Member Profile: James' H6 Liberty Wagon - SKD55S

[magnusonsubie]

Absolutely beautiful wagon. Your attention to detail is amazing as well! Keep up the good work!

[Aus30R]

Wow! Awesome post. Thanks for taking the time to document this so well

 

Thanks man, appreciate it. I'm glad you like it because I love doing it

 

Absolutely beautiful wagon. Your attention to detail is amazing as well! Keep up the good work!

 

Cheers mate!

 

September 2017: The work continues. Before continuing on the wiring I thought it best to move onto the drivers side door.

 

 

 

After a clean it was good to go.

 

 

 

Old connectors also cut off.

 

 

 

Inside and out done.

 

 

 

Speaker wire routed through.

 

 

 

I was hoping I wouldn't have to bother but the drivers seat had to also come out. And another good cleaning.

 

 

 

Once that was done it was time to make another adapter/spacer.

 

 

 

Having the old one made it a much quicker process.

 

 

 

Splash of paint and done.

 

 

[Aus30R]

Tweeter was also done.

 

 

 

Back to wiring, driver side speaker wire routed through the tunnel area.

 

 

 

Cable management was next on the list, starting with removing most of the old original speaker wire, although at least for now I will actually be keeping the rears as despite having a shit tonne I've already run out, oh well should be fine for the rears.

 

 

 

Crimps and crossover also went on for the drivers side.

 

 

 

Power and ground next, there was a perfect place for the ground on the handbrake cable mount.

 

 

 

Then power.

 

 

 

These quick disconnects are awesome.

 

 

 

Ground and REM next.

 

 

 

Followed by sub and front speakers.

 

 

 

In she goes.

 

 

[Aus30R]

RCA were also somewhat organised and plugged in, man these were so long, one well more then the length of the car.

 

 

 

Fuse could then go in for amp power.

 

 

 

After hours of adjusting things like the cross over and wiring in the door I could finally get the door cards back on after testing the sound.

 

 

 

Then some of the trim could finally go back on.

 

 

 

So the front is pretty much complete. Likely some fine tuning to do but we'll see. Even not at all being tuned it sounds freaking amazing. Tomorrow I'll attack the sub area, it needs sound deadening BAD!

[Aus30R]

September 2017: So while I would love to be spending time on getting the stereo finished, of which it almost is, I was surprised with this.

 

 

While this was something I really wasn't feeling like oh well, off to Pick n Payless.

 

 

After raiding that sedan for it's cat-back and an old GC8 for it's mounting hardware, I have a nice stock cat-back to hopefully get me under noise limit.

 

 

 

Straight home to install, car up in the air.

 

 

 

Parts out and WD at the ready.

 

 

 

Goodbye for now.

 

 

 

The hangers were stubborn but WD like always did the trick.

 

 

 

Off they came.

 

 

 

It was at this point I moved onto the centre section which to my extreme frustration it wasn't close to going to fit. Everything lined up but the flange was about 45 degrees off. I'd just have to hope it's fine, so the rear mufflers on their own went on. Yuck.

 

 

 

Later that afternoon I dropped by a place that does testing and, it failed. Just. 89 on the acceleration and 97 on the deceleration, all because of the rasp from the hotdog muffler in the X-Force Mid section. The rasp was BAD, the system overall was much quieter. Man it was strange driving the car. Anyway, so now off the Best Mufflers so Chris can work his magic and get it perfect.

 

Chris got straight into cutting the flange off so he could rotate it. Some modification was needed to make it fit perfectly to the custom mid section, and off the xforce centre came.

 

 

 

On it went.

 

[Aus30R]

Then we noticed this, yeah, thanks to my new lows and the coilovers dropping the car got to the point where this happened. Blew both gaskets from the headers to cat pipe.

 

 

Looks like it was in bad shape anyway, these were the supplied ones. New ones were much better.

 

 

Fixed and we're done.

 

 

 

With all the leaks done, everything was sounding much better, or worse depending on how one looks at it. It's soooooo quiet but also no rasp, I can't believe how much of a difference that centre muffler makes. So we will have to see in the next couple of weeks if it's fine, it really should be. Luckily he also has a entire front section with all three cats if they give me shit for the high flow cats, again. Hopefully not.

 

 

In better news, Show Me Your Tints came round to do my mothers new car and I had him tint the sunroof, how didn't I do this before.

