GC8 Interior Restoration | Part 1: The Gameplan

This video is PART 1 of the INTERIOR RESTORATION SERIES for the 1998-2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Coupe (*most videos apply to all 1993-2001 Impreza models). This video provides an overview of the build progress and gives a preview of many of the components I’ll be using in the interior restoration phase of this build.
This video is part of a "Build Series" (see "Playlists" tab for all videos) for my 1998 Rally Blue Pearl RSTi Coupe (Impreza 2.5RS swapped with a EJ205 turbo engine), which is 1 of only 720 sold in the USDM for 1998. This RSTi Build has come a long way and includes a full archive of videos documenting how to: (1) Pull a EJ-series turbo engine, (2) Replace the head gaskets, (3) Add key upgrades to increase long-term reliability, and (4) Restore the interior to OEM specifications.
*2020 UPDATE: After working as a professional Hydrogeologist for 15 years, I've decided to embrace the reward I've found in creating KZbin content, my passion for competitive Motorsports, and building relationships with all the people and small businesses that make these communities work. I'M GOING FULL-TIME as a KZbin Creator starting Dec 2020! Hope you'll join me on this journey into the unknown!
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-------- SubaruONLY AMAZON SHOP --------
Storefront - www.amazon.com...
➤ SHOP BY IMPREZA GENERATION:
➤ 1993-2001 - www.amazon.com...
➤ 2002-2007 - www.amazon.com...
➤ 2008-2014 - www.amazon.com...
➤ 2015-2020 - www.amazon.com...
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➤ SHOP BY PART TYPE:
➤ BRAKES - www.amazon.com...
➤ FUEL SYS - www.amazon.com...
➤ HEAD GASKET - www.amazon.com...
➤ IGNITION - www.amazon.com...
➤ LUBRICANTS - www.amazon.com...
➤ SUSPENSION - www.amazon.com...
➤ TIMING SYS - www.amazon.com...
➤ TOOLS - www.amazon.com...
➤ TURBO SYS - www.amazon.com...
➤ MISC. PARTS - www.amazon.com...
➤ COOL STUFF - www.amazon.com...
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THANK YOU!
~ Luke 👊
#subaruonly #GC8 #RSTi

[@smashface3080]

Just put some 17 inch gold subaru jdm rims on my 02 wrx wagon. Man what a big difference.

[@troyfankell6581]

It is really coming along nicely. I really like the 4pot/2pot brakes! The WRX pedals are great upgrade too. The carbon FHI strut tower brace is a nice piece. If it doesn't go on the car, it could be shop wall art. All GC/GF/GM floorpans are the same, only the RS had black carpet. The coupe and sedan shared the same headliner but only the RS had the sunroof. My friend did an L roof panel on his 99 RS to take a lot of weight out of the roof. If you can find the gold five spoke 16's they were only on the '98 RS and they clear the 4 pots. Most of the later JDM WRX GC/GF came with the gold wheels. Somewhat related I did the RS white gauge face swap, compass pack, carbon fiber vinyl center trim and factory tweeter & 120 w sub in my '00 2.5OBS to max out all the factory options. Just need to do the seats... You might consider the JDM bumper beams at some point as well. It takes about 50 lbs off the car. Keep up the good work Luke!

[@SubaruONLY]

Dude - thanks for all the great info! Didn’t know that about the headliners, but was wondering. Love finding out all these original manufacturers details!!! Cheers buddy!!! 👊

[@colinfiggins3372]

Awesome to see you back at it, Luke! Project's looking great!

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks, lots more coming!!!

[@KevinReinartz]

Can't wait to see this thing put back together! Fyi, I'm about to pull my ej205 and do a full reseal and some maintenance. I'll be referencing your videos during the process

[@SubaruONLY]

Sweet, glad to hear and good luck! Got the next video posting today and another coming during the weekend! Hitting it hard and producing lots of videos over the next couple of weeks! Hope you check them out! 👊

[@KevinReinartz]

@@SubaruONLY thanks, i hope it goes smooth. Looking forward to watching

[@SubaruONLY]

Awesome! 🤙

[@UnreachableSwagger]

I actually cut my bumper beam and it was some work maybe 3 hours for taking bumper off and beam cutting and cleaning and putting the new rs bumper in with lights. I went this route cuz its cheaper and you save moneys. But once u install the new bumper it will look so much better! You should get a GC8 wing and finish it off 😍🤩

[@SubaruONLY]

Hell yea man. Nice 👍. And agree, need a better rear wing for sure! Cheers!

[@wakeupandbord]

This is just like Buck Yeah, it deserves SO MANY MORE views. Keep it going, you're building my desire to finish my GC. PS, whoever bought my GC door cards on ebay, you got a steal of a deal, wish I watched this first.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks man. Big fan of Buckys channel, have been for a while too. He seems like a super chill, down-to-earth guy, and genuine subie lifer, like me. 😁😁😁

[@PedroFTeixeira]

You can check what bucky laseck has done to his interior. Simple and looks great.

