Articles

Project GT: Stage FOUR!

For those of you that have been following Project GT for the past 3 stages, welcome to Stage 4!

For those that have just caught on; Project GT is a series of stage articles on all the great Automotive Businesses in South Australia, and what they have done to customise our biggest Volunteer “JK’s” Subaru Liberty GT!

For those that want to catch up, here are the other articles:

Project GT-Stage 3:Mobile Auto Care/Auto Expo

Project GT-Stage 1:Loudz Rear Lights

Project GT-Stage 1:Loudz Rear Lights

Let’s chat quickly to JK about Stage 4

HC: So, whats going on now JK?

JK: This has to be another one of my favorite parts of Project GT, ever since i met Corey at SA Auto Installs, I’ve always wanted to do a cool project with him, now this is it!

HC: So its a Stereo Install/upgrade?

JK: Kind of; sort of.. There are two big parts, one in Tech, and the other part is to replace the whole interior!

HC: What was wrong with the interior you had?

JK: Nothing! it was in great condition! But i’ve always been a big fan of Tan interiors, it goes back the nature of this build.. “Auto Salon Inspiration, but not full Rice” Here are some pics of it before..

HC: But SA Auto Installs don’t do trimming?

JK: Correct! Remember when i said back in Stage One, the main reason why i chose the Liberty was as it has so many interchangeable models.. In this case; i found a Full Tan Leather interior in a Liberty 3.0R Model that is a exact match, as they never came in any other model of standard, GT, Post facelift, Tuned by STi or the Blitzen models.

HC: Nice! Now you said.. “Kind of, sort of” about the stereo/tech before, what did you mean by that?

JK: Well like i said in Stage one, i want to take this 2005 Liberty GT and bring it into 2020, we achieved that with the rear lights in stage one, and changed the shape of the rear in stage two.. In this stage, we are putting in all the tech we take for granted today.

HC: Like what?

JK: Bluetooth, Sat Nav, AUX, USB, TV, DVD, Reverse Camera, Steering wheel controls & Dual Electric seats, all of that wasn’t even imagined as a OEM package in 2005!

HC: Wow! That sounds all custom?!

JK: In most part; it’s actually OEM, i really wanted to keep the car in OEM style but with all the upgrades, so we upgraded the Stereo from the 2009 model (Last model of the Gen 4 shape) which had AUX, and also added the OEM Sat Nav from a 2009 Special Edition “GTB” model as well, and Steering wheel stereo controls from a Subaru Forester, and for an extra bonus, the Liberty 3.0R interior had passenger Electric seats (The GT only had Drivers seat electronic) and the stereo also has music fade on shutdown.

HC: How does the USB, TV, DVD & Bluetooth work then? 

JK: Aha! you’ll have to keep reading below to the Tech Talk section of this article!

HC: Far out! That all sounds full on JK! Well before we get into Tech Talk, lets meet Corey Megz (CM) from SA Auto Installs/SA Auto Spares..

Meeting SA Auto Installs/SA Auto Spares:

HC: Hey Corey, thanks for being a big part of Project GT! We have had you as a big supporter of HC since day 1, but lets hear the back story about how SA Auto Installs started.

CM: Pleasure to be a part of Project GT! Well i’d been working in Automotive Electrical for a fair few years prior, but for other companies. Doing Alarms, Car Audio, Brake Controllers, Reversing Systems etc. then i went mobile, and then opened our first shop in Magill in October 2014.

Then due to popular demand, we opened a second shop at Enfield in September 2016 

HC: Yes, we remember the days of when you had those stores! We noticed that you not only do installs of stereo’s, but you also have SA Auto Spares now too! Tell us a bit about that!

CM: We consolidated both the Magill & Enfield stores into the new one at Para Hills West-that is now also known as SA Auto Spares; as we have over 7800 Sqm of space to fit so many cars we wreck and have parts for!  

HC: Wow, what a great South Aussie success story! How many workshop bays do you have and how many people do you employ there now?

