Very helpful, I really do appreciate the help guys. I'm still a couple of months ahead of making my decision, still going to have to sell the Camaro ahead of time.

 

[quote=VictoryRed23;2795294]Well I found this info "the Aston Vantage is built off of the Ford line, it has relatively easy fixes and most parts are easily accessible for repairs. The maintenance is quite painless at $200 oil changes, $200 belt changes and a wonderful clutch at $2500."

quote]

The above is pure BS. The Vantage has no relationship to anything "off of the Ford line". The car is constructed around an aluminum bonded and riveted monocoque. You damage that and you might as well write it off. If you see a salvage V8 Vantage for $40K, it means it's going to cost you whatever the going market price for that year/mileage and the $40K purchase price.

There ain't nothing cheap to buy on any Aston Martin. And your typical body shop (even a very good one) isn't remotely trained to work on the structural elements.

You are seriously wasting your time thinking about 'fixin up' an Aston in your back yard.

 

[quote=XJRS Owner;2795478]
I have to agree. I hate to crush your dream though.

About four or five years ago I was pondering the same thing on a fixer Ford GT.......

The new camero is a nice ride for an 18yr old. Work hard, save up and buy a Vantage in 10 years. You have good taste.

 

XJRS is absolutely one of the harshest opinions here at 6speed, but the man knows his stuff and his input is very constructive.

Is it theoretically possible to buy a banged up Vantage and fix it yourself? Absolutely.

However it'll cost a good amount of money, and won't be completed to the standards that most AMV8 owners expect. What this means is that while you can drive it and enjoy it, there'd be almost no chance of selling it at a decent price. Last year there was a salvaged and repaired 07 going on sale on eBay, 15k lower than anything else, still nobody went for it.

It's a big undertaking for a project car. Could take a long time to get right. By the time you're done, you probably don't want to be under your dad's insurance anymore. At that time, will they insure someone under 25 with a Vantage?

I dreamed about Aston Martins for 8 years before I bought one. It's still out of my means slightly, but I have been a dedicated detailing fanatic, so my cars retain value very well so I decided to take the plunge and risk it.

Finally, an unfortunate and realistic fact for young AM owners. The reaction of other people. I'm 27 with a beard and work a corporate job. When I'm in a suit, people look in admiration. When I'm in jeans and a t-shirt, or when I go with a clean shaven look, people's reaction changes to "that damn kid with rich parents". Instead of the thumbs up, you might get a different finger. Keep that in mind.

 

[quote=XJRS Owner;2795478]It's not exactly fixing it up in my back yard, it's going to be at our shop. I'm still going to look, what's there to lose by just looking you never know what you might find.

[quote=DetomasoGTS74;2795881]I like the Camaro but it's not the right car for me, I want an AM.

Thanks for the input and info, it's really appreciated. I didn't come here to argue with you guys regarding whether or not it's possible, I just wanted to know how much the parts that I'm looking at will cost, that's all.

 

Then yes, it's possible, and yes, the price of parts themselves are not prohibitively expensive.

Doing a job well is tricky, and make sure your shop knows how to work with these unique materials. My neighbor used to work for AM, and the techniques he described to me are quite impressive. XJRS is right, I read that this car is built by "fusing" metal together with unique adhesives instead of welding, a aerospace derived technique, make sure your shop is aware of that.

If you do proceed with the project, keep us informed with a step by step write up. I'm sure while we're all warning you of the potential obstacles, we'll all be supportive if you manage to pull it off. If such is the case, please do it well

 

I'm going to do a lot more research before I jump into it. I want to make sure the work needed to fix a car like this properly is something I can handle or I'm not going to do it. Unlike the other car that you guys were saying it was salvage and going for 15k less than the market, if I do buy a salvaged one I'm going to have detailed pictures of the complete tear down and show that everything is up to factory specs. It'll just be more cost effective for me. I'm sure I'm going to own an AM one way or another within' the next couple of years and I'm just hoping it'll be sooner rather than later. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

On another note does anyone have any pictures of what's underneath the front bumper (support) also what it's made out of and how much it would cost to replace.

If the frame is damaged at all even slightly does anyone know the procedure to fix it since from what I understand it's not like a normal car.

 

I would suggest taking a AM mechanic or service manager out for a lunch ... be up front and let them know you are interested in learning and rebuilding your own AM, most likely with some help .... a new car is just not affordable for you right now ... based on the individual you might get a bunch of your questions answered by someone who does this stuff every day ...

 

Read this...

 

And just as an aside....

I have the complete DB9 workshop manual and there is not a single word about frame repair; no specs, no nothing. Simply put, AM doesn't want anyone working on the monococque without proper equipment and training so they don't tell you how to do it.

Just for grins, you should call up the AM dealer nearest you and ask if they do structural repairs. I'd be interested to know if they do them in the USA or not, because the article I posted indicated that in the UK all such repairs go back to the factory (well, actually Works Service in NP).

 

If you do get a salvage and it is front end damage, look for an '08-onwards undertray. The earlier ones don't have a cutout for the sump blug so you have to pull the undertray to get at it.

 

Will AM even sell parts to anyone but the dealer or an authorized repair facility?

 

Don't mean to thread highjack, but DetamasoGTS74, if you have a '74 GTS, post some pictures.
' always loved Panteras. Actually, been smitten with nearly every De Tomaso.
... owned a Longchamp for about a month.
... almost bought a flawless Mangusta once. ' still regret not pulling the trigger on that one.

 

Really? Those cars are badass, and only 400 produced! I understand your regret.

 

Absolutly, it is a "real" GTS from their last model year importing to the US through the lincoln/mercury dealerships. At last count I believe there are under 50 true GTS's in the the country.

This car was purchashed brand new in the showroom by my father who was a Ford Exec and turned me into a car-mad individual.

I will get some pics up when I get to my personal computer later on. It is absolutly stunning, but in need of some new paint (was repainted in 75) with only 25k origional miles. It has aftermarket exhaust (sets off car alarms) and 17" wheels from Hall Pantera in Orange County. Gets more thumbs up than my Vantage but they compliment each other perfectally.

The Mangusta is a beautiful and extremely rare car. I have only had the pleasure of seeing a couple examples. The Pantera is much more available, especially in So. Cal and Metro Detroit. While in Italy, I recognized the magnesium wheel of the car (Campagnolo) below a semi next to me and as the light changed it was indeed a Pantera that speed off. Made my trip