Mudguards for Vantage

[Sisifo]

Hi everyone, I just recently bought an AM V8 2012MY from an AM dealer and was wondering about how to best protect my new investment (first AM). I read the "definitive guide" and it seems front mudguards are a must. What is your experience with these? Mine didn't come with any and wondered whether I should add some (also no idea on pricing).

I am already planning on PPF protection as well, as I will be using the car as a daily.

Cheers,

[Simpo Two]

My DB9 has front mudflaps and they seem sensible to me. I guess the only downside might be crud getting stuck between them and the wheel arch and rotting it over time. Mine doesn't have them on the rear; is there any reason for that?

And congratulations on your new investment, where even a loss is a gain

[stevenichols]

Does the DB9 have fibreglass front wings? My 2006 V8 Vantage does. Hence, it can't rust.

[Import]

So does my 08’…but they do have the ability to chip…lots of gravel around here…

[Simpo Two]

stevenichols said:

Does the DB9 have fibreglass front wings? My 2006 V8 Vantage does. Hence, it can't rust.

Aluminium I think. Doesn't rust but can corrode.

[M1AGM]

Personally I would just do the ppf and not go down the mudflaps route, would spoil the asthetics of a beautiful car imo. Good ppf will keep the paintwork free of stone chips etc.

[CatalystV12V]

I've got a pair of stoneguards (aka mudflaps) that I'm going to fit to my V12VS..

I think I got them from 'Aston Martin Bits'

[stevenichols]

Have a closer look.

According to Google: What are DB9 wings made of?

Amazingly, DB9 was such an advance over DB7 that its bodyshell weighed 25 per cent less yet had twice the torsional rigidity, thanks to its aluminium bonnet, roof and rear wings and composite construction front wings and boot lid.

When I got my V8 Vantage I was worried about rust/corrosion on the wheel arches as they had been peppered with stones. But they are composite (Aston-speak for fibreglass)!

[LTP]

stevenichols said:

Have a closer look.

According to Google: What are DB9 wings made of?

Amazingly, DB9 was such an advance over DB7 that its bodyshell weighed 25 per cent less yet had twice the torsional rigidity, thanks to its aluminium bonnet, roof and rear wings and composite construction front wings and boot lid.

Actually the DB7 was an all-steel construction based off the XJS. The DB9 used a bonded and riveted aluminium "tub" structure

stevenichols said:

When I got my V8 Vantage I was worried about rust/corrosion on the wheel arches as they had been peppered with stones. But they are composite (Aston-speak for fibreglass)!

The front wings are actually Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) This process involves impregnated mat being positioned in heated, double-sided mould tools (punch and die) so you get a smooth surface both inside and out, plus it has other advantages (e.g.it's transparent to radio waves). Many modern cars use SMC as it can form shaped that pressed metals struggle to achieve and can incorporate reinforcements or fixings "out of the mould".

Typically "fibre glass" is separate woven glass mat (chopped or strand) applied into a single-sided mould (with a gel coat first) and then impregnated with a resin, so that the inner surface usually has the rough mat visible.

In this context "Composite" is a generic term for a resin or plastic matrix which has reinforcing fibres incorporated within the matrix

[Jon39]

Simpo Two said:

stevenichols said:

Does the DB9 have fibreglass front wings? My 2006 V8 Vantage does. Hence, it can't rust.

Aluminium I think. Doesn't rust, but can corrode.

I need to ask a four legged friend, to check that for you John.







Woof, woof. Yum, yum.
Fibreglass.

[Simpo Two]

Jon39 said:

Woof, woof. Yum, yum.
Fibreglass.

So basically a TVR then!

I wonder why they have aluminium rear wings and 'plastic' front ones?

[Jon39]

Simpo Two said:

So basically a TVR then!

I wonder why they have aluminium rear wings and 'plastic' front ones?

I don't know about the DB9, but the VH Vantage has steel rear wings. Think it is the only part of the Vantage body, that a magnet will fix to.

[Sisifo]

M1AGM said:

Personally I would just do the ppf and not go down the mudflaps route, would spoil the asthetics of a beautiful car imo. Good ppf will keep the paintwork free of stone chips etc.

That was also my thinking, hence my question for the necessity of the mud guards. Anyone with a PPF has any experience as for the need of the mud guards?

Best,

[p102768]

My '12 Virage has PPF from front to back. It was pristine when I bought the car but I made the mistake of driving along a road with freshly laid, very sharp stone chip and the sills are a mess now, especially towards the rear.

I don't know if mud guards would have helped in that situation but it couldn't make it any worse!

[melhuishjames]

I resprayed my car and then PPF’d to make perfect. I fitted stone guards/mud guards supplied by Nicolas Mee. After paying for paint i had no plan to have to do it over again. The guards are subtle and have no impact on the aesthetic in my opinion.

[DBA086]

Is there a part number / supplier for these?

[CatalystV12V]

DBA086 said:

Is there a part number / supplier for these?

You can get the from Aston Martin Bits ..

[pptom]

Renewed my rear PPF late last year. Fitted the 'mudflaps' which are actually called stone guards yesterday, easy job, 5 mins per side if your wheel is off. Pretty unobtrusive, probably should be standard fitment to stop / reduce the rash on the rear arch

https://www.astonmartinbits.com/models/5-V8-VANTAG...