CM: 5 workshop bays + 3Install Bays and 5Staff, and we  do all sorts of automotive work, like engine swaps and more! This makes doing jobs like not only electrical but also parts supply and interior swaps for examples like Project GT, so much easier to do in a one stop shop!

HC: So True! Now we know you have been an enthusiast for some time now, show us some of your choices of Horsepower!

CM: Some of you may remember [GRINCH] featured at Horsepower Crew’s “Christmas Lights Night” in 2017! Watch out for a VERY COOL Engine Conversion soon!

CM: And here is our Blue STI (in the middle)

CM: and here are the Eagle Eye twins, heaps of fun at the track!

CM: and here is my HSV! Not all Subaru’s in the shed!

HC: Wicked choices of HP there Corey! Speaking of which, lets take a look into Stage four!

Stage 4-Interior:

Like JK said earlier, there was nothing wrong with the interior before, but it was black, and JK is building it into the Autosalon Era inspiration, so here’s some “goodbye pics” to what was..

Then, as they say… “In order to make something beautiful, you must first tear it down”

Eeeek!! Full on!

But the change to Factory Tan, against the black exterior, looks amazing! It’s a wonder why Subaru didn’t have this combo on a “Executive/Sports” model to begin with!

Stage 4-TECH TALK:

So the first part was to replace the centre “Cubby”

Wire it up…

With the Factory SAT Nav from the 2009 model…

And connect all the Tech info!

Then next, replace the Series 1 (Pre-Facelift) Stereo..

With the Series 2 (Post Facelift) Stereo..

Which is a much nicer mirror & Chrome face look which matches the simmons wheels, but also had the AUX controls, and also had wiring for the…

Steering wheel controls! Which some would think that the Series 2 steering wheel would be a perfect fit, but no, the clock spring was different, but thanks to Corey’s quick thinking, the Subaru Forester Steering wheel has all the Same functions and also Fits!

But how does the Bluetooth work?

Ah Lets get Tricky!

We have a aftermarket stereo located in the Glove box!

This also is wired to trick the OEM Stereo, so when a call comes in…

Simply press the AUX button.. (or if you are listening to something like Spotify, then the call takes over)

And Voila! We have Bluetooth like it’s OEM!

But it gets better!

Corey wired up the Stereo to the Sat Nav, so it can play TV/DVD! Check the video out from Project GT’s Debut at Auto Expo below!)

Also since it has USB, you can play anything into it! And.. Also wired up a reverse camera and Tricked the Sat Nav into Changing view!

Getting things done at the same time!

As most of you would know by reading the last few articles, it’s always a good thing to get a lot of other bits and pieces done at the same time when you have your car somewhere!

Broken air con thing

For the Liberty Gen 4 owners, this is the biggest pain in the a$$! Basically its the part that shifts the vents from face, to feet, to window.. And when it carks itself after almost 15 years.. It makes the most annoying vibrating sound in your dash every time you start the car, shut down and at random, and is located above the glovebox, so its even harder to get to! (JK: Thank god that thing got replaced!)

Whats a Tan interior on a 2000’s car without…

Under Dash & Seat Lights! (Now we are getting closer to a Autosalon Era Tribute!)

Thanks to Loudz Creations, (see Projectgt Stage 1 for a full write up on them) we had another visit to have them put in!

And..

Checker plate Floor mats! (Now we are REALLY getting into the tribute!)

Thanks to Olly from Kustom Cycles and Kustom Fab, he turned this sheet of Checker plate from this…

Into these Custom (or Kustom lol) Floor mats!

All from JK’s custom cut cardbord cutouts! (ok since you thought of it.. “Kustom Kut Kardboard Kutouts! lol)

And thanks to Harry from Mental Customs for clear coating the custom floormats too!Finishing Touches!

Why go to all the effort with all the interior and tech, without involving a few more great south Aussie businesses!

Big shoutout to Frank whos is the GURU of Automotive leather! Has the BIGGEST range in AUSTRALIA based here in Adelaide! 

He was able to custom make a gear boot in the same “Shaol” (Tan) colour as the rest of the interior! (as the Liberty 3.0R model didnt come in manual!) 

