Just a few updated shots of Fi showing how she sits as of tonight
Going Down
I held out for as long as I could, but it was time to shrink some gaps and get Ri’s undercarriage closer to the Earth.
After much deliberation, I decided to go with the Neuspeed Neu-f springs, as they seemed to be the best balance of looks & performance, without going so low as to have clearance problems with driveways and rough roads.
The install is actually quite simple, without the need for a spring compressor. Air tools make the whole process only a couple hour job, but it can be accomplished with only hand tools without too much more effort.
So, what’s the verdict? Haven’t put on a ton of miles yet, but so far the ride feels great. Solid, but not harsh, and stable in the corners. As for looks, you be the judge!
Neuspeed Neu-F Abarth springs
Neu-F vs stock rear spring. Note, the rear spring already had a coil cut off
Neu-f vs stock front spring
Rear springs installed. 2 bolts. A monkey could do this blindfolded.
New front spring installed on the stock strut
Spring & strut installed back in the 500
Finishing up. Also took this opportunity to rotate the tires
Lowered and back on all fours
Surprisingly small set of tool requirements. The impact isn’t necessary, but speeds things up immensely!
Lowered and freshly washed!
Lowered and freshly washed!
Dat ass
Ready to go
A Time for Stripes
I’m not normally one to fancy flashy graphics on a vehicle. However, I think FIAT did a great job the stock ABARTH side stripes. Fi didn’t come pre-striped, which I suppose is good, as it’s an overpriced dealer option. Even buying the stripes from the dealer to install yourself is in the neighborhood of $250. Since I didn’t feel like getting bent over, my search lead me to a member of the FIAT 500 USA Forum who cuts custom vinyl who I persuaded to whip me up a sweet set (Thanks!).
Stripes, ready for the install
It’s laid out like that
Drivers side done!
Peel it!
Almost done
Stripes: Complete!
Now I match the gas pump. Mission accomplished.
First Oil Swap
At about 7200 miles, Fi started asking to have her oil changed. Well, the dash notification message popped up, that is. I’ve changed many an oil in my life, but this was my first time using a vacuum extractor instead of the drain plug. Worked pretty slick to suck it all out without crawling under the car, but it took a lot longer to extract than a normal drain would.
Mileage at the time of her first change
Pennzoil Euro 5w-40 synthetic
Sucking
Old oil filter vs new
Pack it In
As a pro photog, hauling lots-o-gear is something Fi must get used to. With the rear seats down, and careful packing, she’ll hold a decent amount. Even fits a 9′ roll of seamless paper… after I sawed a foot off the end of the roll 
Ready for some football team headshots
Roll of seamless paper just barely fits diagonally