[@SubaruONLY]

Yes, been following his build since day 1 too. Tons of great ideas there. Really dig his little bungie pockets in the rear-seat delete 6oc panels.

[@shannonharris2816]

Cool project, LUKE. You have planned it well.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks!!! Gonna walk through all the sequential steps in the next video or two (next one posts today!) - cheers buddy! 👊

[@paulysuby]

I’m so jealous about your carpet…. I need one

[@silvetrelomeli7815]

This is going to make your channel blow! 🔥🔥🔥👌🏼

[@SubaruONLY]

That would be nice!! 😁😁😁

[@UnreachableSwagger]

Yeahhhhh misssed ur vidz man!

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks buddy!!! 👊

[@strangeskull]

Great car!!

[@raycadbury]

Love the hoarding!!

[@itzju-baru]

Love your videos. When’s the next one. Can’t wait.

[@SubaruONLY]

Hell yea!!! Thanks!!! Next one coming TODAY! And another one this weekend too!! Hitting it hard next couple of weeks. Attempting to produce and publish a new video every TWO DAYS. Hope you dig em! Cheers man! 👊

[@itzju-baru]

Nice. Can’t wait man. Your the best. Wish I had the talent like you. Big support from me.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words. Been doing this stuff for many years, but I’m just an amateur wrencher who’s never stopped loving this stuff.

[@itzju-baru]

@@SubaruONLY keep up the great work.

[@SubaruONLY]

👍

[@andrewboulos2775]

Great video again man! I have a gc8 2000 wrx with quite some dash rattle over bumps.. can I still buy a new dash from Subaru?

[@SubaruONLY]

Hmmm, doubt they are still available, but I actually do not know for sure. Anyone else know about dashes still in the dealer network???

[@KeithMcFly]

Hey Luke, I too am restoring a 2.5rs starting with the interior while I save up for paint/body repair. I have a quick question, does your hazard and defrost lights illuminate at night when not engaged? There is mixed answers online but since I've seen your interior, you have the same button.

[@SubaruONLY]

Hmm, not sure off the top of my head. Don’t think so but I’ll take a look today and confirm.

[@Zanjizan]

I want to run 17” STi wheels but I hear things about them rubbing. I have a Impreza L with a 6 speed swap and STi pink suspension. Just worried about running on 17s. What size would I run to have it not run. I have the 4 pot 2 pot brakes as well

[@SubaruONLY]

Should be fine with low profile tires. Not sure on the size. Good luck! 👍

[@PedroFTeixeira]

215/45r17 and you won't have any issues

[@SubaruONLY]

Nice 👍

[@cameronradcliffe7271]

I’m having a fuel line leak under the back seat in my coupe but haven’t found much info on it any tips?

[@SubaruONLY]

Dive in! Best tip, should only be two 12mm bolts to remove the rear lower cushion. All the fuel lines are right under that and I bet you’ll quickly locate the leak. Probably a cracked fitting or loose high-pressure hose clamp. Cheers! Should be fairly straightforward fix!!! 👊

[@daviddickson412]

Had no idea 2door/4door uses the same carpet cut. 😎

[@UnreachableSwagger]

The 2 door and 4 door are the same length from the body and even inside for GC. So maybe thats why. Even the carpet for GD fits in the 4 door GC. I love that about these subies interchangeable parts

[@SubaruONLY]

Yep, pretty sweet! 😁

[@SubaruONLY]

Me too. One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with subies - true lego interchangeability engineering approach, which I love.

[@chrismoore5436]

Where is a good place to find gc8 parts? My junk yard here in Portland Oregon the cars get Gutted in hours making it hard to find parts

[@SubaruONLY]

Pick a part keeps them for about 30-40 days. I’ll see if they have any locations up there - good luck! You can also email me and maybe I can find what you need - [e-mail]

[@iamdjsluggo]

What Salvage Yard you hitting up with all that? Need parts for my 07 Outback and 08 Impreza! Thanks

[@SubaruONLY]

Been hitting up the pick-and-pulls all over the Bay Area in NorCal. They have a great website that makes it easy to search for models based on your zip. Here’s the link: www.picknpull.com/check_inventory.aspx

[@__MAT__]

What lips on the L bumper?

[@SubaruONLY]

It’s actually one from a 2004 WRX that was trimmed! Fits pretty good I think! 👌

[@chrishixon7975]

Can you please do a video on how to install rear speakers?

[@SubaruONLY]

Yes. Will add that to the list! 👍

[@LastChanceforGas]

Where did you get the carpet?

[@SubaruONLY]

eBay Shop. $300. Here’s the link: www.ebay.com/itm/124283994618 Cheers! 👊

[@DjSilk50]

Do you have and Frost Fender side markers for sale?

[@SubaruONLY]

Sorry don’t. But I’ll be putting up some stuff in coming weeks for sure! Stay tuned!!!