And a big thanks to DIZZI DECALZ! They changed the look of Project GT to include the very “Need for Speed” / 2000’s style Stripe!

They also wrapped the stereo surrounds (pictured above) and the door handles (pictured below) in carbon fibre!

So much more tidier and cleaner look!

And a big thanks to JL Design & Fab for coming up with this cool shifter badge!

What’s next in Project GT?

Stage 5 will be on what Redefined Detail can do to restore and protect the paint!

Whats Next in Horsepower Crew?

We are heading into 2020 with Monster Trucks Vs Horsepower! 

How to reach who worked on Project GT!

Click on thier name below to check them out on Facebook!

SA Auto installs

Kustom Cycles & Kustom Fab

Mental Customs

Frank Guru Leather

JL Design & Fab

Dizzi Decalz

Well well.. This stage wasn’t expected this soon!

Two days after taking delivery from Auto Transformers, it was time to get to enjoy the GT again!

Taking it out to Supernats for its sneaky debut of Stage 2 after only appearing once at Sportscar Sunday for Stage 1!

The next day on some safe spirited driving through the Adelaide Hills on the way to the Palmer Hot Rod Street Party, it wasn’t shifting like it should have! eek!

So on the Tuesday (after the Public Holiday Monday), it was straight in to Mobile Auto Care! 

Rewind a Sec!

For those of you that have found Project GT for the first time, Project GT is a ongoing series of article features on South Australia’s great automotive businesses! Whilst using our biggest volunteer’s “JK’s” Subaru Liberty GT as the example! Feel free to check out the Rear lights Loudz Creations did in Stage one, and Auto Transformers customisations in Stage 2 articles.

Now when you think of Mobile Auto Care, you probably think of this..

And since they usually come out to your office or home,  you wouldn’t think that they would do bigger jobs, such as a clutch.

Well that’s where you are wrong! They actually have their own full service workshop located a stones throw from the city, in Richmond! 

Yep! That’s the owner Geof Tartoosie‘s Evo out the front, and a keen eye would notice the Mercedes Van with the Adelaide Auto Expo logos not only in this picture, but also at Horsepower Crew Festivals; such as recently at Spring Automotive Festival!

More on Adelaide Auto Expo a little later in this Article!

So why would we take the GT there? 

Well actually the GT has been regularly serviced there for the last 2.5 years!

But Why?

Well.. When it comes to Mechanics, it comes down to trust & experience, and when the owner is a motoring enthusiast himself, a long time qualified Mechanic, and his team are carefully selected by him to work on cars such as the EVO (above) and these two Hot Rods (Flame & Silver ones Pictured) then you know that your ride is in great hands!

Plus!

Aside from having a whole fleet of vans on the road, so you can have work done on your car, Caravan, Trailer or Bike at your Home or workplace…

They also have Loan cars!

For cases like this, when your hot ride is a daily ride, you have work that might take more than a day, and you still have to get around!

There’s 5 Exotic Echo’s to choose from or..

This Mighty Mitsubishi! (We would have preferred the Evo Geof!) 😉 

Before we get started!

Lets interview Geof Tartoosie (GT) & get to know him a little better!

Here is a pic of Geof & our biggest Volunteer “JK” at Geof’s Favorite Thursday Lunch Spot “House Of Tien” They’ve actually known each other for several years before even Horsepower Crew was a thing!

HC: How long have you been a Motoring Enthusiast Geof?

GT: Been into cars since I could crawl! Mum used to buy me a car every time we went shopping if I was a good boy. I was obviously a good boy. My first toy hot rod I got when I was 7, it took 44 years to build a replica of it. (Flame Hot Rod above)

HC: How long have you owned Mobile Auto Care? (MAC)

GT: Had MAC 6 years, I went to school with the old owner & he wanted to make sure somebody who knew what they were doing bought it as there is a good team working here. 3 office staff, 6 guys on the road and 1 in the workshop. We do all mechanic work, vehicle pre purchase inspections, a/c regas too. been around since 1983, we have even expanded to Mobile Caravan Care & Mobile Trailer Care in recent times. 

