Monthly Archives: April 2014

Peel it!

A Time for Stripes

Mods

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

Stripes, ready for the install

It's laid out like that

It’s laid out like that

Removing the backing in smaller sections

Removing the backing in smaller sections

Drivers side done!

Drivers side done!

Peel it!

Peel it!

Almost done

Almost done

Before trimming the door gap

Before slicing the door gap

Stripes: Complete!

Stripes: Complete!

Now I match the gas pump. Mission accomplished.

Now I match the gas pump. Mission accomplished.

Sucking

First Oil Swap

Maintenance

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

Mileage at the time of her first change

Maui came out to help. She also brought me a beer. Kitty knows me so well.

Maui came out to help. She also brought me a beer. Kitty knows me so well.

Penzoil Euro 5w-40 synthetic

Pennzoil Euro 5w-40 synthetic

Sucking

Sucking

Old oil filter vs new

Old oil filter vs new