2007 V8 Vantage rear bumper supply

2007 V8 Vantage rear bumper supply

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Discussion

jakesmith

9,461 posts

170 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
rolleyes

For the record, I am NOT demanding a new bumper, and the existing bumper does not just need a flash over with new paint otherwise that is exactly what the insurance company would have done to everybody's satisfaction.

The existing bumper is bent, not just scuffed, that's why the insurance company (not me) confirmed that it needs replacing. Replacing, not just repainting. What don't you understand about that? If you would be happy to accept a shiny but bent bumper on your Porsche then happy days, but I have slightly higher expectations, and thankfully so do my insurance company and the guys employed to undertake the repair.
Well fair enough, just out of curiosity could you share a pic of the damage? Would give a bit of context

The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
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jakesmith said:
Well fair enough, just out of curiosity could you share a pic of the damage? Would give a bit of context
There is a picture earlier in the threat, from 15th August. Difficult to photo but you will see the undulations across the main bumper section, but what doesn't show if the further ripples on the chamfered section siting under the hatch lid. It's certainly not hanging in shreds but does draw your eye every time I look at it.

davek_964

8,795 posts

174 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
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blade runner said:
I think a few people are being a bit harsh on the OP to be honest.

The car is his pride and joy and, by no fault of his own, it's got a bent/scuffed bumper and no immediate prospect of having it replaced any time soon. Yes, the car is still perfectly servicable to use with the damaged bumper in place, but I also wouldn't feel great knowing I've got to drive my pride and joy around looking like that until such time as AM happen to pull their finger out and sort out parts supply. A few stone chips are a million miles away from a major body panel like the rear bumper. If I was in same position, I'd be equally as pissed off as the OP - although I don't think it'd put me off the whole marque and make me want to sell on.
Perhaps, but even the OP stated that he pushed for a new bumper because it was minimal damage and that most people wouldn't even notice it.

I'm too lazy to read the whole thread again, but not sure why the newer bumper wasn't an option if the original style was unavailable.

blade runner

1,029 posts

211 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
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davek_964 said:
I'm too lazy to read the whole thread again, but not sure why the newer bumper wasn't an option if the original style was unavailable.
I think it was because he wanted to keep the car original, which seems perfectly reasonable. I'd want to do the same in his position. Imagine if Jaguar had stopped making series 1 E-Type bonnets and just expected anyone who needed a replacement to make do with a series 2 version instead? Extreme example I know, but the logic is the same.

jakesmith

9,461 posts

170 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
I don't want the responsibility of supplying parts for the repair, that needs to be done by the repairer. However good the second hand bumper may look, if when it's on my car and painted and 'if' the work isn't 100% right, I'll have no comeback as they will just indicate that 'the second hand bumper you supplied wasn't a good one...' whether that right on not.
You can pick your own bodyshop to do the job, and tell them where to buy the part from.
It is their responsibility to do the work to the standard you are happy with, and guarnatee the work. You could probably even use an AM approved bodyshop, the same on that would repair spray a new one.
A used bumper that is not damaged, that has been proficiently repainted, is the same as a new bumper. New bumpers are painted too you know. Here is one for £100 on eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ASTON-MARTIN-V8-VANTAGE-...



The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
blade runner said:
davek_964 said:
I'm too lazy to read the whole thread again, but not sure why the newer bumper wasn't an option if the original style was unavailable.
I think it was because he wanted to keep the car original, which seems perfectly reasonable. I'd want to do the same in his position. Imagine if Jaguar had stopped making series 1 E-Type bonnets and just expected anyone who needed a replacement to make do with a series 2 version instead? Extreme example I know, but the logic is the same.
And also as the later bumper needs a different lower splitter which is a further £2,800 (in plastic not carbon..) in wasn't something the insurance would authorise, and they certainly wouldn't authorise a full front and rear update so everything matched. Meaning the later style bumper just isn't viable added to the desire to leave the car visually standard.

The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
jakesmith said:
You can pick your own bodyshop to do the job, and tell them where to buy the part from.
It is their responsibility to do the work to the standard you are happy with, and guarnatee the work. You could probably even use an AM approved bodyshop, the same on that would repair spray a new one.
A used bumper that is not damaged, that has been proficiently repainted, is the same as a new bumper. New bumpers are painted too you know. Here is one for £100 on eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ASTON-MARTIN-V8-VANTAGE-...
Itwas the local approved Aston Martin body shop who are doing the repair.

jakesmith

9,461 posts

170 months

Thursday 25th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
Itwas the local approved Aston Martin body shop who are doing the repair.
All the more reason for them being able to finish a used one to the right quality then
Why not give them a call & ask them about sourcing a used one and prepping & painting it then. Good as new.
Alternatively if this is such an issue that you still can't enjoy your Aston maybe you're better suited to a high volume car with better availability of spare parts?

The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Thursday 25th August 2016
quotequote all
jakesmith said:
........Alternatively if this is such an issue that you still can't enjoy your Aston maybe you're better suited to a high volume car with better availability of spare parts?
rolleyes What like a Porsche, no thanks!

9 years of TVR Tuscan convertible ownership, on of 105 made and never had a problem getting parts even after they went bust. My 1968 Maserati, one of 480 made and nearly 50 years old and able to buy brand new replacement bumpers, albeit handmade in stainless steel. Aston Martin Vantage which is still in production and the parts supply drys up, it's not great is it?

Impasse

15,099 posts

240 months

Thursday 25th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
rolleyes What like a Porsche, no thanks!