HC: What did you do before MAC?

GT: Well i’ve had a fair few “Past Lives” Worked for Mitsubishi Australia for 14 years, started as apprentice & my last job I was the Service Training manager. Then i worked at Ralliart, managed a V8supercar team for 10 years, i also owned a business called EMTECH that was on South Rd back in the 90’s/2000’s, retailing and installing all the goody bits you could have on your Evo or almost any car back in that day!

Let’s Get into Stage 3!

So upon first chat with Geof’s Main man around the office (Luke), we discovered that after pulling out the CV shafts

Get the Gearbox out..

The old clutch was the one that was giving up!

Not too bahd, given that its the original clutch from the factory in 2005 and has lasted 150,000 clicks over those 14 years, you would say “It had a good innings!”

Lets Talk Tech!

On that first discussion with Luke, we determined that the OEM version came in a “Dual Mass” Flywheel, this means that it dampens noise, vibration and harshness when under heavy load (such as towing).

Easy decision there, no need for that now that we have the custom rear and no towbar!

We also discussed that the later “Series 2/Post Facelift/07-09” Models also came in 6 speed, and this could be a good time to get a clutch that could potentially fit both this 5 speed; and that type of 6 speed box in the future.

Unfortunately not; but nothing ventured, nothing gained!

We then talked about future mods to project GT, which include a Full exhaust system and tune, and talked about this potentially being about a 30%-40% gain to the factory 180kw, arriving at a streetable & fun 240-250KW.. So we needed to choose a Heavy Duty clutch to handle that increase..

When it came to brand selection, we couldn’t go past the “Xtreme Performance Clutch” made by the  “Australian Clutch Services”, they are quite the South Aussie success story starting out of a small shed in Mile End a number of years ago, and now being renowned internationally for their superior quality products. Based on them being South Aussies with a high quality product, we couldn’t go past them!

You may also remember them joining Horsepower Crew and SA Time Attack at TrackFest! in 2018  & 2019 at The Bend Motorsport Park!

Them “Fresh parts out of the box Feels”!

And them perfect fit feels!

And while we had it there, let’s get a few other things done!

We had these rear springs to go in a while ago, but the GT was sitting flush because of the Towbar weighing it down. So now that the Towbar is out, its sitting higher and time to bring it back down a safe distance from the ground! Plus something else needs doing!

And a shifter shorten only by an inch with a re-thread, does this mean that there might be something else to expect in the interior?

Whats Next in Project GT?

Well you might have noticed that Mobile Auto Care is a Major Sponsor of Auto Expo!

That’s right! You’ll be able to see Project GT inside the main Hall at Auto Expo!

There will be a couple new mods as a surprise to see it then too, and another Stage 4 Article coming out just after that! 

Where else might you see it?

Stay tuned for a Very Special Horsepower Crew Event coming soon!

Thanks for reading Stage 3 of Project GT.

Articles on Stage one and stage two:

Project GT Stage One

Project GT Stage Two

If you would like to contact Mobile Auto Care for your next modification, car, trailer or caravan service, here are the details:

Phone:

8354 0055

Website:

mobileautocare.com.au/

Email:

enquiry@mobileautocare.com.au

Facebook:

facebook.com/MobileAutocare/

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You only got to see it once!

Thanks to Through the Lens Photography for this pic of the GT when it made a sneaky appearance recently at Sports Car Sunday before going to Auto Transformers for Stage 2!

For those of you that missed an interview with the owner of Project GT (“JK”) and read about the first Customisation on the Rear lights of Project GT, Check out Stage 1 by clicking here! (or click the pic below)

For those that are up to speed or just want to read about Stage 2, Project GT is all about showcasing what great Automotive Businesses we have in South Australia and what they can do to Project GT (Our biggest volunteer “JK’s” 2005 Subaru Liberty GT)

On that note; Project GT stage 2 is on Auto Transformers! (AT)

We are interviewing “Andrew Mitchell” who started AT! Some of you might know him by this famous Full Custom Lincoln Zephyr!

Lets get to know Andrew & AT, before we see what they do on the GT!

