So what have you done with your Aston today? (Vol. 2)
Discussion
Jon39 said:
My CC Charger remote switch cannot close the valves. The options are either standard OEM, or open all the time.
Think you might need a wired 3-way switch, if you want to be able to close the exhaust valves.
The DB7 handbrake shoes are fitted inside the rear brake discs. To inspect them means removing the brake callipers and discs so this job is only likely to be done when fitting new rear discs. As many of these cars are low mileage there is a danger the shoes may deteriorate due to corrosion.
As can be seen the shoes here were covered in surface rust which on its own is not a problem. However, the brake linings are bonded to to the shoes and as rust attacks the metal the bonding is weakened.
While there was still an amount of lining material left, an inspection revealed the lining was separating from the steel shoe. This allowed a blade to be inserted and resulted in a piece of lining breaking off.
I fitted a set of Mintex brake shoes which cost just £20.50 + vat/p&p with a new fitting kit £8.99 + vat/p&p which is an astronomical saving over Aston Martin prices - details in the Alternative Parts thread.
As many of these cars are automatic and kept in garages, many owners will probably rarely use the handbrake preferring to use Park instead. This means surface rust on the inside of the discs builds up so I regularly apply the handbrake lightly so there is slight resistance and then drive forward a short distance. This helps to keep the rust at bay. (click on the pics to enlarge them for detail)
As can be seen the shoes here were covered in surface rust which on its own is not a problem. However, the brake linings are bonded to to the shoes and as rust attacks the metal the bonding is weakened.
While there was still an amount of lining material left, an inspection revealed the lining was separating from the steel shoe. This allowed a blade to be inserted and resulted in a piece of lining breaking off.
I fitted a set of Mintex brake shoes which cost just £20.50 + vat/p&p with a new fitting kit £8.99 + vat/p&p which is an astronomical saving over Aston Martin prices - details in the Alternative Parts thread.
As many of these cars are automatic and kept in garages, many owners will probably rarely use the handbrake preferring to use Park instead. This means surface rust on the inside of the discs builds up so I regularly apply the handbrake lightly so there is slight resistance and then drive forward a short distance. This helps to keep the rust at bay. (click on the pics to enlarge them for detail)
Over the last couple of months I've been refurbing the garage for my Vantage S, I've cleared out the crap, had it dry-lined all throughout, ceiling put up and I've painted the two garages. This week I bought floor tiles and have been laying them, I just have the skirting to fit tomorrow but thought I'd show it here and the transformation that has been made. Like to show you a couple of before, during and after.
How it looked in August
Plaster boarded out and new ceiling in place
Walls and ceilings painted and floor tiles laid, just skirting to go on tomorrow.
Car in place and looking much happier now
Just one more with lights off.
New boiler also fitted on the back wall to keep the car a little warmer over winter. Also two new electric sectional doors fitted.
I'm really pleased with the finish and now the hard work is nearly all over.
How it looked in August
Plaster boarded out and new ceiling in place
Walls and ceilings painted and floor tiles laid, just skirting to go on tomorrow.
Car in place and looking much happier now
Just one more with lights off.
New boiler also fitted on the back wall to keep the car a little warmer over winter. Also two new electric sectional doors fitted.
I'm really pleased with the finish and now the hard work is nearly all over.
phumy said:
Over the last couple of months I've been refurbing the garage for my Vantage S, I've cleared out the crap, had it dry-lined all throughout, ceiling put up and I've painted the two garages. This week I bought floor tiles and have been laying them, I just have the skirting to fit tomorrow but thought I'd show it here and the transformation that has been made. Like to show you a couple of before, during and after.
Cool, I love how the tiles are based on the car's colour scheme.BiggaJ said:
Looking good, how is fitting, quality, price? I have been mumbling with the idea of adding some carbon too (mainly grille and spoiler as yours - having an N420 it completes the original idea) but I don't want to overdo it.phumy said:
Over the last couple of months I've been refurbing the garage for my Vantage S, I've cleared out the crap, had it dry-lined all throughout, ceiling put up and I've painted the two garages. This week I bought floor tiles and have been laying them, I just have the skirting to fit tomorrow but thought I'd show it here and the transformation that has been made. Like to show you a couple of before, during and after.
How it looked in August
Plaster boarded out and new ceiling in place
Walls and ceilings painted and floor tiles laid, just skirting to go on tomorrow.
Car in place and looking much happier now
Just one more with lights off.
New boiler also fitted on the back wall to keep the car a little warmer over winter. Also two new electric sectional doors fitted.
I'm really pleased with the finish and now the hard work is nearly all over.
Great Job!How it looked in August
Plaster boarded out and new ceiling in place
Walls and ceilings painted and floor tiles laid, just skirting to go on tomorrow.
Car in place and looking much happier now
Just one more with lights off.
New boiler also fitted on the back wall to keep the car a little warmer over winter. Also two new electric sectional doors fitted.
