200K spider in NorCal

[jpmilesdds]

Hi gang,
I've owned a 1981 spider for about 8 years. I love it as one would love a dog named Marley. Unfortunately, it has begun to strand me often, to the irritation of AAA and the wife. So I've decided to set it up as a track day car. I've removed bumpers, rear seats, spare tire, trim, wipers, etc. I've had an inexpensive paint job done and installed a roll bar. A Kirkey race seat and 5 point harness are next. The top and windscreen may go. I have Yokohama slicks mounted on imitation Panasports.
Anyhoo, I appreciate feedback from anyone who's used spiders at track days (e. g. NASA's HPDE.)
And I could be easily talked out of the parts I've taken off the car, but have no desire to ship them. They're in fair to good condition and could be had for a song when picked up. I'm in Livermore California

[mdrburchette]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I use my 71 on the track when I have the chance. What are you planning to do for brakes? Are you going to keep the car fuel injected? Do you have pics?

[mbouse]

hi and welcome to the site. we wanna see pictures of this future track car, please...

have fun here

[jpmilesdds]

I hadn't really thought about the brakes. The car has such modest acceleration, I'm hoping not to have to give up speed too often.
What's the easiest way to post photos?

[rlux4]

Hello there, welcome to the forum. Baltobernie has posted a good turtorial on how to post pictures here:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... res#p37831
Now we get to see your car!
Ron

[jpmilesdds]

Here are some photos before and after track day transformation.
BTW, the original paint looked much worse in real life than it appears on this 5 year old before photo. http://s642.photobucket.com/albums/uu142/jpmilesdds/

[azygoustoyou]

The car looks good. I like these cars without bumpers. I like the color.

[pope]

You have 200,000 miles on that spider?
WOW

[PittsburghKevin]

The body on the car really looks really nice from the pictures. I had to laugh when I was looking at them, however. For a minute, just a minute I thought the left and right side had different rims!

[jpmilesdds]

Thanks for the comments. The old color is FIAT's Azzura Blue. The new color is a 1966 Corvette color called Nassau Blue. This is one of the colors you can get as hobby paint from Testor's, and seemed like a modest change.
The car corners well on the racing tires and lowered stance, but makes ominous noises during left turns. I'm not sure what's going on, but it worries me about taking it on the track - which hasn't happened yet.
With the change in wheels, I had to figure out how to work with lugs rather than lug bolts like stock. This has been a saga in itself. I'd be happy to consult with anyone who is thinking of doing this (especially on the cheap like I did) so they can avoid all the problems I've had.

[jpmilesdds]

Actually 190,000 miles. I bought it in 2001 with 160,000. It was well cared for with a lengthy service record. I have struggled since. But I know a lot more about cars now.