[Slimey]

<--- waiting until video is posted before install

I know this should be a really easy install, but with the issues posted, I don't see harm in waiting a few more weeks.

I hope RA addresses the above issues in the video -- ie, if you don't do X your install will look like Y, and otherwise hightlight points that others have had trouble with

[wrxtunerd]

Originally Posted by nytejade

The problem is, following the instructions to the T doesn't produce a flushed look. They should make some modifications to their installation instructions to deal with this issue.

By the time RA responded to this thread (which I congratulate them on), I had already removed all the flaps and decided not to use them.

*shrugs* There are some things where attention to detail is important. I believe a BRAND new car is one of them.

I was frustrated too, but in seeing the rock chip threads, I'm okay with a tiny body line being off. (*I fixed mine after the pictures I posted and got it looking a lot better after taking off a spacer on the affected screw*)

[wrxtunerd]

[Mikael1052]

Ha! I'm glad my post caused RA to freak out and declare, "No, no, no! You don't have to do that!"

Well, I did because I couldn't get the damn things to sit flush otherwise. Given the paint issues, the flaps seemed a MUST immediately and forever so cutting away an area always to be covered by them didn't seem that bad. Now there seems to be more info and maybe with greater patience/experimentation (read: instructions) I could have succeeded with less drastic measures. Oh well, cutting away to mount my mud flaps is certainly the least of my gripes about this car.

[Slimey]

Originally Posted by Mikael1052

Ha! I'm glad my post caused RA to freak out and declare, "No, no, no! You don't have to do that!"

Well, I did because I couldn't get the damn things to sit flush otherwise. Given the paint issues, the flaps seemed a MUST immediately and forever so cutting away an area always to be covered by them didn't seem that bad. Now there seems to be more info and maybe with greater patience/experimentation (read: instructions) I could have succeeded with less drastic measures. Oh well, cutting away to mount my mud flaps is certainly the least of my gripes about this car.

Actually, I thought what you did looked quite good. As I have not installed the flaps yet I had a little bit of trouble picturing what people were talking about. With your pics I can see what was meant by tight tolerance. It doesn't seem like such a big deal to me to dremel off a bit of plastic for a tighter fit...of course, it would be better to have tight fitment without such modifications too.

As said above, I'm waiting for the video.

[Rallyarmor]

Originally Posted by Mikael1052

Ha! I'm glad my post caused RA to freak out and declare, "No, no, no! You don't have to do that!"

Hi Mike,

The concern is that someone else may be duplicating your efforts which will be the exact opposite of what is required. It is antithetical to what we are trying to accomplish which warrants an immediate response .
We simply want to ensure that other users do not follow suit unecessarily, and remind everyone that we are always available to assist

Wrxtuned- it looks like you have corrected the previous gaps, (thats great! )Here is a close up of the body lines on the previous install we were referring to as well :



(again to note: the installation above utilizes all of the hardware provided)

This particular area on the 08 STI includes a higher number of components to re install than previous years (side skirt/fender cover/ front liner portion/foam gaskets/inner clips/lower clips/and so forth). We fully understand that questions/requests for assistance can sometimes arise.

There are a couple of options we are researching in particular (in addition to the video) and we will be reporting back after some additional testing. Easing the installation to accomodate and adapt to a variety of users is always a goal -hence our diligent efforts to provide detailed installation instructions and videos with all of our Impreza applications, as well as our direct communication with folks

thanks much
Team R/A

[Slimey]

Thanks R/A for the continued input.

[inpuressa]

I had the same issue with the bulging. I ground down the screw head and it looks way better now.

[Slimey]

Originally Posted by Rallyarmor

We will be releasing the installation video in the next few weeks which should help in clarifying this portion of the installation...

Just checked the usual sites - still waiting for 2008 STI specific video.

[Rallyarmor]

Hi Slimey,

We will be annoucing the video when it is live-The editing process is taking a bit longer than usual.

To be the first to receive notice of the video release, we recommend creating an account on our website and subscribing to the newsletter. This will be the first channel of communication for users.

Thanks much
R/A

[Slimey]

thanks - super quick response!

[sysfailur]

My main problem w/ getting the flaps on is getting the side skirt to pop out. I got the back ones installed (without jacks even.. uhg!) but I'm having issues up front.

Basically I pop out the two tabs underneath and I start tugging and it doesn't budge at all. What gives? I'm almost ready to have a shop install it just b/c I don't want to break it

[Rallyarmor]

Originally Posted by sysfailur

My main problem w/ getting the flaps on is getting the side skirt to pop out.

Hello Sys

In order to remove your side skirt-

There are two tabs holding the side skirt to the body (after you pop out the two tabs underneath note the two tabs on the red STI below on the right):





In our instructions, we mention to open the door in order to allow more clearance for you. To remove, simply pull off the skirt.

[sysfailur]

Originally Posted by Rallyarmor

Hello Sys

In order to remove your side skirt-

omfg. Apparently I missed those two tabs. Those would be the ones giving me issues LOL

Thanks, I'll have to give this a shot today. My buddy is coming over--maybe two brains together can solve it better than mine alone.

[sysfailur]

Well here's an update. Since my post I went back out and re-worked it. I was only able to do one side before the light went away. I tightened everything properly, put all the OEM clips back in, etc and yet I still have the bulge issue + the non-flush issue the other guys are reporting. I don't really see how it's physically possible to get it to be like how it is pictured, flush w/ no bulge.

I even tried screwing the mounting bracket down w/o a washer to reduce the height and that worked a little. I'll take some pics tomorrow in the light and see if it can be deduced what the problem is.

However I do wanna say that for $134 I can't say I'm really pleased with this install. And it appears I am also missing a medium sized screw I noticed for the right front mount so I'll have to hit up a hardware store for one of those tomorrow :\