[stupidchicken03]

I had been wanting a Crosstrek for a few years.. I almost pulled the trigger and got a 2017 in the tan khaki, but decided to wait as the 2018's were going to be the new platform.

After seeing the new specs, I decided to wait. About a month in a half ago, I put an order in!

2018 Premium Crystal White Pearl with 6-speed manual with black interior.

Add-ons straight from the dealer are going to be:
-Sunshade
-Auto-dimming mirror with homelink
-Body side molding
-Rear bumper cover
-All weather floor mats
-STi roof spoiler
-crossbars
-rear seat back protector

The main reason I wanted the side molding was 1) it will help with door dings in parking lots B) I plan on getting the whole front clip and the first half of the doors clear bra'd. I think the molding will be a nice "line" to bring the clear bra up to and somewhat hide the edge along most of the doors.

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Current Modification list
As of: 10/28/2020


​

Engine
-k4rt3oy (mall rated) oil cap

Wheels/Tires
-Method Race Wheels 15x7+15
-BF Goodrich KO2 235/75/15
-full size matching 5th wheel

Suspension
-OEM struts and springs
-ADF 1.5" lift and multi link spacer kit

Interior Modifications
-Weathertech all-weather floor mats
-Diodedynamics LEDs
---map/dome - "Cool white" in SMF6 (94 lumens)
---cargo - "Cool white" in SMD12 Board (118 lumens)
---rear license - "Pure White 5k" and "HP5 92 lumens"
-Custom paneled S-tech 6 dual LED rocker switches (Team Tech Offroad)
-BDR Fabrication custom shift knob
-Raingler dog barrier net
-Orsinivinylanddesigns steering wheel overlay
-Farbon Ciber HVAC cover
-Raingler paracord grab handles
-BDR Fabrication custom e-brake button
-DIY lock box
-Diode Dynamics LED strip cargo light

Exterior Modifications
-Full front clip clear bra by Detail Maniac
-Body side molding
-Rear bumper cover
-STi roof spoiler
-Lamin-x yellow fog light tint
-Door handle CF guards
-Rokblokz mudflaps
-KC Cyclone retrofitted rear reflectors
-32" LED light bar behind lower grill
-Partial Laminx rear tail lights
-Window deflectors
-Orsinivinylanddesigns front and rear emblem overlays
-JM bumper guard
-Vvivid Vinyl wrapped rear hatch panels
-ADF ditch light mounts
--Rigid Industries Radiance ditch lights (amber)
-Muffler delete
-Philips LED fog light bulbs
-"Raptabru" LED grill lights

Miscellaneous
-Yakima Loadwarrior (w/ extension) and 32" LED light bar
--3 KC Cyclones mounted to rear of basket
-Auto-dimming mirror with homelink
-35% front window tint, 45% windshield
-Hardwired/mounted Rexing V1P front/rear dash cam
-ARB CKMA12 air compressor in trunk
---exterior air line to rear bumper
-Hi-lift Jack HL 484
--Custom jack mount
-Hardwired/mounted Uniden R3
-EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver
-DIY Spare Tire Carrier
-Rally washers for skid plate
-Hood Struts
-Engine bay LED lights
-Outer Tents RTT (Osprey Hardshell)




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The Chicken Trailer

Applies to All Model Years - The Chicken Trailer

The Chicken Trailer (AKA Mobile Chicken Coop) Welp, I did it. Ive had this idea running around my head for close to a year, maybe longer, about building a small adventure trailer. Some of those who follow my build journal for the car saw that I installed a hitch receiver this week, and it's...

www.subaruxvforum.com

List of Install/DIY threads:


​

-How to lift your 2018 Crosstrek (Video)

Model Year 2018 and Newer - How to: Lift Your Crosstrek

Hey everyone! My friend Blake and I filmed a DIY install of the ADF 1.5" lift kit for my car. Hope this helps anyone who is thinking about doing it themselves. Let me know if you have any questions!

www.subaruxvforum.com

-How to install mudflaps (Video)

Model Year 2018 and Newer - How to: Install Mud Flaps On...

Hey all, got another video up! We installed the Rokblokz mudflaps on my lifted Crosstrek. If you're not running larger tires like I am (235/75/15), this install is super simple! If you do have some beefier tires like me, there are some extra steps to get them to play nice on the car. Check...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-How to retrofit reflectors (pic heavy!)

Model Year 2018 and Newer - How to: DIY Retrofit Rear...

Alliteration aside lol, if you or anyone else wants to do something similar, I am in no way responsible for anything you may or may-not mess up. But if it turns out awesome and you get tons of compliments, then I am fully responsible :icon_lol::icon_lol: Ive been wanting to turn the rear...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-Overview of roof basket build (Video)

Applies to All Model Years - Roof Basket with LED Lightbar

Each time Blake shoots a video on my car, we got tons of questions about the roof rack setup. Blake asked to shoot a quick video of just the basket to try and answer some of those questions. Here it is. If you have any questions, feel free to ask ;) Ive had a lot of people ask which...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-Overview of clear bra install

Applies to All Model Years - Seamless Clear Bra install

My buddy Blake did another video on the car, featuring another local business here in Sacramento California. Detail Maniac installed a seamless clear bra on the entire front clip of my car, and more! This video shows them doing the hood and side mirrors. They do absolutely amazing work and...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-DIY tow-hook shackle

Applies to All Model Years - How to: DIY OEM tow-hook...

