Month: September 2019

Let there be light !

On By mike2209In How To, Uncategorized2 Comments

Since buying Aston 2209, my DB9, in April of 2017 I have always thought that the interior cabin lighting was a little dark. My wife Barbara despite having Satnav in the DB9 and Google Maps on her phone still likes to use a paper map so she also agreed with me that the reading light could do with some improvement.

With the arrival of LED technology options are now available for us to replace existing lamps (bulbs) with LEDs. The good thing is that LEDs are a win win technology using less current and providing a brighter light.

I set out to investigate what was available to me searching Ebay and Amazon under “W3W LED Bright White Car Bulbs” and found that there are many manufacturers available making any number of LED lamps to suit our Astons, however the search only came back with W5W fitting. I not saying the W3W fitting bulbs are not available but my search at the time kept coming back with only W5W and that is what I bought.

In the video the lamp is installed from the back and you must make sure the
angular offset of the mount is pointed to the centre.  
However if you install without removing the rear view mirror or the centre roof lining as I did in the video, the slot arrowed in the head lining ensures the correct orientation of the lamp so the offset is towards the centre. The orientation slot is not there for other lamps.

I also settled on what I considered to be an excellent manufacturer, “Osram”, since most of the items on offer did not give clear indication of the manufacturer. [They’re all made in China anyway!]

As you can see they offer a 6 year guarantee, not that they cost much, I paid £13.83 (approx USD17.00) for two lamps in the pack, however if they give a 6 year guarantee it should be a while before I have replace them.

Power consumption is stated as being 1 Watt each, which is less than the original lamps that are rated at 3 Watts each.  I must admit I was a little concerned when I ordered the lamps particularly in respect of the fittings. However they fit perfectly and I’ll now buy more for the rear cabin lights, the footwells and the boot (trunk).

I wanted to have a “white” light as I believe it gives a modern look – other light colours are available such as Warm Light and colours !!!

Here is a video of the installation of the bulbs for your information.

See: https://youtu.be/oPL2AzBiSns

Mike Aston 2209

How to Remove the Grill from an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To10 Comments

My 7-bar grill looking a little tatty

The iconic grill of a DB9 is one of distinctive and signature looks of any Aston Martin.  The shape is immediately recognizable to any car enthusiast.  The early DB9’s were fitted with the distinctive 7-bar grill that has 7 horizontal bars.  Later models received an updated 5-bar grill.  Same grill shape, just fewer bars.  The 5-bar grill can even be retrofit to the earlier models.  The grill in the Vantage is similar, but absolutely not the same (8-bars and a different construction).

From what I’ve learned grills came in different finishes.  The grill in my DB9 is an anthracite grey color.   I’ve seen that a ‘polished’ finish was also available as an ~ $1,000 upgrade. Continue reading “How to Remove the Grill from an Aston Martin DB9” →

How to Remove the Engine Slam Panel from an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To1 Comment

What the heck is a ‘Slam Panel’?   When you have the engine compartment open in your DB9 and you gaze with amazement at the V12 engine, the slam panel is the large panel right in front of you that covers the area between the front bumper and the front of the engine itself.   It has the cool little plaque listing the name of the final inspector at the factory that signed off on your car (thanks Paul!). Continue reading “How to Remove the Engine Slam Panel from an Aston Martin DB9” →

Where to Apply Clear Bra Paint Protection Film on an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice8 Comments

The paint on my 14 year old Aston Martin DB9 is brittle and fragile.  If you look closely at the gorgeous Merlot Red color on the most of the front of the car, you’ll see it marred with a field of tiny chips.  I’ve had my share of cars over the years, and NEVER have I seen such a field of chips.  You’d think I drove all 42 thousand miles on gravel roads behind a truck with no mud flaps. Continue reading “Where to Apply Clear Bra Paint Protection Film on an Aston Martin DB9” →