bend and one rivet pulls out with pliers). Surface prep is everything!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0319-1.jpg

Foam padding acquired from Jo'Annes. I was told the material is typically used for padding inside quilts and can be "ironed on" to other materials. I forget what the material is called but it is very closely the same thickness as the vinyl. 1/2 yard was about $6. Trimmed to size and bonded with 3M Super 77 spray adhesive.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0323-1.jpg
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Suede with a red stitching hem line (my first time sewing with a sewing machine). Again, bonded with 3M 77. The wrinkles at the forward edge will be covered by the tweeter speaker triangle cover.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0367-1.jpg
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Night came before I could get finished shots in daylight, which I'll post tomorrow.

[EnderDragoon]

The hood you can see before, wip, and after shots here. Wet sanded with 220 grit, Primed 2 coats, 4 coats blue/yellow, single clear coat, wet sanded with 1000 grit, 2 clear coats. As I said before, this is experimental, not the finished product, but you can't go wrong with gaining the experience, I'm happy with the results for rattlecans:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0356-1.jpg
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[r3v_v3ng3]

Not bad. You should invest on a spray gun or just buy the cheap ass harbor freight hvlp paint gun. It will save you money/labor/time. Grab a masking paper and practice spraying on it. Besides its a solid color and theres really not much technique required, unlike shooting metallics/pearl and custom colors.

[grayguy]

Now that you've had the flocked dash for a while, how hard is it to keep clean? I've thought of flocking mine before but I was always concerned it would collect dust/dirt like mad

[EnderDragoon]

Now that you've had the flocked dash for a while, how hard is it to keep clean? I've thought of flocking mine before but I was always concerned it would collect dust/dirt like mad

Actually hair is the only issue with keeping the flocking clean. I haven't really exposed it directly to dirt but after 2 weeks of it being in the car it looks new as ever. I regularly drive down dirt roads and get dust in the car but I haven't noticed any accumulation yet. I think I'll have to get a very soft bristle attachment for a shop vacuum to help get the hairs off of it though. It's not bad, but we have 2 dogs that ride in the back (hence why I got the cargo divider) and the white hairs make their way up there. It's about as bad as any fabric in a car with dogs, it gets on the suede too.

[EnderDragoon]

Not bad. You should invest on a spray gun or just buy the cheap ass harbor freight hvlp paint gun. It will save you money/labor/time. Grab a masking paper and practice spraying on it. Besides its a solid color and theres really not much technique required, unlike shooting metallics/pearl and custom colors.

I actually work at a helicopter maintenance facility and have access to tools like professional spaying equipment but I didn't want to invest in serious paint if I was just going to be repainting it later this year. Granted this doesn't take much skill for anyone with significant experience with painting but this was my first time painting a large area with rattlecans and for me it was an adventure and I learned a lot.

[EnderDragoon]

I promised to share final shots of the repaired door panel, also some general pictures of the overall interior.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0372-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/IMG_0371-1.jpg
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[EnderDragoon]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/20121126_072426_423-1.jpg

Small progress update. She's driving great, about to hit 220,000 miles. I love the blue hood, but she's due for a wash. I recently installed LED interior dome lights from http://www.v-leds.com and they work GREAT. For only 18$ for all 3 overhead lights this may be the best bang for buck I've spent so far on this project. Some small things to be installed over the next few days:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/20121203_192449_340-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/20121203_192509_982-1.jpg

It's hard to see but there are Rally Armor yellow decals to add and the classic RA keychain. The next big piece fell into my lap a little earlier than I was expecting. As I plan to do a EJ257 swap and repaint the whole car professionally I will need an in-between daily driver while she is in pieces. So I picked this up for $500 last week. 97 Impreza 2.2 that drives great. More pictures of the newest member to our family soon.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/20121126_161053_579-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/20121126_161043_598-1.jpg

I also need some feedback on the design concept I'm working towards. I'm planning on 1 or 2 light bars as rally/fog lights, one on roof rack and one on front bumper (http://www.v-leds.com/Universal-LED/Work-Lights-LED/240W-80-LED-LIGHT-BAR-p9782501-3-1.html). Along with 4x area lights for the perimeter (http://www.v-leds.com/Universal-LED/Work-Lights-LED/36W-36-LED-SPOT-AUX-WORK-p9776647-3-1.html). You can see a concept of the lighting and a custom hood I intend to build down the road (functional, not just show):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/LegacyMax17-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/LegacyMax18-1.jpg

[Graver]

The lightbar sounds awesome in theory. The more this car progresses the more I love it

[EnderDragoon]

Trying to decide which way to go with her so I need a little feedback. Soon she will be torn down to nothing for a complete repainting/restoration and during this process I would like to swap in a new powerplant. She's going to be heavier and I don't believe the ej25, with 230k miles, is up to the task. Problem is I love NA. I have an 04 WRX and don't get me wrong I love the power, but I hate the lag. All in I would appreciate what the expected cost and practicality of a few different ideas is:

Rebuild the ej25 with higher compression heads, racing flywheel/crank/pistons/connecting rods/cam and get the most out of the 2.5 while keeping her NA.
OR
Find a totaled STI and swap in the powerplant/wiring harness/drivetrain/transmission/suspension
OR
EZ30/EZ36/EG33 swap.

The last option is likely the most labor intensive, which I don't mind, so long as it's doable. I've read around and found some have the EG33 swap completed with great results but it is heavier and more difficult to fit into the engine bay. The EZ36 would be a dream swap for me. Power, torque, NA. I have read that some have attempted this swap and have had issues working around the immobilizer and limp home functions as well as no ecu capable of running the AVCS. Have any aftermarket ECUs finally been able to capture this function? Would swapping in the harness from a 3.6r outback be possible to retain the AVCS? I also don't know how I feel about drive by wire throttle as I prefer the direct response and control of a cable. I would love to build a chopped down and simplified EZ36 that retains the AVCS, perhaps with a manual control of its cam position.

Ideas?

[grayguy]

I'd go Boosted EZ30. Easier to fit than the other two h6's, and since it's smaller you'll have more room for a pair of td04's that will spool instantly and you'll forget what lag is.

[ShootJoeC]

Interior looks great dude! I had never really given much thought to how I was going to make my dash not look like shit, but this may be the answer!