ChaksQ's 1998 BG Legacy Outback: RFRB Grill [07/09/12]

[chaksq]

This is my 1998 Legacy Outback wagon, currently this is my daily driver.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Zcu0djpgg-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_035-1.jpg

About the car: Fully loaded 1998 Legacy Outback with almost all options, incl: factory Blue/Gold two tone paint, charcoal full leather interior, heated seats/mirrors/windshield, cruise, tweeter pods.

Modifications
Exterior:
-RFRB grill
-Partially debadged
-Tow package
-'02 WRX Wheels

Audio & Electronics:
-Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X693 head unit
-Remote start

Planned:
Infinity 10" Subwoofer + Amplifier

Past Modifications
-Sparco "Speed" racing seats
-Replica L7 grill badge
-2x Alphasonic 10" subwoofers

Here are some photos I took shortly after the car became mine (used to belong to my mother):
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_004-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_002-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_001-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_003-1.jpg

Also because I use the car in winter a lot some snowed in pics:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_008-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_005-1.jpg

[Bhatman]

Nice outback! I went from something like that(bone stock outback) and then the modding bug bit...on a student budget lol.

[chaksq]

Just took some new pics figured I post. These are actually in my neighbors driveway you can see my house in the background of the first pic:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/07/Outback_010-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/07/Outback_009-1.jpg

Bhatman's right, the modding bug has bit me. I want tot get some JDM parts for this, and I've got another idea up my sleeve as well.

[Navi271]

YES! get JDM parts! screw the new struts! it still works with the old ones... lol, im totally kidding but that's awesome your parents are helping you out with new struts
student budget+modding bug=no money for other stuff!

[chaksq]

I decided to upgrade the audio system in the car. I don't care what anyone says, stock sucks. To kick off the audio upgrade project I went over to my local audio shop and picked up a Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X693. This is an excellent headunit, and probably one of the best purchases I have made. The unit also has a USB plug so I can attach a MP3 player or disk drive with music on it. I am going to mod this into the space where the stupid coin holder is on the center console.

Not related to the audio project but my parents had new struts installed on the car for me. They might also replace a few other things for me. This is great because I am moving to NY soon and will be taking the car with me.

Here are some quick pics I took. Stock, the new Kenwood, and the usb port:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/Outback_011-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/Outback_013-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/Outback_014-1.jpg

[chaksq]

I haven't updated this in a long while. Since my last update a good amount has happened. I moved to upstate New York and I am back in school full time.

During the fall I had the head gasket go on the Outback, that was a real pain in the rear. I was driving along and the car overheated, shop towed it and decided it was just a loose radiator hose and told me it was fixed. Then the next night I went out and had the car overheat again and I had to stop and the car could not get fixed until Monday, this time the shop realized it was the head gasket (I had a hunch that was the problem the first time it went in). Two grand and a week and a half later the car was fixed.

Also at some point my right side fog light shattered. I am planning on eventually replacing both fog lights with Hella 500s when the weather gets better and I have some spare cash.

Here are some more recent photos of the car:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/Outback_016-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/Outback_020-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/Outback_017-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/Outback_018-1.jpg

I also installed a Alphasonic amp and two 10" subwoofers. I'll post pictures of that soon, I just haven't finished mounting the amp yet.

[chaksq]

I was cleaning the inside of the Outback a bit today and decided to start debadging it. Actually I first decided to take off the drivers side foglight since the passenger one got smashed a while ago. Was tired of seeing only one foglight on the car, it looked ghetto. I do still plan on getting new foglights for it, probably a set of Hella 500 lights. Then I decided to debadge the car. So far I took off the Outback badge from the grill, the rear Outback badge, and the rear AWD badge. Also removed the horribly faded Antilock Brake sticker from the rear window.

The pictures I have right now suck since it was starting to get dark when I took them, I'll take better ones tommorow.

I haven't decided but I'm considering removing the AWD stickers inside the rear side glass. Although I am leaning towards keeping them.

[chaksq]

Alright here's pics of the car mostly debadged and without the foglights. I'm planning on attaching the stock foglight grills in the opening where the foglights sit until I can afford a new set of Hella 500 foglights. I also intend to take off the Legacy badge but want to wait until I am ready to have some other paintwork done.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_031-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_033-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_034-1.jpg

[chaksq]

Just went to my first AutoX event. Might be hard to tell from the photos but I just installed blue Sparco Speed seats in the Outback. Also you can see my grill with the replica L7 badge installed. I'll try to take better photos of the car soon. These are good actions shots though (stole them from my regional's website).
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/Outback_035-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_036-1.jpg

[Airgne]

locked. read the link, than pm me.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5808 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5808)

[chaksq]

Here are some photos of my Sparco Speed seats installed:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_037-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_040-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_043-1.jpg

And my replica L7 badge:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_038-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/Outback_039-1.jpg

[Tylerhartman]

Nice Leggy, I'm Diggin the seats where did you get them? and Is there special bracket/mount i would need for say i would want to get them? Your car is the same as mine but i've got a 96 but same color with way more dents and rust then yours! :D

[chaksq]

Nice Leggy, I'm Diggin the seats where did you get them? and Is there special bracket/mount i would need for say i would want to get them? Your car is the same as mine but i've got a 96 but same color with way more dents and rust then yours! :D
Thanks man! I found the Sparco seats used on Craigslist for a price I couldn't pass up, guy with a Honda was selling them. To mount them I ordered a pair of Sparco brackets that were supposedly for a WRX. I actually sold the seats on a local Subaru forum to a fellow with a WRX, not sure if he still has them. I kinda regret selling them as they were the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Sold them because I wasn't working at the time and they were somewhat impractical.

