Some Specific Questions Re. Aspire Swap

[festyxfi]

I know this subject has been addressed, written up and flogged over and over (sorry for this) but this will be my first swap and hope to have it go well. I believe I'm aiming for something a little out of the ordinary regarding final result...here goes.

I'm hoping to give this car some lift for logging roads, mild "off-roading" festy style, getting back into interesting places. Not full blown 4wd stuff (I have other vehicles for that) but a few inches would be great.

Rear:

The rear beam from the aspire came off easy enough. I just went ahead and dropped the holders on the body (three bolts, two 14's and a 17 mil)

Q1: Do these "holders just bolt into the festy, or do I have to use the "holders from the festy?

Q2: Am I using the aspire e-brake cable? If so, any mods there? If I do, I'll have a nice festy cable for someone.

Q3: Is there any issues re. the brake lines? Or do they just connect in above the holder (where it goes from metal to rubber).

I guess since I'll have it this far apart, I should get new struts. When buying them, do I order aspire struts or festy struts (or does it matter)?

Front:

Q1: I removed the stablizing/sway bar (yes? good?) but had to cut the control arm (or what is called the "A" arm on the metro) its the arm on the bottom that comes from the "cage" on the uni-body to the bottom of the hub (I'm sure there's a name?) The reason I cut these is there was no way in heck that bolt was going to come off, even with min. rust. I figure the festy arm is what I'll use anyway?

Q2: I cut the tie-rods as high as possible since reading the write up in this thread, only the ends are used for the swap. Do I understand that they are the same diameter as the festys, and therefore just screw on to the stock festy tie-rods? I'm not looking forward to getting them lose.

Q2: Any brake line issues to look out for up here? or same as rear?

General rim/tire size Q's:

If it's possible to do with any major fender cutting, I would like to go 14's. I want to stick with a stock (fairly easy to find) steel wheel. Can someone post the inevitable link to steel wheels that fit the aspire? I have a nice set of stock Subaru justy 13's steelies with monster studded snow tires already mounted. same bolt pattern (Festyboy?)

If I stick with stock aspire 13's, does anyone have a couple for sale? I only have two. I have much to trade as well.

Of course any other heads up would be much appreciated. I'm heading out now to start the clean up process.

Thanks,
FX

[garylau]

I have a set of steel wheels that will fit. Two of the tires are in nearly new condition. I only want $50 for the set. Shipping might be costly unless you're up for a drive into wisconsin though. Although I have a pair of good protege seats that might make it worth the drive if you were interested ($75 for the wheels and seats). I don't have answers for your other questions, but someone here will I'm sure.

[lanemeyer14]

I'll try to help...
Rear

Q1: Do these "holders just bolt into the festy, or do I have to use the "holders from the festy? *Aspire's bolt right up to festy

Q2: Am I using the aspire e-brake cable? If so, any mods there? If I do, I'll have a nice festy cable for someone. *Aspire e-brake cable works fine

Q3: Is there any issues re. the brake lines? Or do they just connect in above the holder (where it goes from metal to rubber). *I just bolted my aspire brakes to the festy hardline. There is a part that you can swap from the festy beam to make it perfect though. You'll understand if you look at it....it's the driver's side rear that I'm talking about.

Front

Q1: I removed the stablizing/sway bar (yes? good?) but had to cut the control arm (or what is called the "A" arm on the metro) its the arm on the bottom that comes from the "cage" on the uni-body to the bottom of the hub (I'm sure there's a name?) The reason I cut these is there was no way in heck that bolt was going to come off, even with min. rust. I figure the festy arm is what I'll use anyway? *Use the aspire sway bar, and the festiva Lower control arm

Q2: I cut the tie-rods as high as possible since reading the write up in this thread, only the ends are used for the swap. Do I understand that they are the same diameter as the festys, and therefore just screw on to the stock festy tie-rods? I'm not looking forward to getting them lose. *Aspire tie rod ends screw onto the festy tie rods, you can also use escort tie rod ends

Q2: Any brake line issues to look out for up here? or same as rear? *Brakes up front bolt right up no probs

I think that's correct. I did the swap recently and don't remember any problems.

[festyxfi]

Lane,

Thanks, it sounds all very straight forward.

Gray, if you're talking about a set of stock aspire steelies (13's) with the sort of "directional" vents, I'll take them. I get over to Wi. quite often.

Brenton

[festyxfi]

One last question for now: If I chose to, could I just use the stock festiva sway bar when doing the swap? It's possible the aspire bar is going to be a major bear to remove from the control arms. Also, the rubber bushing are wasted.

[lanemeyer14]

One last question for now: If I chose to, could I just use the stock festiva sway bar when doing the swap? It's possible the aspire bar is going to be a major bear to remove from the control arms. Also, the rubber bushing are wasted.

Yes, you can use the festy sway bar, I've just heard the aspire bar is thicker, it is therefore better, so I swapped it too!

[festyxfi]

Thanks for your help today Lane...

[lanemeyer14]

No problem! It's nice to be able to help someone else on here since I'm usually the one asking for help. If you need anything else let me know!