HC: Thanks for taking the time to chat Andrew! That’s a great segway to Project GT stage 2!

Lets get stuck into Stage 2!

For those that got to the bottom of the stage 1 article and thought, “OH NO WHAT IS JK DOING NEXT?” when they saw these inspiration images at the end of Project GT Stage 1 article…

So now that we are underway with Stage two.. Lets have a look at what JK meant by that; with this amateur photoshop inspiration image..

Much more Subtle than that Extreme Honda JK! Phew! You had us worried for a second there!

Let’s Chat to JK about Project GT Stage two:

HC: So what is Stage two about JK?

JK: Well, just like we talked about in Stage one, i really enjoyed the 2000’s Car Modification era, so Project GT is in line with Autosalon Era inspiration, but not full Rice; It’s got to have class! So Stage two is about really customising the GT in ways that makes it truly unique!

HC: Truly unique hey JK?

JK: Yeah! So the biggest modification is the tailgate/bootlid, when Subaru designed it, they did well, but didn’t nail it! So the tailgate/bootlid got a “Flush” to remove all Badges, remove raised ridge, remove indent line and the plate holder area. Auto transformers did an incredible job with coming up with a custom metal plate that replaced the plastic and covered the full area, (That’s why they are called “Auto Transformers”!) take a look here..

HC: And you said Several ways?

JK: Yeah so Bootlid aside, we still need to relocate the plate to meet ADR requirements, Auto Transformers spotted a 2000’s WRX rear bar plate and knew that by cutting it down to a tight plate size, it would be a perfect fit! (both physically and in era/brand styling)

JK: Next up, while we were at the rear bumper modifications, I always liked the “Series 2”  rear bar vents, (Hardcore Liberty Fans call them “Post Facelift” or “PostFace” for short) so we popped next door to SA Auto Installs / SA Auto Spares..

JK: Grabbed a untidy bumper with a good set…

The cobwebs came free lol

and Auto Transformers integrated them!

JK: But they were going to look a little “Bland” compared to the sleek new paint finish, so we got them Carbon Fibre wrapped at Dizzi Decalz!

JK: and with the towbar being functional, yet not a right fit with all the new Custom tail end mods, it was time to say Sayonara to the days of Towing for the GT and integrate a Carbon Fibre Diffuser to match those wrapped vents (See example below)

JK: Plus add these JDM “Spats” or “Valance” to really “Beef up” that Tail end bottom and continue that theme to the front guards..

HC: Wow JK, that’s a tonne of Custom visual Mods!  Is there anything else you are getting done at the same time?

JK: Yep! like anyone that has done Paintshop work, its always a good time to get other pieces done, like the Wind deflectors you see on this fine liberty specimen..

JK: the addition of this “letterbox” style Grill..

JK: and this final touch being a USDM “Legacy GT” badge from its overseas same era cousin. Oohh that Tan interior looks nice 😉

HC: So what does the Finished product look like JK?

HC: That’s Not Finished JK!

JK: Well, the whole idea is to keep the average punter guessing.. I’ve already had comments like “Is it a Merc? A BMW? No! It’s a Subaru Liberty GT!” 

You’ll have to wait for a (Mid stage) Photoshoot for Stage 3 to see it, that also includes a few more mods! You might see it for real at a few events in the next few weeks, but for now.. You’ll have to just imagine it from this last photo Lukee from Full Boost Photography took before AT got it.

Thanks for reading About Project GT Stage Two!

Other Project GT Articles:

Project GT-Stage 1:Loudz Rear Lights

Project GT-Stage 3:Mobile Auto Care/Auto Expo

If you would like to contact Auto Transformers, feel free to on any of these details below:

Facebook:

facebook.com/AutoTransformersAU/

Instagram:

instagram.com/autotransformers/

Website:

www.autotransformers.com.au

Phone:

08 8349 7035

Email:

admin@autotransformers.com.au

Address:

1259 Main North Road, Para Hills West SA 5096

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Welcome to the First of a Few Articles about “JK’s” Liberty GT!

