'The Ratarossa': The Testarossa Spider Rebuild Project

Center console and fittings all going in next.
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Carpets

Need to install the speaker cover correctly, again this needs some modification due to all the extra chassis strengthening bars in the area
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Slowly getting there
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Tiny bit of a difference starting to show now from when I purchased the Ratarossa.
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Passenger side storage compartment modification to fit with side chassis strengthening bars

Whilst doing this I just figured out another location for a mystery panel I had .... it’s the floor section of this piece. Happy days !!!
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Thinking about covering the extra strengthening chassis bars in tan leather to match interior
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Just discovered the corner carpet pieces after stumbling on a carpet set picture online, then looking through the bits I have left over. I had thought these were just extra truck carpet pieces as I have a couple of doubled up bits (these should also come in handy later)
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Contemplating modifying this center console panel, this originally had the seat belts housed. Thinking I might just add a simple black iPhone dock with charger, nothing to intrusive


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Something like this .... wireless charging in a mid 80s analog car.
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Cut, straightened and riveted this holder back together. Will go back in the car temporarily until I redye all the tan leather bits later on
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Switching job areas while it pouring down outside. Need to fit the missing 3 rear wheel arch panels I was lacking.

Nice dry job in the garage
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View attachment 2810098

 

And it’s done !

Not the easiest of jobs due to the new metalwork from Ferrari being anything but a straightforward fit, all needing a bit of extra work to actually align.

Good vibe though as it’s the first time all four corners are with complete arches, 3 of which were no existent when I got the project.
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Starting the nightmare job of running the cable pulls and handles to the hood and engine release mechanisms.

My hands are already cut up
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All cables in, just testing and fitting now prior to bolting in place
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Parcel shelve panels to fit.

Modification required to clear the seat belt mounting points I moved.
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Good question.

My answer has changed somewhat since buying the car. The problem being a few things.
1. Aftermarket roof chop from original Coupe will never be a pure factory car. That said there are only a handful of TR Spiders and all but 1 are aftermarket conversions. Also it was the car Ferrari never made and put into production and many believe from the looks it really should have been.
2. There were a number of Daytona’s that were converted back in the day and they still command big money even though ferrari actually produced the spyder version.
3. Because this project sat around in the elements in shelves and boxes for 25+ years literally every part needs work or replacement.

So originally it was just a fun project to get back on the road because it would never be cost effective to spend vast amounts putting it perfect. It would be cheaper to buy another pristine coupe and have it converted.

However as I go along, all the bits I’m putting back onto the car, I am trying to or plan to improve and refurbish. So it might come to a point where it wouldn’t actually take much to make it a decent car.

Currently though I am just enjoying the project, with the rat finish I can do what I enjoy and not have to worry about it being pristine. I plan to drive and use the car and just have fun with it for a while.

However never say never. If the prices of Testarossa Spider conversations still hitting stupid money, then it could be worth spending the extra and getting a fine finish.

 

Paul btw ..... awesome project !!!!

Hurry up and get some more done and pictures uploaded.

Would love to come down and view it sometime

 

Fabricating a closure panel for the gap on extra engine cover framework
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Working out a way to remount and use the luggage straps.

Trying to reuse as much of the original car interior pieces as possible.

Will refinish these parts all afterwards when I do the seats and door cards
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