You must be running out of winter by now. 😀

 

Lol, yes I missed my goal of being on the road by end of April.
That said the weather has been rainy and cooler than normal for May here so far.
Therefore the itch hasn't been strong to drive yet other than just to get out of the house.

However, the real reason is I have also been busy on home reno's - for example:
This week we are having a new kitchen installed which meant last weekend I was tearing out the old kitchen instead of working on Vantage
No more excuses though as all my parts have arrived.
Thanks for the motivational joke.

 

Have to start with the control panel plugging everything in.
Order that worked for me was:
1) bottom 6 buttons in left to right order
2) Then work your way up (HVAC, Clock, Stereo)



4 screws hold it in and I touched up the vinyl where it meets the leather:


Next plugged in starter button and snapped in the waterfall.
Then the shifter console, clean leather, plug in switches, 12V plug and glass buttons, push and rotate shifter **** and install 2 screws at rear:




I'm actually surprised how good it looks:


Finished off by installing cupholder armrest (1 screw) and parcel shelf with new black look:


No dash warnings so next up going to do a no fire starting process to build oil pressure after the oil change - getting closer!

 

Followed steps to check my oil and topped up after oil and filter change:


Also happy to report my washer fluid system is working again including the headlight washer:


Gave it a much needed shower so I could work on installing the new badge emblems and front apron:


I recommend car ramps for this, made it easier to see versus using a stubby screwdriver:


I also recommend getting the new hardware when you change the front apron - I was missing a few screw clips.


Top Tip: use Goo Gone and a small amount of heat with a plastic scrapper to remove the old badge adhesive:


The new emblems are black instead of green (part of my black theme) and in much better cosmetic condition than the 14 year old originals (which I am keeping to install on my GTE race car hood):

 

Almost 4 years to the day, the module crapped out so I just bought another kit and installed it - much faster this time

1) Remove grill and slam panel
2) Two self tapping 5/16 head screws hold the frame to the bottom of the front bumper
3) Velcro module to frame
4) Run power and ground wires in loom
5) Route motor wire past radiator to plate frame motor
6) Shoot a YouTube video of the operation
7) Reinstall slam panel and grille

Put extra key fob in glove box as a "Bond" button
Time for a beer, here are the pics:















BTW - FYI, I lost the centre upright for my front grille a couple years ago, but I thought it looked better without it so I didn't order another.
(No issues of loose grill bars since)

Time to go test out my now functional Traction Control OFF button.... 1 burnout, 1 burnout only please

 

What did you ended putting on the roof to cover that antenna hole... looking good but I would change that custom plate as it is no Fiero anymore :-)

 

Hi Handyman:
So far it's just filled and sealed with black adhesive silicone sealant - still haven't made a final decision on whether to cover it with something small or vinyl wrap the roof.

Yes the plate was swapped on there as a joke that it's actually a Fiero kit car of an Aston Martin:


I turn 50 this summer so a new personalized plate may be in my future if I can think of something not already taken...

 

Hi guys,
I haven't posted to the thread in quite some time, as there hasn't been much to report.
Vinyl wrap was installed on the rear of the decklid and the roof in satin black.
Yesterday I had to replace my battery as it would no longer hold a charge after 7 years.
I took some pics during the swap in case it helps anyone deciding whether to tackle it themselves or not.


After removing the screws for the top metal brace, you can pull the carpet forward to access the battery hold down hardware


On my car the hold down strap was a 10mm bolt and the screws for the clamp brackets were T30 Torx


Once you loosen the screws the 2 brackets slide out of the channel at the left end




This was the battery that was installed during the safety check and paid for by the previous owner in April 2017




Don't forget to hook up the vent tube - I transferred the 90 degree fitting from the old to new battery


I went with an AGM version this time with a higher CCA of 850 and a 5 year replacement warranty. Best of all in stock at the local parts store and relatively reasonably priced! The positive and negative cables require a 13mm wrench or socket

 

A few years ago I decided to buy a spare key fob as my Vantage only came with one.
I elected to buy it at the Volvo dealer as it was a fraction of the price.
Later I purchased a more modern looking fob from the Red pants website (prior to ordering a back ordered washer bottle that I never received or got my money back).
​​​​​BTW, I still need a washer bottle (with headlight washers) if anyone has an alternative source in stock.

Anyways, now I have 2 keys and 2 fobs all programmed to the car. If you do this make sure to bring both sets of keys.
Aston Martin Uptown Toronto did the work while I waited.
Pricing was as I expected (about $200 in USD).

Swapping the guts of the Volvo fob into the Spinstate one is a breeze. It also takes a 2032 battery.
Here are some pics of the swap and the showroom at Grand Touring (who BTW are celebrating their 50th anniversary).

Cheers, Ryan


Part number is in the photo. The Volvo one is also a good option if yours stops working but your case is fine.

Spinstate on the left. The buttons are basically upside down compared to the Aston one. The board only fits one way so you can't mess it up

I have additional remotes for my power front license plate. I'm going to use the new fob and keep the spare in a safe place in case the primary one breaks or heaven forbid, is lost.









​​

 

Time to update the thread from the summer's activities.
Trip to Nashville where Aston's are a more common sight





Loved the One-77

 

While visiting my brother, we got out his 2007 Vantage manual for a nice run the to the Aston dealership in Nashville





Checked out the new Vantage and other models










I see the wheels and tire sizes are growing in the new generation!



Update: I'm pleased to report that my bro has just bought a 2017 McLaren GT that I am looking forward to experiencing too


My sister-in-law is very happy to drive it as well