9 years of TVR Tuscan convertible ownership, on of 105 made and never had a problem getting parts even after they went bust. My 1968 Maserati, one of 480 made and nearly 50 years old and able to buy brand new replacement bumpers, albeit handmade in stainless steel. Aston Martin Vantage which is still in production and the parts supply drys up, it's not great is it?
The Vantage of our shape isn't in production any longer and hasn't been for a while. For whatever reason there are issues getting hold of some non-everyday parts specific to cars of our vintage. In your position I'd go down whatever route necessary to bring the car back to my aesthetic satisfaction. If that meant grabbing a used bumper skin from the Ebay link supplied and dropping it off to my local paintshop, then so be it.

I certainly wouldn't be proclaiming doom and gloom while shoving the car to the rear of the garage. But then, we're all different people.

The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Thursday 25th August 2016
quotequote all
Impasse said:
The Vantage of our shape isn't in production any longer and hasn't been for a while. For whatever reason there are issues getting hold of some non-everyday parts specific to cars of our vintage. In your position I'd go down whatever route necessary to bring the car back to my aesthetic satisfaction. If that meant grabbing a used bumper skin from the Ebay link supplied and dropping it off to my local paintshop, then so be it.
It may not have been in production for 5 years but it is still sold through the dealership as an approved used car, it's hardly vintage even though I do know what your saying.

As for supplying eBay parts, would you genuinely? Would you actually pay for an unseen second hand parts and pay for them to be painted and fitted when your damage is subject to a no-fault insurance claim. You may but it's not something I'm going to take on.

jakesmith

9,461 posts

170 months

Thursday 25th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
It may not have been in production for 5 years but it is still sold through the dealership as an approved used car, it's hardly vintage even though I do know what your saying.

As for supplying eBay parts, would you genuinely? Would you actually pay for an unseen second hand parts and pay for them to be painted and fitted when your damage is subject to a no-fault insurance claim. You may but it's not something I'm going to take on.
You don't know a lot about cars do you

The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Thursday 25th August 2016
quotequote all
jakesmith said:
You don't know a lot about cars do you
Nice, stay classy laugh

Impasse

15,099 posts

240 months

Friday 26th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
As for supplying eBay parts, would you genuinely? Would you actually pay for an unseen second hand parts and pay for them to be painted and fitted when your damage is subject to a no-fault insurance claim. You may but it's not something I'm going to take on.
Yes. It's a plastic skin. Its only function is to beautify the rear of the car and provide a space to mount the number plate. If the alternative is not using the car because its appearance offends my eyes, then surely the logical thing is to repair it using whatever means are available. Daft not to, bordering on being ridiculously petulant.

The insurance issue is another matter, but it seems you have reached a stalemate with the insurance company and that situation is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon because they don't own the rights to the bumper manufacturing tools.

Fix the car, use it, enjoy it. That skin can be replaced and the car back on the road for under £300.

jakesmith

9,461 posts

170 months

Saturday 27th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
Nice, stay classy laugh
Sorry, I'm trying really hard to help you here. How about another suggestion. Buy something like this till the Aston is fixed, sell it when the Aston is fixed. You'll have the benefit of driving something else for a bit, it has a really ridged chassis, and you'll be up on the deal based on fuel saving over the period - I have checked with the vendor and all the body panels are original so you don't have to worry about provenance

http://tinyurl.com/hcuqaqz


The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Sunday 28th August 2016
quotequote all
jakesmith said:
Sorry, I'm trying really hard to help you here. How about another suggestion. Buy something like this till the Aston is fixed, sell it when the Aston is fixed. You'll have the benefit of driving something else for a bit, it has a really ridged chassis, and you'll be up on the deal based on fuel saving over the period - I have checked with the vendor and all the body panels are original so you don't have to worry about provenance

http://tinyurl.com/hcuqaqz
I thought you were joking until I saw your current cars, now I'm not too sure.... Thanks, but no thanks.

jakesmith

9,461 posts

170 months

Sunday 28th August 2016
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The Surveyor said:
I thought you were joking until I saw your current cars, now I'm not too sure.... Thanks, but no thanks.
You're welcome! I actually think driving a silly little car like that for a few weeks might be good for you.

It would certainly suit your outfit (from the picture above) of yellow t-shirt, shorts, and baseball cap, better than your very exclusive and prestigious 11 year old Aston 4.3!

Best wishes

The Surveyor

Original Poster:

7,576 posts

236 months

Wednesday 31st August 2016
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jakesmith said:
You're welcome! I actually think driving a silly little car like that for a few weeks might be good for you.

It would certainly suit your outfit (from the picture above) of yellow t-shirt, shorts, and baseball cap, better than your very exclusive and prestigious 11 year old Aston 4.3!

Best wishes
Ahem.. 9 year old. It's a 2007 Vantage as the thread title.

I do think I could be tempted to drive a 'silly little car' but only if it was a 'Prestige Luxury' version, otherwise people would think it's just another 'girls' car!

Anyway, back on topic. The rear bumpers are on 12-14 week back order so it looks like I'll just need to be patient. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait to get the car back looking it's best.

blade runner

1,029 posts

211 months

Wednesday 31st August 2016
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12-14 weeks is not great, but at least you now have confirmation that supply of the original bumper will continue and a date to work to now.

rossyl

1,109 posts

166 months

Wednesday 31st August 2016
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Jeez, it has gotten a little bit snappy and a tad rude on here has it not?

Cheer up.

A man with a nice car had it damaged by someone else.
His insurance company have agreed to fix it.
Insurance company repairer cannot get the part.
This annoys the owner.
The owner does not want to take the liability of supplying a part to the repairing garage as the garage may then disclaim all liability should the job not be done correctly. Which is quite possible.
Owner gets frustrated at AM for not supplying spare parts for cars that are ultimately still in production.