A few questions...
 

Will any damage be done to the car by removing the heat shields completely?

How do you remove the instrument panel?

How hard is it to fix the wheel studs? A friend has an SVX with only 3 holding the wheel on...can I take the studs from my wrecked SVX and install them?

How do you flip up the brake caliper to remove the rotors?

Thanks.

The heat shields have been talked about to great length. I like to keep them on for fire protection and to avoid water spray from heating the hot exhaust pipes. Hose clamps work well to tighten them up.

Wheel studs push out the back of the hub. I have used a large socket and heavy duty C clamp to remove on a Legacy but I do not know if that can be done on the SVX. The hub may have to come off. I hope your friend doesn't loose wheel.:eek: The new stud can be pulled into place with a pile of washers and a nut, again if there is room.

The brake rotor comes off after removing the calipher and the bracket that bolts to the backing plate. One bolt holds the calipher in place. Compress the pads/piston with screw driver first before removing the calipher, watch the brake fluid resrv., use awire to hold the calipher up, no strain on the brake line, unbolt the calipher bracket from the backing plate.

I don't remember about the instrument panel. It's been too long, just go slow and be patient.

I have no heat shields... No problems after about 2 years.

Mike

Don't forget about the ABS tone rings. I know on a Legacy you have to unbolt them from the hub to move them out of the way, but you can still get the stud by it if you do. Just tread a nut on to the ones of your old car and give them a good square wack with a hammer it should pop right out.

Don't reuse old studs - the knurl/splines will have been knocked down slightly and won't provide the amout of grip you'll want hen re-installed. It isn't much fun trying to remove a wheel when the stud is spinning in the hub. Yeah, it's happened before. You'dbe reeaaallll lucky to get the wheel off without having to buy a new one. Spend the couple bucks for a new stud or two.

Spinning in the hub...wow, that must suck...the pinaccle of fustration.