Probably because there are few manual transmission Subarus there is also relatively little information on installing a baseplate on a Subaru. We found one in Oregon City about 600 miles from our home and bought the Forester over the phone. Got a good deal on a baseplate on Ebay. Rounded up my buddy with all the tools and let the marriage begin.
Removing the plastic bumper and metal bumper proved to be quite easy. I thought at first it would be nerve wracking tacking apart body parts on a brand new car but it was straight forward. Once out of the way the rest went the way the instructions dictated. There are holes to be drilled in the frame that require sharp bits. Red Loctite and a torque wrench are also required.
Reassembly of the metal bumper is straight forward. Just bolt it back on the same as it was before starting. The instructions call for holding the plastic bumper up to the car and baseplate to see where to carve the plastic out to fit over the baseplate protusions. We immediately discovered no cutting necessary! The base place poked through the existing opening. That was a relief.
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being an engine rebuild and 1 changing a flat tire this is a 6.5. Assemble a buddy, the right tools and a sunny day and it will take about 5 hours if all goes well for you.
Made just like my old one but smaller. Works fine though.
Safari Ltd Safari Farm Holstein Cow
31. Jul 2018
Exactly what I needed.
Well made and especially well painted. Realistic looking. I am the race director for a 5k race called the "Milk Run". I made a trophy for the race and used "Susie" on the top of the trophy. Turned out beoootiful. Susie came in the mail in a plastic bag. When I saw the packaging I thought this is going to be good but it was fine. A testament to its durability. I would definitely buy again.