Car enthusiasts are always looking for ways to express their passion, and what better way than to bring a piece of your beloved vehicle into your home? If you’re a Subaru Impreza owner, you know the quality and durability of its parts. Instead of discarding old components, why not repurpose them for unique and practical home projects? This guide explores how you can creatively utilize Subaru Impreza Car Parts for home repair and décor, starting with a clever solution for a wobbly floor lamp using a brake rotor.
The Problem: Wobbly Lamps and Garage Inspiration
We’ve all been there – a perfectly good floor lamp with a base that just doesn’t quite cut it. Cheaply made lamp bases can crumble, crack, or simply lack the weight needed to keep the lamp stable. In our garage, we had a floor lamp that had lost its original weighted base, a common issue with budget-friendly lighting. Instead of replacing the entire lamp, we sought a more resourceful and car-centric solution, drawing inspiration from the pile of subaru impreza car parts accumulated from upgrades and maintenance.
Subaru Impreza Brake Rotors: The Perfect Lamp Base
The answer was staring us right in the face – a discarded Subaru Impreza brake rotor. Having recently upgraded our Subaru WRX with Brembo brakes, we had a pair of stock STI brake rotors sitting unused. These rotors, originally designed for high-performance braking, turned out to be the ideal weight and shape for a sturdy lamp base.
The beauty of using a subaru impreza car part like a brake rotor is its inherent design. The central lug stud hole, approximately 13mm, was a near-perfect fit for the standard 1/2-inch (12.6mm) threaded nipple at the bottom of the lamp. This meant minimal modification was needed – in most cases, the lamp post can simply be screwed directly into the rotor.
The used brake rotor not only provided the necessary weight but also offered an industrial aesthetic that complements a garage or car-themed room. The cooling fins in the rotor even provided a convenient channel to neatly run the lamp cord, keeping it out of sight and adding to the clean look. To ensure safety and strain relief, a simple knot in the cord inside the rotor base prevents accidental pulling. While a proper Underwriter’s Knot is recommended for electrical safety, a basic knot will suffice for initial setup.
Beyond Brake Rotors: Exploring Other Subaru Impreza Car Parts for DIY
This brake rotor lamp base is just one example of how subaru impreza car parts can be repurposed for home projects. Get creative and consider other components:
- Wheels: As seen in the image, old wheels can be easily transformed into unique side tables or coffee tables.
- Connecting Rods and Crankshafts: As mentioned in the original article, these can be fashioned into decorative items like curtain tiebacks or even artistic sculptures.
- Springs and Struts: With some ingenuity, springs can become industrial-style bookends or doorstops, while struts might be incorporated into furniture designs.
Repurposing subaru impreza car parts is not only a cost-effective way to repair and decorate your home, but it’s also an environmentally conscious choice. By reusing components, you’re reducing waste and giving new life to parts that might otherwise end up in a landfill. So, next time you’re upgrading your Subaru or have spare parts lying around, think outside the box and consider how you can bring your automotive passion into your living space. Share your own creative DIY projects using car parts in the comments below!
