Aston1936 Holiday Gift Ideas

If you are an Aston owner and your Sweetie is looking for gift ideas – let me help.  I know, this is a bit of a departure from ‘how to change your oil filter‘, but I’ve been thinking about the plight of your spouses and friends trying to figure out what gift to get someone that probably already has their ultimate toy.

What I’ve come up with is a list of  easy to purchase and hopefully well received gift idea that many Aston owners would appreciate.  The prices range from under $10 USD to a little more, so even a young son or daughter can get a gift idea on an allowance.

This list includes a number of items for owners that work on their cars themselves a bit.  Perhaps they wash their own cars, or change their own oil.   The ideas here can make tasks like that a little easier.   Some of the ideas are more universal and work for any owner.

I figure you’ll spot something you like on the list and forward the link to this blog to your Sweetie to steer them in the right direction [that way Santa will know exactly what you want – wink].

If you have any suggestions to add to the list, please leave a comment below or contact me.  Here is my list for 2021. Continue reading “Aston1936 Holiday Gift Ideas”

Thank You for Brunch!

One of the great things about this hobby is that it helps other Aston owners out with their projects.  From time to time people ask if they can do something nice in return (which isn’t necessary) but I understand.  This led me to create the Donate page (linked above) where kind contributors could pick out a nice treat for me and my Sweetie.   I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity – Thank You! Continue reading “Thank You for Brunch!”

What you don’t know can hurt you

What’s wrong in this picture?

Have a look at this picture of my DB9 – can you see what’s wrong on my Aston? It’s there, staring right at us. Not recognizing it could hurt your pocket book, your Aston, and potentially even you.  I’ll give you a clue – one tire is down an alarming 10 psi. But can you even tell which one? Continue reading “What you don’t know can hurt you”

Garage Sale!

I wanted to draw your attention to a new area on the Aston1936.com website – the Garage Sale page.

The Garage Sale page is where I am selling off various bits and bobs from projects on the site.  Sometimes I buy a new set of parts just to complete the videos and articles and I am left with a perfectly good set of parts.   Rather than accumulating them indefinitely (like most of the crap in my home Garage) I’d rather sell them on to another Aston Owner to help out with their project.

I’m selling them at very reasonable low prices (far below retail) rather than giving things away entirely.  I am using the proceeds to undertake more projects I can share with you all (and to buy any specialty tools needed for the projects :>).

So if you are looking for some parts for your Aston please check out the Garage Sale page every once in a while.   You’ll be helping keep Aston1936.com going!

The Definitive Guide to Gaydon era Aston Martin: The Ultimate Aston Martin Buyers Guide

Many refer to this buyers guide as the ‘Bible’ when it comes to understanding the evolution of the Gaydon era Aston’s. Grant Neal has authored this book as a labor of love over the past 10 years and 16 editions. Grant has extraordinary access to information, rare photos and details of the past and current models. The book is a visual extravaganza including show cars, prototypes and technology details. It’s full of interesting details for each model and covers options, colors, configurations, strengths and weaknesses.

In April 2021 he published the latest edition (16th) that now includes new information on the DBX SUV and special editions of the DB11 and new Vantage. If you are looking at purchasing a used Gaydon era DB9, Vantage, DBS, Rapide, Vanquish, Virage, One-77, DB11, or DBX this book should be required reading. It will allow you to go into the purchase with more model specific knowledge.

Continue reading “The Definitive Guide to Gaydon era Aston Martin: The Ultimate Aston Martin Buyers Guide”

Aston Martin Vantage Production Numbers

Tim Cottingham is the official registrar of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.  He’s the keeper of the production data for most all of the cars, and does the tireless research to tally up how many of which platform in which configuration.  [Tim also created the fabulous AstonMartins.com website with tons of terrific information and photos about all things Aston]

Recently he teased us all with a post on the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Facebook Group where he showed the production numbers for the Gaydon era VH2 platform Vantages.   These include the all the V8 and V12 variants of the coupes and roadsters. Continue reading “Aston Martin Vantage Production Numbers”

Engine Oil for an Aston Martin DB9

Choosing the brand of Engine Oil appears to be a religious decision for some.  Not just Aston Martin owners, but with car enthusiasts everywhere.  From Mobil 1, to Motul, Castrol, Royal Purple, and even generic cheapo brands the forum discussions run the gamut hot and heavy.   I take a more pragmatic approach to it – What does Aston say is best for it?  In this article I’ll take you on a quick FACT based tour of the requirements for the V12 engine (note this is not the same for the V8’s in the Vantage).  If you want the short version to skip the reading, just use Mobil 1 0W-40 like Aston recommends.  Read on for the why…. Continue reading “Engine Oil for an Aston Martin DB9”

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Production Numbers – A Geek’s Guide

Can you remember when you last took notice of Jeremy Clarkson?

Shall I tell you? I bet it was the final feature of the final episode of series 13 of Top Gear, August 2009. Are you with me now? If not, take a 5 minute break and watch it here.

How on earth did JC record a full 4 minute mini feature film and yet managed only to utter 82 words. Has any other car before or indeed since, managed to virtually silence Jezza?

After highlighting the DBS V12 in AMQ Summer 2018 (read that article here), it is now time to look more closely at the V12 Vantage (VH280 to VH287B, six-speed manual 2010MY to 2013MY).  Same engine, same gearbox, same brakes, same interior. It is as near as makes no odds, the same car but in a more compact package. Continue reading “Aston Martin V12 Vantage Production Numbers – A Geek’s Guide”

A Chat with Steve – Interviewed by Bamford Rose

Mike from Bamford Rose

Recently I had a Chat with Mike from Bamford Rose.  Many Aston enthusiasts might already know Mike from his popular YouTube videos “Forum Chat”.   I did my best to learn some David Letterman interviewing skills and got to ask him about his background, his time at Aston, the origins of Bamford Rose, and what’s ahead for Mike.  You can find a link to that Interview here.

Mike wanted to turn the tables and have a chance at interviewing me.  In this video we’ll discuss a bit of my background, how I became a car guy, the origins of Aston1936, discuss a few projects, and learn a about a few of my favorite things Aston related. Continue reading “A Chat with Steve – Interviewed by Bamford Rose”

A Chat with Mike from Bamford Rose

Mike from Bamford Rose

Recently I had a great opportunity to have a Chat with Mike from Bamford Rose.

Many Aston enthusiasts might already know Mike from his popular YouTube videos “Forum Chat”. It was one of those videos that got me interested in what he had to share. I watched one, then two, and soon I was chain smoking them. They are a great source of Aston knowledge. Continue reading “A Chat with Mike from Bamford Rose”