My Latest Project
Discussion
I wanted to post the pictures first and see if you guys could figure out what I had done. 
I was interested in mounting my Valentine 1 Radar Locator somewhere in the cabin but I didn't want any unsightly wires hanging down to the power source. Also, I was concerned about having the suction cups on the mounting bracket fail (due to the Florida heat) and having it damage the piano black facia. So I decided to make a new custom enclosure for the map lights and conceal the unit in there. The controls are replicated in a concealed display that is mounted in the ashtray.
I made the enclosure out of fiberglass. It was the first time I had ever fabricated something like this. I used sculpting clay to make the mold and the laid the fiberglass on that. The final piece is covered in the exact same alcantara suede that is on the car's headliner.
The unit is powered via the OBD2 port so it switches on and off with the engine. Because it interfaces with OBD2, it is aware of vehicle speed and can be set up with a threshold speed below which no radar alerts are given. I currently have it set up not to warn me if I'm traveling under 30mph.
I was interested in mounting my Valentine 1 Radar Locator somewhere in the cabin but I didn't want any unsightly wires hanging down to the power source. Also, I was concerned about having the suction cups on the mounting bracket fail (due to the Florida heat) and having it damage the piano black facia. So I decided to make a new custom enclosure for the map lights and conceal the unit in there. The controls are replicated in a concealed display that is mounted in the ashtray.
I made the enclosure out of fiberglass. It was the first time I had ever fabricated something like this. I used sculpting clay to make the mold and the laid the fiberglass on that. The final piece is covered in the exact same alcantara suede that is on the car's headliner.
The unit is powered via the OBD2 port so it switches on and off with the engine. Because it interfaces with OBD2, it is aware of vehicle speed and can be set up with a threshold speed below which no radar alerts are given. I currently have it set up not to warn me if I'm traveling under 30mph.
AdamV12V said:
Yup I peeled them off (slowly and carefully) on the day of collection on all three of my recent Astons.
Peeling them off when the car is relatively new is prolly OK, but I'd be concerned of leaving residue if I attempted removal from a 5-year old car in Florida. They may look ghastly to you, but a partially torn sticker would definitely look even worse. I'm not willing to take that risk. lady topaz said:
Don't be surprised to get an email from George enquiring re the logistics of fabricating a Gimp mask. I'm sure he is salivating at your pics.
, beat me to it Di.KF you are a veritable pioneer !!
I would still recommend removing the stickers - if they leave a residue.....stick them back on
KarlFranz said:
TBH my fear isn't so much that the stickers might leave residue than that they may tear—in which case I'd have to source new ones to stick back on. Not worth the hassle since they really don't bother me that much anyway.
They wont tear mate - they are very tough indeed, far tougher and thicker than they look. If your car is 5yrs old then I would be worried they might actually rip off the alcantara hair/fur finish more...Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff