How to shut the bonnet of the V12Vs

[jarodw]

Recently I had to refill some oil and therefore had to open the bonnet of my V12V (in fact that was the first time I opened the bonnet, shame on me, because the V12V is a real beauty).

It might sound a bit strange (or even stupid), but how do you guys close the bonnet of the V12V correctly?
I shut the bonnet very carefully and tried to close it by pressing with both hands on the very front (as the bonnet is the thickest there) of the bonnet, though I was not able to close it. The material is to thin, that it simply bends under the pressure of the hands and the lock does not close.

To shut the bonnet for good, I had to drop it from ca. 15 cm with a loud bang. Is this really the way to do it?

[hashluck]

Yes that is really the way to do it. Just let it drop.

[Impasse]

Fair play to you. Many Aston owners have no idea how to open the bonnet in the first place and would possibly make a phone call to the warranty company for help.

[CSK1]

jarodw said:

To shut the bonnet for good, I had to drop it from ca. 15 cm with a loud bang. Is this really the way to do it?

Yes this is the right way to do it and demonstrated by my friendly dealer upon delivery.

[Neil1300r]

jarodw said:

I shut the bonnet very carefully and tried to close it by pressing with both hands on the very front (as the bonnet is the thickest there) of the bonnet, though I was not able to close it. The material is to thin, that it simply bends under the pressure of the hands and the lock does not close.

Is the bonnet that much diferent from a V8? The method above is how I always closed the bonnet on mine. Lower gently until its on the ctch, then press down right at the front. If you drop it a few centimeters so it closes itself you run the risk of the rubber seals on the sides getting slightly bent and then not lookin right when looking at the gap. OCD would cause me to re open it to ensure everything looked perfect.

Neil

[kensilver]

Neil1300r said:

...If you drop it a few centimeters so it closes itself you run the risk of the rubber seals on the sides getting slightly bent ...

I've had that problem on both my V8VR and DB9, so I use a soft thin plastic tool and gently run along the bonnet gap to ease the rubber back into alignment. I monthly wipe all my rubber seals with Mothers UV Protectant and the slippy soon straightens out the bends.

[CSK1]

Neil1300r said:

Is the bonnet that much diferent from a V8?

V12 Vantage bonnet is lighter than the V8 Vantage's. My dealer insisted not to push the bonnet down as it might get damaged.

[jarodw]

Yes, the V12 bonnet is much lighter. With the V8 i could close it by pushing it down with both hands, does not work with the V12 thought.

Thanks for all your feedback. So letting it drop seems to be the way to go.

[Zod]

kensilver said:

Neil1300r said:

...If you drop it a few centimeters so it closes itself you run the risk of the rubber seals on the sides getting slightly bent ...

I've had that problem on both my V8VR and DB9, so I use a soft thin plastic tool and gently run along the bonnet gap to ease the rubber back into alignment. I monthly wipe all my rubber seals with Mothers UV Protectant and the slippy soon straightens out the bends.

I find letting it drop results in the seals aligning, but trying to close it gently can leave the seals looking messy.

[cayman-black]

Do not shut it as you where doing as you will get two small dents in the bonnet.
To let it drop as all above have said is the safest way.

[V8Andrew]

Most of us use our butler right?

Just drop it, I agree a bit scary first time.