DB9 wheel and Ski-slope advice needed!

[Markchip]

Hi folks,

As part of my ongoing "bring-a-tatty-2005-up-to-scratch" project I'd like a couple of bits of advice...

The walnut ski-slope is faded or sun-bleached along the front edge and corners, ditto for the satnav cover. I can't tell whether the surface is either varnished with a satin finish or if it is oiled. Can anyone tell me which it is?

Also, I intend to change the wheels for 18 inchers so I can fit a slightly higher profile tyre for improved ride comfort (I'm not a track-fiend, in case you hadn't figured out!). I've seen a set of 18's on eBay which are stated as for a DB9 but can anyone advise me what wheels from other models (DB7, Virage, etc) that will fit? And therefore also does anyone have any for sale?

Cheers and have a great time this weekend, Regards Mark


PS As I know that I'm getting Clive Chebsey's remote exhaust control for Chrimbo I'll try to remember to update everyone on my impressions after fitting.

[8Tech]

I thought they were gloss lacquer finished, but if it has had too many abrasive cleaners on it, it could lose its shine. Are you sure the 18" wheel clears the calipers? My 19's were pretty close running to the caliper.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Matte lacquer for some and gloss for others.

You can keep your wheels and just go up one aspect ratio; no need to change wheels.

[V8Staffie]

Hi Mark

I have had Clive's fuse 15 unit fitted to my V12 S Vantage and it sounds great not sure if you have read Ed's latest Burghley post but get your name down and Clive is fitting them at the event with proceeds going to the supported charity.

Wheel wise I have a set of recently furbished alloys that I am about to sell with all proceeds going to the Burghley charities. If interested let me know. They are currently down at Aston Martin Cambridge and will pop down next week to get some updated pictures?

My only comment on the dash was that earlier this year a few DB9's down Cambridge were switching from walnut to black piano dash it did make a difference in my view but I am a new and shiny person anyway!

Regards

Graham

[Markchip]

Thanks for all the input, guys.

For the ski-slope, now that I know it's varnish rather than oil, I'll probably go for a satin finish as opposed to full gloss.

I have just fitted Clive's exhaust control and it seems to work fine, IF ONLY, one of the valves wasn't stuck... It seems like a visit to my local dealer is going to be unavoidable!

As for wheels, I shall certainly follow up the idea of just fitting higher aspect tyres as that's by far the cheapest option. Having said that, I can't help thinking that 18's with equally high, or even higher, aspect tyres would be the most comfortable (sorry if I offend the track-fiends amongst you!).

Cheers, Mark

PS, any suggestions for freeing up the valves gratefully received!

[Big Brin]

Another option for the ski slope is to change the finish via a company called garnishdip. I had a walnut ski slope and changed it to piano black. Took only a. Few days......

Rgds, Brin