 

 

Before

 

 

50/50

 

 

And done, so good.

 

[TylerHartman]

Beautiful Work! So upsetting we never got an H6 Liberty (Legacy) wagon, Let alone with a 6 Speed.

[Aus30R]

Beautiful Work! So upsetting we never got an H6 Liberty (Legacy) wagon, Let alone with a 6 Speed.

 

Thanks man, I know you guys love them, I couldn't live without it!

 

September 2017: Pads have arrived now so it’s time to move onto brakes, product shots first of course.

 

Rotors wise I decided to go for a set of Slotted DBA T2’s for a decent value to performance to bling ratio, I do love how they look.

 

 

 

They are big.

 

 

 

And after a shipping mishap the rears arrive some time later.

 

 

 

Not as big but still good looking.

 

 

 

The pads were a fairly easy choice, it seems to be what most people with these setups go for, I’ve heard nothing but good things and the price is pretty good.

 

While I was keen to have a look there was mishap with Garage 88 and I was sent pads for a JDM spec BPE which apparently doesn’t have the same brake setup as Australia.

 

 

 

After figuring out the issue I contacted Garage 88 and they had the correct parts next day. Truely epic customer service.

 

Now onto the correct goodies, Dixcel Type-M pads front and rear.

 

 

 

Goodies in the front.

 

 

 

Goodies in the back.

 

 

 

Not so sure how I feel about the gold but oh well.

 

 

 

Lastly was onto braided lines. The car already currently STI lines in the front but still has the old lines in the rear. So rather then just replacing one thing, I would just be better off replacing everything. BCW came to the rescue again and supplied some Hel Braided Brake Lines, in a stealthy all black.

 

 

[Aus30R]

They feel quality and also come with the necessary hardware.

 

 

 

Before I start pulling anything apart I wanted to get started on flushing all the old fluid, cause who knows how long it’s been in there. I certainly haven’t changed it in the last two years of ownership. I decided on some Castrol React Performance Dot 4, also something that seems like a popular choice on Liberties.

 

 

 

Up and ready for work.

 

 

 

Started with pulling out a load of the old fluid out of the master cylinder to make thing a bit easier.

 

 

 

Ghetto bottle at the ready and the flushing could begin. Starting with passenger rear, being the furthest away from the master cylinder.

 

 

 

After doing the rear we cleaned out alot of the shit and things were looking much cleaner, there also a small amount of air in the system which is interesting, irrelevant though. Once that was done it was time to turn to the fronts. To my extreme frustration the previous owner, whether it was a workshop or him, managed to make the bleed nipple into a vertically perfect circle on both sides. So for now that’s going to be for flushing and that also means I won’t be able to do the braided lines either. Oh well, Benny has got a set for me that he is sending first thing on Monday so it’s not the biggest problem.

 

 

At least in the meantime I can get the pads and rotors sorted.

 

 

Line disconnected from coilovers.

 

 

Caliper off.

 

 

The guide-pins were removed so they could get a proper clean with some new silicon paste applied.

 

 

 

Pads could then come off, more meat them I thought left on them.

 

 

 

Caliper mounting bracket was next.

 

 

[Aus30R]

Rotor could then come off, man so happy to see these RDA’s go, they were so badly warped it’s insane.

 

 

 

The hub got a good sanding and a healthy does of copper anti-seise.

 

 

Rotors on.

 

 

Before the caliper could go back on the pistons needed a good clean. I was happy to see the pistons were in decent shape, no splits.

 

 

 

Better.

 

 

 

Then wound back.

 

 

 

Pads could then go in and done.

 

 

 

The other side could then be done.

 

 

 

It was then time to tackle the rear. These seemed to really be on their last leg, even cracking in some places.

 

 

 

First thing was this arm, it needed to move out the way to make the access to bit easier to the calliper bolts.

 

 

 

I also removed on of the end-links to get a big of movement out of the rear swaybar, Subaru don't make access easy.

 

 

[Aus30R]

Calliper then removed.

 

 

 

The old rotor did not want to come off but with the help of a mallet and a bolt eventually it came loose.

 

 

 

Handbrake shoes seem to be ok for now, they've done their job up until this point so they'll be fine for now.

 

 

 

The hub and dust shields then got a bit of a clean.

 

 

 

The old pads didn't have much left on them.

 

 

 

The guide-pins could then be removed and cleaned and regreased.