Well.. yes, on one hand it is about his car, but on the other; each stage is going to be about what great places in Adelaide you can modify and improve your ride, and how they do it!

To give you a bit of background, lets interview JK about why he chose to do Project GT.

HC: How long have you had this GT and why did you choose it?

JK: Bought it a couple years ago, i had sold the R33 Skyline and was looking for a 4 door that had leather, Sunroof, Turbo, Manual, RWD or 4WD plus loads of Parts available in both OEM and aftermarket.. It would have been easy to pick one of the “Famous Four”…

But the WRX & EVO (as much as i love them) didn’t really fit the profile of the job i had at the time, Mazda 6 MPS also made the list, but there wasn’t much aftermarket, The lib did, found one, and the rest was history!

HC: What have you done to it so far?

JK: Just the simple stuff, Tints, decals & Lowering, and a new set of 19’s. Always wanted to have a set of FR-1’s and as much as many others don’t like them on JDM cars, i personally love them, if i hadnt got them, it would have been AME’s!

Shoutouts to the Guys at STO Automotive for fitting the wheels and lowering, Jason Bradbrook for the Tints, and Spyro for the Decals at Dizzi Decalz. Here’s how it looked after the Tints & Decals, being dropped off at STO for the wheels and lowering.

HC: Whats the plan from here?

JK: What i’ve always loved is the Autosalon era, some may call it RICE, and yes; i have to agree, there were some totally radical rides in that era.. So lets just say; im taking some inspiration from that era in Body customisation (Look out for the Stage 2 write up on AutoTransformers) which will be a major feature, but i’m starting with the Rear Lights.

HC: Sounds Awesome JK, and that a great Segway to the first part of this series on the Project GT, For those of you that don’t know Loudz Creations, you may remember their Nissan Cube Feature car from our recent Wintertime Snow & Shine” at Marion. 

The Roof lights in it are amazing! And we think Jamie from Loudz was a bit taken by them lol

Jamie at Loudz Creations is an absolute GUN at modifying lights, front or rear, old, new or un-utilised spaces, he’s been doing it for over 10 years, and that was well before we started seeing them on AUDI’s and the like in the last few years!

For a baseline on what we are looking at, here is what the rear lights look like on a 2005 Liberty GT.

Reverse

Indicator…

The park light…

and Brake light.

All functional; but a little boring, but that’s all about to change!

Lets get Modding!

The Idea was to try fit the Reverse and indicator LED Strip inside the Factory Plastic area-in front of the old Reverse & Indicator lights, and it Fit!

And then it looked AMAZING when Jamie put it back in, it looks totally like the Factory intended it as an upgrade!

Now with the Indicator and Reverse lights sorted, what do we do with the brake lights?

JK and Jamie noticed the 4 factory lines on the perspex at the bottom (and the 4 others at the top) but wanted to do something to ensure that the lower part of the light was only used.

and this led to be inspired to have just the 4 on the bottom be turned into both parker and Brake light in a LED Strip!

Then we added a LED Strip on the back of the indicators to have a “Show Mode” at Car shows/static display (Not functional in road use)

Then it was off to get them lightly smoked to take that edge off that bright light and white!

What do they look like finished on the car?

A very Mercedes Type of Feel!

What’s Next?

Stage 2 is at AutoTransformers! What is happening there JK?

Well, lets just say that these guys at AutoTransformers are Famous for doing exactly that! Transforming Automotive machines into Art! And whilst most would think that its typically the Muscle/Chrome bumpers that they work on, in this case, they are going to be flushing the whole complete back area, moving the number plate and much more! 

Here is a example of what he means, but not to ruin the finished product! (and no, he’s not changing it to this colour! Bit too Much Autosalon memories there!)

Stay Tuned to Stage 2 of Project GT! This will be released before our “Spring Automotive Festival” and you will be able to see the GT there too!

MASSIVE thanks to Loudz Creations for being a big part of Stage 1 of Project GT! If you would like to check out what they have done for your model or other model cars, check out their Facebook Page & YouTube get any inspiration and ideas to put to Jamie and bring them to life, just like Project GT!