New guy

[ArtV8V]

Well you chaps are probably tired of the typical "New Guy" thread. Have been on many forums over the years and have introduced myself on each. I recently purchased a used V8 Vantage in Onyx with Obsidian interior. I love the car and after owning a Lotus Esprit SE for the last 8 years, it's a joy to be able to get in the car and enjoy it without worrying about what part or piece is going to fail today or worse, fall off. Anyway. I have had my Aston for about 2 months now and have performed a few modifications so far. The brakes were worn pretty badly so I needed to put new rotors and pads on, so I opted for the Velocity 2 piece rotor kit front and rears, Thanks Stewart by the way! I hate stock wheels on any car so I selected a set of 20" TSW Tremblant wheels with a fairly aggressive offset in rear and had a set of custom aluminum spacers made to push them to the very edge of the fender arches in rear. Next I lowered her with H&R springs to get the proper look. A few other bits are just simple cosmetic additions, like powdercoating the engine braces bright red, and I wet sanded and polished the paint to look near new. Previous owner clearly washed her and let her dry with spots on it in the sun in Florida. Anyway, here are a few photos of her.
Artie

[ArtV8V]

Here are a few more shots. Here is a shot from a "Cars and coffee" meet up this past weekend.

2 piece brake parts.

[V8V Pete]

Please somebody take this thread down before George sees those wheels

[divetheworld]

We never get tired of enthusiastic Aston owners and pictures of their cool cars.
Nice brakes!! I'd like a set of those myself. Once you've run them a while, let us know your opinion, especially if there's much squeal.

[Speculatore]

Would look good with clear rear lights...

[Jon39]

Wecome Art.

Your alterations have certainly produced a cool looking car.

I admit to being a traditionalist, but as changes go, your result is eye catching.
Not too sure about the red braces. They were popular with City of London financial types in the 1980's, but are quite rare now.

I love the American clean front look, sans number plate.
Some of Jay Leno's films show him driving with no number plates at all, including the Aston Martin CC100. Is that allowed, or does he have special treatment?

Enjoy your car.

[snuffy]

Jon39 said:

Some of Jay Leno's films show him driving with no number plates at all, including the Aston Martin CC100. Is that allowed, or does he have special treatment?

I think in some US states there in no legal requirement to have a front number plate.

[KarlFranz]

^^^^ This. Florida, for one, does not require any sort of front plate.

[speech]

ArtV8V said:

Well you chaps are probably tired of the typical "New Guy" thread.

I never ever tire of the new owner threads

Congrats and welcome to the Onyx Black Vantage With Black Wheels Club

[ArtV8V]

Thanks very much gents! Yes, I am considering doing the carbon edition taillights. Haven't decided yet. Am considering upgrading my clutch first as I ordered some catalytic converters and am about to do the ecu tune. As for the number plate(license plates as we call them here), some states require a front and rear plate. Not all states do require two plates, some just require a rear plate. I am not sure if Florida requires two, but I live in Kansas City Missouri, which requires two. However, most cops will leave you alone about it, unless they need a reason to pull you over. Then they will cite you for it missing. I have only had this happen once in my old Esprit, but the guy just wanted to see my car.
Any of you gents have any pics of a black Vantage with the clear taillights or carbon edition taillights? This may help pursuade me one way or the other! Thanks again for the warm welcome to the site!
Cheers,
Artie

[michael gould]

enjoy your new car and welcome

[snuffy]

ArtV8V said:

Any of you gents have any pics of a black Vantage with the clear taillights or carbon edition taillights?

Mine is black with clear lights (complete with condensation !):

[nicke999]

love the look of your car - very cool indeed - welcome the the alternative coloured wheel club....we have loads of clubs within a club here in AM world

[Neil1300R]

ArtV8V said:

Thanks very much gents! Yes, I am considering doing the carbon edition taillights.

You've got red brake calipers, so leave the rear lights as red.
Great looking car, not convinced by the wheels, but everyone to their own. Do they not rub on full suspension compression?

[Speculatore]

Neil1300R said:

ArtV8V said:

Thanks very much gents! Yes, I am considering doing the carbon edition taillights.

You've got red brake calipers, so leave the rear lights as red.
Great looking car, not convinced by the wheels, but everyone to their own. Do they not rub on full suspension compression?

I don't think it has anything to do with the colour of the brake calipers more the contrast of the clear lights on a dark background...



It just looks better from the rear and you can't even see the calipers.

As always...Just an opinion..

[ArtV8V]

Neil1300R said:

You've got red brake calipers, so leave the rear lights as red.
Great looking car, not convinced by the wheels, but everyone to their own. Do they not rub on full suspension compression?

Thanks!
I had the same thoughts about the red calipers and red lights, but I like the clear contrast from the rear. The wheels are a very aggressive fitment but do no rub at all. It has to do with the stretch of the tires on the 10" wide wheels. The tiress are 255's and stretch onto the rim so they provide clearance for the fenders.

[Jockman]

G'day Art !!

Fantastic car - congrats

[Y100]

Now that looks like it means business,,,what a beautiful specimen, a fantastic car, congratulations indeed.

[Speculatore]

Y100 said:

Now that looks like it means business,,,what a beautiful specimen, a fantastic car, congratulations indeed.

Bob, Which one are you referring to? (Thats 'Blofeld' with the clear rear lights just to show him clear lights on a black car)

[ArtV8V]

Snuffy,
Your car looks great! I really like the contrast from the black to the clear tails! Does anyone make a replacement clear reflector set for the rear bumper? I have seen the clear turn signals. Also, is it a common problem to get consensation in the aftermarket clear tails? I know on some other cars I have dealt with previously, any aftermarket lights seem to develop this problem over time.
Cheers!