HELP: In Need of Cosmetic Help or a New England Subaru Shop

[SubieGuy4]

I'll try to keep the explanation concise. I have a 2005 white STi. I bought it used a year ago and it's had a slew of subtle but worsening issues with cosmetics and electronics since I bought it. It was clearly in a small accident that went unreported before I bought it. The trim things on the outsides of the front bumper are barely secured, really. One of the front fenders has slight warping in it (presumably from an accident). Also a couple panels and the scoop around the front of the car have clearly been repainted by a junky body shop, since they're ever so slightly off-color from the real Aspen White.

When you walk around the car and look at it, barely any of this is apparent and none would be noticed by someone who isn't a real car enthusiast. Thing is it's all getting worse over time and I really want to start doing something about it all. Also my 12V DC jack isn't connected to anything and I'm assuming the airbag went off in the aforementioned accident because I have an '04 STi steering wheel that isn't connected (the horn and cruise control don't do anything).

I either need someone who is well versed with body stuff, who knows where I might be able to get some replacement panels (and would like to make a few bucks), or a recommend for a Subaru specialized shop in New England (preferably MA, CT, or RI) that is good at body work. After my $8,000 motor rebuild I don't think I can currently get enough money for the STi to pay off my loan and the rebuild (I'd need to sell it for $18-19k) so my only option is to work on it and make it better. Any help or advice would be great.

 

[IGOTASTi]

I'm sorry to see that you got screwed. I have heard this story over and over.

Take one issue at a time. What's the most important thing you want fixed first?

 

[SubieGuy4]

Well the little bumper trim bits (the things that have the aero-bulge behind the fog light covers) are first. I could use a technical term for them if there is one. The clips that hold them in place are broken or missing in various places on both sides. By that I mean the clips that are actually part of the panel itself, rather than the black pop-out clips (some of which area also missing). Ideally I'd like to just get new one's since at least one of them is not perfect Aspen White. Not too sure where to look for that though.

I also REALLY want to get my steering wheel connected, as well as the 12V DC jack. I have an Escort 8500 radar detector that I use to run in my WRX and I've never been able to run it in the STi because there's nothing to plug it into. Part of my issue is that even if I can get the parts and the exterior panels are pre-painted, I have no idea how to install any of it, inside or out. I'm a little too skittish to do it myself for fear of making the issue worse.

 

[IGOTASTi]

I'm trying to figure out what piece you are looking for. Can you post a picture of it.

 

[SubieGuy4]

The panel shaped like an upside-down Oklahoma.

 

[IGOTASTi]

The panel shaped like an upside-down Oklahoma.

Let me see if I can find them and get a correct name for them.