Ive been wanting to have a decent looking tow-hook that is also functional. There are some really nice looking ones, but they are also usually pretty expensive for what they are. I decided to make my own using the OEM tow hook and few modified cheap parts from Harbor Freight. HF always has...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-DIY Primitive Racing engine and trans skid plates

Model Year 2018 and Newer - How to: DIY install...

Another mod, another video! Here Blake and I install the Primitive Racing engine and trans skid plates. Then head out to mess around off road a bit. There may or may not be some bumper stuffing off a bmx dirt jump :p

www.subaruxvforum.com

-Crosstrek Dyno results!

Model Year 2018 and Newer - 2018 Crosstrek ON THE DYNO!

So we decided to do some testing. We were curious as to how much power the Crosstrek is really making. We were also curious as to how much "power loss" there is, if any, with the beefier Method/KO2 setup. Im not going to post the results right away. There will be a video coming out with all...

www.subaruxvforum.com

See How Big Tires Can Change Wheel Horsepower

-Raingler Grab Handle Install

Applies to All Model Years - DIY Install Raingler Grab...

I got my Rainger grab handles in on Friday and installed them over the weekend. They are straps wrapped in paracord, I chose all black, but they have numerous colors to pick from. Here are the steps I took to install mine. First you have to remove the OEM handles. I forgot to snap a pic or...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-How to install ditch lights

Applies to All Model Years - How to: Install ditch lights

Just a walk through (with lots of pictures) on how I set up my lights. First I bought the ADF light mounts (LP and other companies many them as well) in their raw form. How they arrived to me I used the same spray can bed liner that I used on my front bumper guard to cost the brackets (liner...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-DIY 30k Maintenance

DIY 30k service

Video is live! Met up with Blake from Blakes Garage and we did another video for the Crosstrek. This time around it was maintenance (it can't always be fun and games!) AND since it was a DIY job, it saved over $300 from what I paid compared to what the dealer was going to charge. (one...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-Diode Dynamics LED strip cargo light

Applies to All Model Years - Rear Hatch LED strip

I picked up an LED light strip from @Diode Dynamics with the intention of adding more light for the rear of the car. A couple months ago my wife and I went camping for our anniversary, and the DIY rear reflectors...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-DIY Spare Tire Carrier for cheap

Applies to All Model Years - DIY Spare Tire Carrier...CHEAP!

Previously I would throw my spare tire up in the basket when needed. It works, but it is a lot of work since I do not keep the basket on daily (kills MPG). Ive always wanted a rear swing-out carrier like the Wilco, but couldnt justify $900+ for it, at least not yet :p I put mine together for...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-Hood Strut Install

Model Year 2018 and Newer - Hood Strut Install

So ive been wanting hood struts on the car since I bought it. The Redline kit looks nice, but for $100-140 I did not want to drill into my hood and rivet the mounts in (Plus I would have to spend more to buy a rivet tool haha). I bought a kit off ebay last year that said it would fit on the...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-DIY Engine bay LED install

Applies to All Model Years - DIY engine bay LED lighting

The concept will work on all models, but this was specifically done on a 2018. I would guess the under hood holes would be slightly different, but make it work! Ive had this project waiting around for a while and have seen others do something similar. I went with KC Cyclone lights. Ive used...

www.subaruxvforum.com

-"Raptabru" LED Grill Lights

Model Year 2018 and Newer - "Raptabru" front...

When my car grows up it wants to be a Raptor lol.. First things first, I take this very seriously... I know my car needs a wash :p All jokes aside, here is how I installed the lights. I didnt feel much like removing the front bumper again to take the grill out, so to Youtube I went. I came...

www.subaruxvforum.com

 

[stupidchicken03]

Got a call last Monday afternoon that the car was in. I went in that evening and finished all the paperwork. Had 4 miles on it when I picked it up Not too bad for the night before my birthday :joker:

 

[stupidchicken03]

Tuesday I took a couple side profile shots for a before/after once a few things have been taken care of

This is what the STi rear spoiler looks like up close

So far ive really enjoyed the car. A couple things that I probably would not have gotten if I saw them first
-all weather floor mats
-subaru sunshade

I really like all weather mats, but these are kinda lack luster. Ill probably end up getting something aftermarket like weathertech or husky. Something that has more coverage and go up the side of the footwells a bit.

The sunshade is build nice, and seems like it will block heat out, but its a PITA to fold. Its more of an accordion style that has to be folded up a certain way to sit flat together. It does not cover the entire windshield because I think they cut them all to fit with eyesite just in case the car had it. Might get an aftermarket one as well. The ones (forgetting the brand name right now) i got for my civic and STi are amazing. Cut to fit perfecting and make a HUGE difference on heat in the car.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Wheels and tires showed up yesterday

The pretty much "standard"

Method 502 VT-spec (15x7+15)
BFGoodrich ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 235/75/15

Unfortunately did not get to test fit them, although I dont think they will fit as is anyways. BUT I do have an order in with Anderson Design Fabrication for one of their lift kits. I also couldnt test fit because the car got dropped off at a local shop, Detail Maniac, to get the entire front clip, and part of the doors clear bra'd

 

[Colonel C]

Wow ... no moss gathering on your new Crosstrek, there, stupidchicken! You're diving right into your mods. Way to go! ...:rock: ...

Gerry

P.S. And, I gotta say, your Crosstrek really stands out in white! Good choice! ...:3tens:...

 

[stupidchicken03]

Thanks!

I would have hands down gotten the tan khaki if it was offered, but white was always my second choice. My STi is white as well. Ill have to snap a couple pics of them together once I get the XV back this week

 

[amx304]

:smileyvault-welcome

 

[Joola]

I made the same mistake with the Subaru Sunshade. It came in the mail, I took it out of the box, put it right back in and returned it. I ended up getting a Heatshield instead. Ordered the one that fit a 2017 Impreza with eyesight and it fits perfectly. It was cheaper too.

https://www.heatshieldstore.com/vehicles/2017-subaru-impreza-hatchback-5d

What are you going with for the clearbra? I was looking at Suntek Ultra for just the front bumper and the cheapest I was quoted was $385 installed.

 

[stupidchicken03]

I made the same mistake with the Subaru Sunshade. It came in the mail, I took it out of the box, put it right back in and returned it. I ended up getting a Heatshield instead. Ordered the one that fit a 2017 Impreza with eyesight and it fits perfectly. It was cheaper too.

https://www.heatshieldstore.com/vehicles/2017-subaru-impreza-hatchback-5d

What are you going with for the clearbra? I was looking at Suntek Ultra for just the front bumper and the cheapest I was quoted was $385 installed.

I don't remember the name of the brand off the top of my head, but it's top quality stuff I know for sure. My friend who owns Detail Maniac has been voted Sacramentos best detail shop last 4 years running.

But I'm getting the entire front clip (bumper, fenders, hood), mirrors, A-pillars, first 6-8 inches of the roof, and the first 4-6 inches along the sides of the door done. Its something like $2,100 worth work, but I've got the homie hook up

 

[stupidchicken03]

Man from Detail Maniac sent me a couple teasers yesterday on the clear bra. Looks amazing so far! The entire panels are getting covered and the end of the film is getting wrapped over the edges of the panels so there are no visible seam lines. As always, HIGHLY suggest Detail Maniac if you're in the surrounding Sacramento area!

 

[Doca]

Looking good!

I got the front end of mine filmed as well. I didn't bother with rockers, a-pillar or roofline but I also got the front lights/fog lights and all door cups to protect against nails, rings, etc. from careless twits, I mean accidents. I'm ceramic coating the rest in October.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Looking good!

I got the front end of mine filmed as well. I didn't bother with rockers, a-pillar or roofline but I also got the front lights/fog lights and all door cups to protect against nails, rings, etc. from careless twits, I mean accidents. I'm ceramic coating the rest in October.

Ah yes I forgot that they're also doing the door cups as well!

Ive got the yellow lamin-x covers to put over the fog lights. I thought about doing the headlights as well!

 

[Seattle]

Awesome day SC. Very nice setup. Enjoy and Congrats ! I went with the A/T-S..as I don't do any serious grinding off road. Mainly fire roads and snow mobile trails.

 

[LeeTxv]

will 15" wheels clear the front brake calipers?

 

[stupidchicken03]

Will be picking the car up in about an hour from DM.

Got a handful of smaller goodies ill get installed the on the car today or tomorrow

 

[stupidchicken03]

will 15" wheels clear the front brake calipers?

Yup. Its already been done a number of times. Im sure the offset helps a bit too. The ones im throwing up are the VT Spec (+15).

 

[pete7713]

with that small of an offset will the tires stick out past the wheelwells

 

[stupidchicken03]

with that small of an offset will the tires stick out past the wheelwells

Possibly a little bit. But from what ive been told by ADF, the 18 wheel wells are larger than the previous gen.

Not sure if that means overall, or width, etc.... we shall find out. I might mock up one of the tires today just to see what it looks like without the lift kit.

 

[XTrekin]

There was a someone on Reddit who put Methods and I believe Generals on his '18. Said they did stick out a little bit. Hard to quantify exactly how much from the picture, but you can see it relatively well.

https://goo.gl/photos/yxrgH81xkuNYBMeJ7

 

[stupidchicken03]

Yup!

I test fit the wheels yesterday just to see how they fit without a lift. Im pretty sure I could run them as is and MIGHT have slight rub on full lock. But im planning on doing the lift kit today after work, so figured id just wait


Gunna be posting A LOT of updates today