I'm really pleased with the finish and now the hard work is nearly all over.
EVR said:
Looking good, how is fitting, quality, price? I have been mumbling with the idea of adding some carbon too (mainly grille and spoiler as yours - having an N420 it completes the original idea) but I don't want to overdo it.
Thanks, I wasn't looking for anything huge, just something to finish off the back which to me I feel it's achieved.I have to say I took a chance and ordered this from a seller on eBay located in Hong Kong. Advertised as 3k twill carbon fibre (think I got that right) and their advert shows it mounted on the back of a powder blue Vantage. I think around £300 plus shipping.
I thought at that price it's worth a punt. It came incredibly well packaged in a very heavy duty box and loads of packaging and arrived within a week, not bad. The 3M tape was in a separate packet with enough to allow the top and underside locations to be covered full width.
Initial inspection found no issues in quality and it seemed very sturdy, for some reason I had in mind that it may come warped or something and therefore, difficult to fit. But upon offering it up to the boot edge it looked great, no issues.
Gave it a good clean where the tape was to be located then applied the tape and left it for 24 hours.
Yesterday, warmed the area on the boot and made sure it was clean, did a test fit to make sure of location given once the adhesive is exposed you get one shot at getting it fitted.
All went well, left it overnight so will hopefully have bonded nicely. I may add some sealant to the leading edge to creat a nice smooth surface between boot and edge of spoiler.
EVR said:
phumy said:
Over the last couple of months I've been refurbing the garage for my Vantage S, I've cleared out the crap, had it dry-lined all throughout, ceiling put up and I've painted the two garages. This week I bought floor tiles and have been laying them, I just have the skirting to fit tomorrow but thought I'd show it here and the transformation that has been made. Like to show you a couple of before, during and after.
Cool, I love how the tiles are based on the car's colour scheme.BiggaJ said:
Thanks, I wasn't looking for anything huge, just something to finish off the back which to me I feel it's achieved.
I have to say I took a chance and ordered this from a seller on eBay located in Hong Kong. Advertised as 3k twill carbon fibre (think I got that right) and their advert shows it mounted on the back of a powder blue Vantage. I think around £300 plus shipping.
I thought at that price it's worth a punt. It came incredibly well packaged in a very heavy duty box and loads of packaging and arrived within a week, not bad. The 3M tape was in a separate packet with enough to allow the top and underside locations to be covered full width.
Initial inspection found no issues in quality and it seemed very sturdy, for some reason I had in mind that it may come warped or something and therefore, difficult to fit. But upon offering it up to the boot edge it looked great, no issues.
Gave it a good clean where the tape was to be located then applied the tape and left it for 24 hours.
Yesterday, warmed the area on the boot and made sure it was clean, did a test fit to make sure of location given once the adhesive is exposed you get one shot at getting it fitted.
All went well, left it overnight so will hopefully have bonded nicely. I may add some sealant to the leading edge to creat a nice smooth surface between boot and edge of spoiler.
Thanks for taking the time to write this, it does indeed seem like a very good product. I would appreciate some pictures in the sun when you will take the car out for a drive next time. I have to say I took a chance and ordered this from a seller on eBay located in Hong Kong. Advertised as 3k twill carbon fibre (think I got that right) and their advert shows it mounted on the back of a powder blue Vantage. I think around £300 plus shipping.
I thought at that price it's worth a punt. It came incredibly well packaged in a very heavy duty box and loads of packaging and arrived within a week, not bad. The 3M tape was in a separate packet with enough to allow the top and underside locations to be covered full width.
Initial inspection found no issues in quality and it seemed very sturdy, for some reason I had in mind that it may come warped or something and therefore, difficult to fit. But upon offering it up to the boot edge it looked great, no issues.
Gave it a good clean where the tape was to be located then applied the tape and left it for 24 hours.
Yesterday, warmed the area on the boot and made sure it was clean, did a test fit to make sure of location given once the adhesive is exposed you get one shot at getting it fitted.
All went well, left it overnight so will hopefully have bonded nicely. I may add some sealant to the leading edge to creat a nice smooth surface between boot and edge of spoiler.
phumy said:
Thanks but an optical illusion there, the car is actually green (Alloro Green), a play on the light i expect is making it look a bit grey-ish, i can see that too.
Damn, now that you mentioned it, I cannot un-see that is actually Alloro! 
I remember your car now from other pictures you posted in the past, it is one of the most glorious on here.
A 250 mile round trip form Leicestershire up to the Ribble Valley. Unfortunately mostly A roads and motorway as I need to be there and back quickly to get the most time up there (visiting elderly parents).
But didn't miss a beat and didn't feel at all tired after 2.5 hours behind the wheel each way.
First time I've driven any distance at night for a long time. God the lights are crap, and I have the HIDs!!
But didn't miss a beat and didn't feel at all tired after 2.5 hours behind the wheel each way.
First time I've driven any distance at night for a long time. God the lights are crap, and I have the HIDs!!
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