I hadn't really done much to the car after selling the seats. Although just recently I decided to replace the foglights, currently have one and a lead on buying the other. Also took off the cross bars on my roof rack since I never use it and they impede snow removal.

[Tylerhartman]

Nice Leggy, I'm Diggin the seats where did you get them? and Is there special bracket/mount i would need for say i would want to get them? Your car is the same as mine but i've got a 96 but same color with way more dents and rust then yours! :D
Thanks man! I found the Sparco seats used on Craigslist for a price I couldn't pass up, guy with a Honda was selling them. To mount them I ordered a pair of Sparco brackets that were supposedly for a WRX. I actually sold the seats on a local Subaru forum to a fellow with a WRX, not sure if he still has them. I kinda regret selling them as they were the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Sold them because I wasn't working at the time and they were somewhat impractical.

I hadn't really done much to the car after selling the seats. Although just recently I decided to replace the foglights, currently have one and a lead on buying the other. Also took off the cross bars on my roof rack since I never use it and they impede snow removal.

Oh okay that kinda sucks! sorry dude, Hey if you need a fog light let me know i could try to see if theirs one at the junkyard when i make my trip PM me or write on my MR so i we don't load yours up lol.

[chaksq]

Coming soon:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/bSs5a-1.jpg

I've been wanting a RFRB grill for a long time, broke down and bought the one that had been on ebay for months with a 2.2i logo. Turns out the logo had actually been placed on top of the original RFRB sticker leaving it completely intact. So I got a good discount from the normal rate these sell at and it's not even messed up. There is a bit of adhesive residue in the photo but I got most of it off, and I can probably get it completely clean with a little bit more effort.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/lOx4K-1.jpg
Anyone want a 2.2i badge?

I need to get some hardware so I can mount this, but it should be on the car this weekend.

[Navi271]

You're kidding me right?! I've been eyeing that grill for a while... oh well, glad its worked out for ya!

Are you giving away the 2.2i badge? I'd take it for just the cost of shipping.

[chaksq]

You're kidding me right?! I've been eyeing that grill for a while... oh well, glad its worked out for ya!

Are you giving away the 2.2i badge? I'd take it for just the cost of shipping.
Thanks man, I'm glad I bought it. A bit pricey but the build quality is fantastic. If the RFRB badge wasn't there I was going to try and find some other badge for it, this works out better I think.

If you want the 2.2i badge you can have it, send me a PM.

[chaksq]

RFRB installed!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/CGmJo-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/Zcu0d-1.jpg
Pics aren't the greatest, took them with my cell phone. I'll get better photos soon once I pick up my new wheels. I'm getting a set of either GT Snowflakes or the early WRX wheels, haven't made up my mind yet.

[4U2Envy]

Great choice on the grill! I've had mine since last April and love the look of it.

[chaksq]

Teaser of the latest upgrade coming down the pipeline:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/RribY-1.jpg

[chrish8r]

Id really like to gett those kind of seats for my outback but I dont think I want to get rid of my leather seats.....

[98bk6]

I've got some snowflakes if your looking for them. There from my 98 gt wagon. Just throwing this out here too I also have gt spring and struts from my gt wagon as well.

[98legwag]

Id really like to gett those kind of seats for my outback but I dont think I want to get rid of my leather seats.....

I'm pretty there are WRX leather seats, but they are quite rare.

[chaksq]

Id really like to gett those kind of seats for my outback but I dont think I want to get rid of my leather seats.....Yea, I know what you mean. Actually for me it's more of I don't want to get rid of my heated seats. I'm not a huge fan of leather, but I love my heated seats. I'm hanging onto my stock seats even if I don't have a good place to store them.

I'm not entirely sure if going to keep these seats, or even the whole car too much longer. I keep tossing between wanting to mod the hell out of it, or just get something newer. For now I'll wait and see what I end up with for a job when I graduate.


I've got some snowflakes if your looking for them. There from my 98 gt wagon. Just throwing this out here too I also have gt spring and struts from my gt wagon as well.I had actually setup a deal to buy some of those wheels from someone local but never heard from him again. I'm thinking right now I'll hold off until I finish school at any rate. That's a maybe on the GT suspension. They would have to be in very good shape for me to consider it.

[chaksq]

Well i was going to part ways with this, but now I'm keeping this and save up for at least a few months, possibly longer. I worked out a deal with my family to hang onto it longer. I won't be modding this much anymore though.