Thanks for the details, I know how much time you're spending, I wondered if there was a woman tapping her foot somewhere off camera

I took typing in high school, but only for the chicks, I didn terrible in the class [too many hot chicks!]. I didn't learn to type until I got into an online biz. I can only use 2 fingers, but they're not slow. I found typing is definitely better learned by doing alot of it

 

Ryan...relax...I was just nosy on labor hours being in a service business-not cars...haha

Whenever, it could be year from now or never...just fun to watch a mad-man going hundred miles an hour and getting stuff actually done correctly...

I was like you at first but where I live the police use a lot of laser on the highways. It makes them work harder to hit the plate low and off center. It is almost a common item to have a radar detector even if obeying the speed limit...as so many speed traps where you go from 50 to 25 in 500 feet. Crazy.

Good Luck ---50 words per minute..not me---one finger guy...

 

Add radar detector install to list before my US trip.
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I installed a Valentine One not too long ago. I wired it to the fuse block in the passenger foot-well with an "add a fuse". I am pretty sure there is also a good switched source if you have home-link near the mirror. I already had the mats out for cleaning so I opted to run the wire. To each his own.

I found a good spreadsheet to use for logging any maintenance or mods (screenshot below). If you need one PM me and I can email it to you. I keep very good records on all my vehicles. I blocked out some values since I did not want to share any pricing I received from a Forum Sponsor.

Lastly, I have a copy of the workshop manual which I found online (another forum) for free. I might try to host it at some pont. It is over 100mb. The manual is dated March 2010 Issue 6 if you need one. I think you said you purchased one but maybe you want something in advance. This is me assuming you have not gotten the pdf on cd (not sure if the seller just sent you a link)

Love following your "journal". The forum should make a "Journal" page where everyone can share progress on their cars.

 

If the 2010 manual covers the 4.7 [should I guess] I would absolutely love a copy.

 

I'll PM you once it uploads.

 

would love to see it as well. awesome records you're maintaining btw.

 

I had never seen the workshop manual, this is outstanding. Can't thank you enough!

 

Ryan,

I am really glad to see those parts put to good use and bring your car back to OEM look

 

Yes that is the manual, I bought - it was less and $10 so it's the cheapest thing I bought for the Aston so far and a worthwhile investment IMHO.

I'll be installing an Escort 360 for my US road trips and I agree the passenger compartment fuse box is a good idea to use as a power source (I don't have the Home Link option in my car).

Here's the Show 'n Go installation as promised...

I used the same flat tinted lens and stainless steel frame as the rear plate:


I did metal polish this as Ron suggested before reinstalling:


It came out pretty good, definitely better than just cleaned:


The bracket will mount to this aluminum plate and will stay attached to it when removed for oil changes etc:


Used tape to mark the centre and the edges of mounting bracket:


Since I'm using the same stainless security hardware I drilled out screw holes. There is foam blocks on the back in case the plate touches the bumper cover:


Here is the bracket bolted on - the rear is with a bolt and lock nut (you can reach bolt with your hand through the hole and use a ratchet wrench to tighten nut on top side. I secured the front with stainless screws:


Under hood power connections were done here:




Using the key fob, you can operate to show or hide using the two buttons:


Back on the ground you can see the pics of the finished install. BTW it will be hidden most of the time since it can be operated wirelessly from within or outside the car. Great product for cruise nights too!

License plate showing:






License plate hidden:

 

That is so cool!! But I think you just decreased your ground clearance an inch, and by the looks of the lip you can't afford that inch

 

I had my plate in the same place as that when I first go the Vantage . I made a mounting and secured it to the skid plate . The roads in this city/province are so S&$t I destroyed it in the first month or so and damaged my vanity plate so I went with the toweye bracket .
That will get scraped on every driveway entry , parking lot exit , underground garage etc .

 

Thanks guys I appreciate the honest opinions and real world feedback. My previous projects always improved with forum feedback, the more eyes and ideas the better. I agree that it will likely end up being a problem so better address it now. I'm going to investigate other options or modify it to be relocated out of the danger zone...

Cheers, Ryan

 

Great work so far, the metal polish looks like it helped. The polish are used was made mostly for aluminum. Your car is been through a lot of dirt and oxidation so it's hard to bring them all the way back. Keep up the good work.
Ron

 

Looks awesome!