 

 

 

Rotors were then cleaned, doing my best to keep as much of the black paint on.

 

 

 

Hubs were the greased and the rotor went on.

 

 

 

Before winding back it got a clean.

 

 

 

Then wound back.

 

 

[Aus30R]

Pads in and caliper on.

 

 

 

Rinse and repeat for the other side.

 

 

[Aus30R]

October 2017: I finally got a chance to attack the brake lines today. Starting with the rear.

 

 

 

They came out easier then I thought, out with the old and in with the new. The braided lines were a fair bit longer then the original.

 

 

 

And in they went.

 

 

 

Then the caliper side could come out.

 

 

 

Rinse and repeat for the other side.

 

 

 

 

 

BCW had a set of used bleeders on hand to replace the completely rooted ones on the front brakes.

 

 

 

With the help of some vice grips I was able to get the old ones out.

 

 

 

This was again pretty quick and easy, old STI lines out.

 

 

 

And the new lines in.

 

 

 

Brakes were then bled and I could finally get the car off the stands. They already feel great but they need a chance bed in still, so easy driving for a few hundred k's.

[Aus30R]

October 2017: So here is finally the basically completed audio setup.

 

First thing after some testing it was to secure the amp to the carpet. I considered making some sort of bracket but good and strong velcro seemed to work for the old one so it would do fine.

 

 

 

With all the bulk of wiring done the front half of the car could go back together. Starting with the glovebox.

 

 

 

Headunit and HVAC.

 

 

 

Shifter and centre console.

 

 

 

Once that was all done I moved into the boot to tackle the subwoofer. The car already had an aftermarket low-profile 8" kicker unit.

 

 

 

While it wasn't anything special it is better then stock and I thought I'll keep it for now. In the past I've had the sub on -3 at-least due to the horrendous rattle. Another thing I wonder how it was able to leave a factory with such a design flaw by Subaru. So that was the first thing to sort out.

 

 

 

Three layers later and it went in.

 

 

 

And after a quick test, it still sounded like utter shit. I had to sub from the daily out so I thought I'd quickly throw it in and give it ago. So much better. So for now that'll stay until a more permanent solution can be made. Likely just a new box and a wiring fix-up.

 

 

 

Moving onto the rear doors. Door cards off.

 

 

 

The old and very tired two way could then come out.

 

 

[Aus30R]

Such a big difference.

 

 

 

MDF mount mocked and made.

 

 

 

Before they went in the door got a clean and healthy dose of DS18.

 

 

 

Then the connectors could be crimped one, factory wires for the rears.

 

 

 

Then they could go in and after a very quick tune, the entire system already sounds epic. Certainly more tuning to do though. They got a very good testing on a big trip to and from Phillip Island for the MotoGP. Car was so nice to drive for it, although alignment is without question out on the rear, something to sort out for sure.

 

It was bug galore up front. Time for a good wash.

 

 

 

Ah much better.

 

 

[Aus30R]

October 2017: While things have been going fairly well on the Subaru lately it seemed it was time for another shit show. This time thanks to Suttons Subaru Rosebery. Now, while what happened happened, the manager completely sorted it out. More below.

 

So, after months of saying I was going to do it and finally receiving my third letter for the airbag replacement it was finally time to get it done. Suttons Subaru Rosebery is my most local dealer so that's where is was to go. I was surprised as I was able to get in just days after calling as someone apparently cancelled. So in it went, I gave the car to them for two full days, I begged for them to take their time and be careful, 'yes sir of-course'. When it was ready to pick up I jumped in the car and straight away I saw it all. It was trashed. First thing I noticed was the shifter surround was cracked straight through.

 

 

The gear knob wasn't even on straight, legit, this is how I got it back.

 

 

Shifter surround wasn't lined up with HVAC controls.

 

 

Drivers side a pillar was hanging like this.

 

 

But nothing was as bad as the dash. Now by no means was my dash in perfect condition, but damn. They did a number on it.

 

 

 

 

 

Once I saw all this I flew back into the office and called the manager over. He was furious at the whole ordeal and agreed to have everything sorted out. A dash replacement was approved by Subaru Australia as well as all the damaged bits and pieces.

 

I dropped past the dealership again yesterday to have the dash done. I was surprised to have a Levorg waiting for me to have as a loaner. It's a great car, but man. The CVT is horrific. I don't know what they were thinking there.

