I have just received, for my 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, a new ECU glass key converted from the old valet plastic key. This job has been carried out by Chris and his team, in “Phoenix Bespoke Keys”, at Hampshire, UK. I am very happy with the result. I completely recommend these guys to do these kind of jobs. I attach several pictures to appreciate the beauty of this piece of art. I have also realized that the buttons of our keys are lumed with a very nice blue color, visible at night or dark light.

 

Did they swap the parts from the plastic key into a new glass key?

 

Yes, exactly. One like this:

 

Wow very nice. Must cost a fortune for the conversion.

 

You can check prices here: https://phoenixbespokekeys.com/marques/bespoke-aston-martin-keys/aston-martin-lagonda-glass-valet-ecu-key-repair-personalisation/

 

I hardly ever use my glass key. It's plastic one for me.

 

^
Same here. I know I will drop it.

 

I wrote a DIY a few years ago on how to do it so wouldn't pay anyone as it is very simple to do.

 

Did you swap the internals from the plastic key into a glass one?

 

Yes I did as I didn't have the code for the Glass Key which I bough used

 

Can you post the link? I've seen new Crystal Key's for reasonable prices.

 

Here

Sapphire Kay swap DIY

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...phire-key.html

 

I always use the glass key. It looks so much better in the dash and it feels like a quality item appropriate for the car.

 

Same. Always follow rule number 1. Keep said key in pouch until you are within vehicle. It’s all part of the rather long startup process but, as every drive is an event it’s all part of build up. I still use the two finger insert, wait for light show, press in clutch, key glows red, fire it up.

Re-reading this it sounds like a euphemistic process. Maybe it is.

 

I do the exact same here, lol