New owner ??

[james-6i0lg]

I took the plunge and bought an early 06 v8 vantage, which I am enjoying, bought a trickle charger for over winter and on now as dsc code when starting without it on charge, this post is to see if there is any owners in the Teesside area?
I’m not rich and looking at parts thread which I’m drilling into, it seems Aston parts are rediculous etc, having owned a few tvr”s in the past I know they were a combination of Rover, ford bits etc, also has anyone had clutch refurbishment done ? Instead of a £3k bill I’m hearing for the standard one from Aston?
We used Alpha papa clutches in the chimaeras etc, interested who’s interested in my area, for drives etc, meets, to share thoughts etc to maintain to a better quality and less expensive experience. Brilliant car to drive, I love it !
I know this has Volvo and ford bits and bobs on it but I can’t complain with the drive and power 😬

[Simpo Two]

Can't help specifically, but whilst some Aston jobs/bits can be done at normal rates by a normal garage, other things are unique and you just have to stump up - especially if you want to keep the history going. Parts are expensive and so is labour. After all, if they were cheap to run everybody would have one

As for meeting up or other recommendations, you'll have to tell us whereabouts you are...

[james-6i0lg]

Teesside billingham, it’s not about stumping up and bearing with , it’s about to getting a better quality product that outlasts the standard parts etc, I saw wheeler dealers were they upgraded an existing burnt out clutch on something which was a third of the price and would last twice as long etc..
For instance rose joints instead of bushes last last longer as was done on the tvr”s etc, I’m talking about improving the quality of ownership drive, at half the price, I’m not one for paying over the odds for inferior quality who would be?

[john ryan]

James, a bit of research effort (even on this forum) will show that alternatives are readily available for many parts. The clutch is expensive mostly because of the labour to access it - it's not straightforward, but doable for a home mechanic with committment. I've self maintained my V8V for 10 years, at very modest cost.

[Jon39]

Welcome James. Wonderful cars, every journey is special.
Please post a photo when you can. We enjoy seeing pictures.

The only point in your post that I can comment on, is clutch cost.

You will have already noticed the good steering balance. With the front mid-mounted engine and rear gearbox, front/rear weight is almost equal.
A consequence of that, is if a clutch change is needed, it does require many hours to complete.
So it is the labour cost which mostly contributes to the high price.

When/if you do need one, the twin plate version is a popular replacement on manual cars.
It can be fitted to Sportshift, but I don't think many workshops are prepared to do it.

Enjoy your car.

[Jon39]

Simpo Two said:

... you'll have to tell us whereabouts you are...

Keep up at the back, John. -

[Simpo Two]

Jon39 said:

Keep up at the back, John. -

OK you can have a cookie from the jar Now calculate my CGT liability FY 22/23

james-6i0lg said:

Teesside billingham, it’s not about stumping up and bearing with , it’s about to getting a better quality product that outlasts the standard parts etc, I saw wheeler dealers were they upgraded an existing burnt out clutch on something which was a third of the price and would last twice as long etc.. For instance rose joints instead of bushes last last longer as was done on the tvr”s etc, I’m talking about improving the quality of ownership drive, at half the price, I’m not one for paying over the odds for inferior quality who would be?

But this is not Wheeler Dealers (was that the DB7?) and an Aston is a very different animal from a TVR. I had three TVRs.

Why would an Aston part be inferior quality?

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 1st December 19:44

[macdeb]

Simpo Two said:

Jon39 said:

Keep up at the back, John. -

OK you can have a cookie from the jar Now calculate my CGT liability FY 22/23

james-6i0lg said:

Teesside billingham, it’s not about stumping up and bearing with , it’s about to getting a better quality product that outlasts the standard parts etc, I saw wheeler dealers were they upgraded an existing burnt out clutch on something which was a third of the price and would last twice as long etc.. For instance rose joints instead of bushes last last longer as was done on the tvr”s etc, I’m talking about improving the quality of ownership drive, at half the price, I’m not one for paying over the odds for inferior quality who would be?

But this is not Wheeler Dealers (was that the DB7?) and an Aston is a very different animal from a TVR. I had three TVRs.

Why would an Aston part be inferior quality?

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 1st December 19:44

'cus Wheeler Dealer says. Ed', Anthony etc talk sense whereas Mike brewer talks shyte. OP, the clutch change is a huge job, not a lay on back under car with a hand on trolley jack change ala TVR. Oh, BTW I did the rose joint thing on TVR's and they were crap, so went back to bushes. eta, I'm all for men in sheds vs wallet racers as I'm the former but you can't properly maintain an Aston Martin on the very cheap. Some savings can be made but not huge. No offence, really, just being honest.

Edited by macdeb on Thursday 1st December 20:11

Edited by macdeb on Thursday 1st December 21:18

[AstonV]

Quite a bit of DIY procedures here that can save you money.

https://www.redpants.lol/diy-guides

[steveatesh]

If you ever do need an Aston specialist, consider Aston Works at Beamish, not too far from you. Cheaper than the main dealers for repairs and they know what they are doing.