 

 

 

Anyway, I picked up the car and everything looks good, I requested the cubby and headunit to stay out as I have replacements for both anyway, cubby I got from a wreck and they're paying for a brand new headunit after scratching it too.

 

 

 

So at the end it kinda turned out good at least. Except the car seems to have developed some sort of clunk noise on decel, plus what sounds like something suspension related. Could be so many things. I'll do a service in the next couple of days and see if I can track down that noise. It never ends.

[MilesA]

...It never ends...

Thanks for the updates, James.

[98legwag]

That sucks to see how much was damaged. Side note, is the Levorg a 2.0t or 1.6t?

[magnusonsubie]

I can't get over the picture quality you post when doing projects! I always get so wrapped up in the project that I don't take progress pics. Keep it up!

[Aus30R]

That sucks to see how much was damaged. Side note, is the Levorg a 2.0t or 1.6t?

 

Yeah man, dealers just don't seem to give a shit. I it was a 2.0T version.

 

I can't get over the picture quality you post when doing projects! I always get so wrapped up in the project that I don't take progress pics. Keep it up!

 

Haha thanks man, I just love doing it. If I don't have my camera with me I can't do the project haha.

[98legwag]

Luckily I have a few friends here who work at dealerships. If I need to go to a dealer I go to one of them.

[Aus30R]

November 2017: Before getting the interior back together I wanted to see if I could track down the strange noise coming from the front end. I started with the front coilovers as that has been a trouble issue since buying them. Drivers side first as that has been the one not holding base adjustment. It seems to have held well over the Melbourne trip which is good.

 

 

What was a concern is the spring height had dropped significantly.

 

 

This was likely the noise, micro adjustments of it moving down. Regardless I loosened the collar and corrected.

 

 

 

While I was there it was also time for my usual 5,000km service. Penrite HPR10 10W-50 and genuine filter is my usual choice.

 

 

 

Oil was dropped and filter replaced.

 

 

 

Again while I was under there it is finally time to replace this coolant hose. I've been putting this off for ages purely down to laziness. Which is bad because it was basically a ticking time bomb. The budging has been getting worse.

 

 

 

Off it came as with these clamps.

 

 

 

The main lower rad hose also came out so I could drain all the old coolant out.

 

 

 

While very stubborn the old hose eventually came out.

 

 

 

New one side-side. Well overdue.

 

 

 

A couple new clamps later and old it went.

 

 

[Aus30R]

New coolant then went in. This is actually the first time I've done this on the car.

 

 

 

After a quick drive all the new nosies seemed to have disappears. Good news.

 

Next up was to start getting the interior back together. We'll start with the shifter surround. I was told it was going to be a brand new unit and cost the dealership $650.00. I was actually presented with this when I up-wrapped it at home. It ended up being a 'pov-spec' silver instead of black, well-used, full of scratches and five-speed unit. Good job guys. Looks like that is going to take some more to to sort out.

 

 

 

What I did get months ago was a MINT cubby from Pick-n-Payless. I've been meaning to get one for ages but I haven't been able to get one that has the bright button, which I need for my model. Comparison compared to my old one.

 

 

 

The buttons and screen in particular are night and day better.

 

 

 

Cubby could then go in. I got super mad for a short time because I couldn't get it to light up and thought that it was broken, but after driving for five minutes it just turned on and started working.

 

 

 

The brand new headunit then got mounted up.

 

 

 

Then it could go in.

 

 

 

Then HVAC and shifter surround and we're done.

 

 

 

After a proper drive, despite all the bullshit, when it works I remember why I love this car, will put up with it's usual crap and likely never sell it.

[Aus30R]

November 2017: This has been on my list for ages, and after scheduling an inspection with Garage 88 for the coilovers, which seem to have been fixed now, time will tell, it was time to finally pick one up. A Pitch-Stop Mount. I was originally going to go with a Betrush version but after learning there was a recently released Cusco version I had to go with it, common it's blue.

 

Pretty.

 

 

 

 

 

Time to jump into the engine bay.

 

 

 

Intake off.

 

 

 

Looked and felt rooted, also joy, more zipties in the engine bay...

 

 

 

Shot.

 

 

 

Side by side and in. Holy balls, after taking it for a drive the difference was noticeable immediately.

 

 

[SBT]

Nice kit. Notice any change in the NVH with the Beatrush PS?