Rather sad looking DB9...
Discussion
Speedraser said:
About the DB9 on ebay, is there any claim (never mind documentation) that the car has not been damaged/repainted? I know that too many Gaydon Astons have the bubbling around the door handles and certain other areas, but this car looks far, far worse than any other pics I've seen of afflicted cars. The pic of the wing/bumper shows what looks to me like it could be evidence of a (poor) repaint.
To be clear, I am not attempting excuse the bubbling issue that has occurred on these cars, but rather I am wondering if it's the factory's fault in this specific example. FWIW, the paint on my MY09 V8V remains superb. I hope it stays that way...
You have a point as I believe the bubbling is where two different metals are joined, notably around the door handle. That car has fairly widespread problems.To be clear, I am not attempting excuse the bubbling issue that has occurred on these cars, but rather I am wondering if it's the factory's fault in this specific example. FWIW, the paint on my MY09 V8V remains superb. I hope it stays that way...
Who on earth would buy that car?!! Me, as it happens... I have always loved Astons and never thought I'd ever get one, especially having had to retire for medical reasons at the age of 38! Then I came across a DB9 going for under 18 grand which turned out to be a scam (I followed up with the "seller" and eventually got his bank details which I promptly reported to the police and bank fraud teams - another long story) but it got me started on looking for an affordable Aston. After a couple of other scams and going to the Bonham's auction, I settled on this one.
I did get it inspected and did go through the history (not as incomplete as I'd feared) I ended up buying it for 24 grand. The seller was a very genuine individual and we are still in regular contact. I was quite ready for the plugs and coils renewal (DIY, because I'm not flush enough for main dealer prices) but then I saw that the engine had been replaced at 38000 miles and then the plugs and coils had also been done a further 10000 miles later. So one call to my local main dealer and I knew that the plugs and coils wouldn't need doing for another 40k. Whoopee!
That still leaves the paintwork issue. Knowing that the bodywork is either aluminium or composite I have assumed that almost all of the bubbling is down to the problem of thin paint allowing water penetration through micropores and lifting the paint off the substrate. Yes, there may be areas of electrolytic action but they will all be treated in the same manner. I called out Chips Away for a quote but the chap said as there were patches all over the place that it was really too big a job for them and I should consider a full respray. Ideally yes, but as I'm not able to afford one i have decided to DIY the individual patches myself (I have all the necessary gear and experience as a modelling enthusiast) which won't be a total nightmare as I have the luxury of plenty of free time. After this stage, which I'm doing purely to make the paintwork stable and acknowledging that the finish is unlikely to be perfect, I will get the car wrapped in the original colour - probably!
There will still be the upholstery to clean, refurbish and probably have a couple of panels replaced but after all that I will have managed to buy my dream car at an affordable price, with no other obvious signs of imminent demise.
My one unanswered snag is that I am finding it difficult to get my manual wheelchair into either the boot or the back seat! I am utterly determined to find a way, removing interior panels or the entire rear seats - any suggestions welcomed!
Cheers, Mark (the world's biggest optimist!?)
I did get it inspected and did go through the history (not as incomplete as I'd feared) I ended up buying it for 24 grand. The seller was a very genuine individual and we are still in regular contact. I was quite ready for the plugs and coils renewal (DIY, because I'm not flush enough for main dealer prices) but then I saw that the engine had been replaced at 38000 miles and then the plugs and coils had also been done a further 10000 miles later. So one call to my local main dealer and I knew that the plugs and coils wouldn't need doing for another 40k. Whoopee!
That still leaves the paintwork issue. Knowing that the bodywork is either aluminium or composite I have assumed that almost all of the bubbling is down to the problem of thin paint allowing water penetration through micropores and lifting the paint off the substrate. Yes, there may be areas of electrolytic action but they will all be treated in the same manner. I called out Chips Away for a quote but the chap said as there were patches all over the place that it was really too big a job for them and I should consider a full respray. Ideally yes, but as I'm not able to afford one i have decided to DIY the individual patches myself (I have all the necessary gear and experience as a modelling enthusiast) which won't be a total nightmare as I have the luxury of plenty of free time. After this stage, which I'm doing purely to make the paintwork stable and acknowledging that the finish is unlikely to be perfect, I will get the car wrapped in the original colour - probably!
There will still be the upholstery to clean, refurbish and probably have a couple of panels replaced but after all that I will have managed to buy my dream car at an affordable price, with no other obvious signs of imminent demise.
My one unanswered snag is that I am finding it difficult to get my manual wheelchair into either the boot or the back seat! I am utterly determined to find a way, removing interior panels or the entire rear seats - any suggestions welcomed!
Cheers, Mark (the world's biggest optimist!?)
Can't help with the wheelchair query, but you wait until the first time you park in a disabled spot and put your blue badge up.
... Hi Mark. What a brilliant story and well done you. My car doesn't have the rear seats and I don't have a wheelchair but I'm fairly sure you would struggle to get one in. Bamford Rose are renowned on here for performance enhancements. However they also love a challenge and I remember they made a dream come true for a Mk1 Vanquish owner who was on a budget. Call Mike. If he doesn't answer let us all know 
Fantastic. Really looking forward to seeing your car in the flesh one day.
Sounds like you're having a ton of enjoyment out of your project.
No doubt that it's a special car and will be even more so when it's job done for you.
Do keep us all informed as to how you progress and pics when you're ready.
PS wrapping sounds like a great solution. Choose the colour you want!
Sounds like you're having a ton of enjoyment out of your project.
No doubt that it's a special car and will be even more so when it's job done for you.
Do keep us all informed as to how you progress and pics when you're ready.
PS wrapping sounds like a great solution. Choose the colour you want!
Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the support you've shown and I promise to keep the forum posted. One more thing... I promised my wife that, after 2yrs off the road and having had hand controls fitted, I would get some instruction/training before heading off on my own. After 3-4 weeks of searching for an instructor (driver training for the disabled seems common enough, until you try to book one!) I finally found one who is happy to take me on. Amazingly she lives 2hrs away from me but is willing to make the effort after hearing of my prolonged search. Oh my God - the lesson is on Saturday!! (I must take a handful of cash to bribe her into telling the wife I'm fine to drive) lol!
Be advised, there may be a great DB9 appearing in the classifieds on Monday if I make a fool of myself!
Cheers, Mark
Be advised, there may be a great DB9 appearing in the classifieds on Monday if I make a fool of myself!
Cheers, Mark
Mark - loving this thread and your determination. Keep us updated especially no the lessons. No idea how you will get a wheelchair in the car, passenger seat with the back reclined all the way down is the only thing I can think of.
Still its good to see that DB9 owners have moved on from pipe, slippers and walking sticks
Still its good to see that DB9 owners have moved on from pipe, slippers and walking sticks
Congrats and good luck with your dream. Think carefully before spending on a wrap, it wont fix the corrosion problem.
Almost every Aston dealer does not have a paint shop of their own, they use other commercial paint shops. Dont think you have to use some extra expensive shop, its just paint. Any good paint shop should be able to make a good job of it at a fair price.
I hope it goes well, best of luck!
Almost every Aston dealer does not have a paint shop of their own, they use other commercial paint shops. Dont think you have to use some extra expensive shop, its just paint. Any good paint shop should be able to make a good job of it at a fair price.
I hope it goes well, best of luck!
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