Piano Black to Mahogany
Discussion
I've completed my conversion of a 07 V8V with satnav and six speed manual from a piano black fascia to mahogany. I've also done an iPod integration using the Dension Gateway 500. Some of you have asked if I'm going to part with the piano black fascia. The answer is yes.
The iPod integration works perfectly!
The iPod integration works perfectly!
I'm going to post some instructions and pictures in the near future that describe how to fit the Dension iPod integration. This is definitely a DIY project if you take your time. The comapny in the U.S. that I purchased the Dension from, has a video on YouTube for a Volvo XC90 (part 1 & 2) that describes the process.
I'll take some pictures this weekend.
The mahogany is not fully installed yet.
I'll take some pictures this weekend.
The mahogany is not fully installed yet.
Whether it is the piano black, mahogany, or any other species of fascia wood available from Aston, these features symbolize the hand built quality put into our cars. Every time one of my friends sees the inside or outside of my V8V they comment on the amazing hand built quality. I highly recommend the factory tour to see this commitment to excellence for yourself. Sorry for gushing.
The stuff from Germany is too teutonic (no soul), and the stuff from Italy is too much like a video game for my tastes.
As promised, pictures will follow once I've finished the installation of the fascia.
The stuff from Germany is too teutonic (no soul), and the stuff from Italy is too much like a video game for my tastes.
As promised, pictures will follow once I've finished the installation of the fascia.
Cipo said:
George, I think it just looks wrong, reminds me of when MB launched the SL500 with that finish, made it look dated straight away. DBS is meant to look a more sporty.
Sporty can also be traditional... Confession time though, has the walnut removed from my Marcos and replaced with engine turned ally, had the DB7 walnut painted piano black and the DB9 walnut replaces with a metal panel. I love the wood but it wasn't for how I drive the cars. Great that we're all different though, it will add a touch of class to a Vantage. God knows it needs one
Cipo said:
George, I think it just looks wrong, reminds me of when MB launched the SL500 with that finish, made it look dated straight away. DBS is meant to look a more sporty.
What looks sporty then? Piano black doesn't look sporty to me, and carbon fibre looks cheap imo.I don't think wood makes anything look dated, it's sort of timeless. Carbon fibre etc will look dated in a few years I imagine. Same with white cars/black alloys etc.
Cipo said:
George, I think it just looks wrong, reminds me of when MB launched the SL500 with that finish, made it look dated straight away. DBS is meant to look a more sporty.
I actually think you make a good point Cipo !!I'm with Georgeous on his admiration for mahogany, but I concur it may look better in the DB9, Virage or Rapide
George H said:
Cipo said:
George, I think it just looks wrong, reminds me of when MB launched the SL500 with that finish, made it look dated straight away. DBS is meant to look a more sporty.
What looks sporty then? Piano black doesn't look sporty to me, and carbon fibre looks cheap imo.I don't think wood makes anything look dated, it's sort of timeless. Carbon fibre etc will look dated in a few years I imagine. Same with white cars/black alloys etc.
Interesting to note, went to my local stealer and they have just had delivered around 20 new cars, none have any wood on the inside facia, all have alloy/ piano finish.
End of the day it's all personal choice, although I would say that the wood finish in my old XK looked awesome, but IMO not in a new era Aston.
Ice27 said:
Lewis, have your panels been fitted yet?
If so, where are the pictures??!!!
Nope, though Sarah Maynard has them done and is waiting to fit them, my car has been a really long time away waiting on brake bits from the US so I have held the work up. Hopefully collect early next week and then I can pass the car onto her for fitting.If so, where are the pictures??!!!
As to the question what is sporty... I guess these days it's CF though I think that's wrong in a DB9 somehow. Aluminium panels for me in an aluminium car
Cipo said:
Interesting George, not sure that wood will ever replace carbon. I like the alloy facia, to me that is sporty, piano looks nice but a pain to keep clean.
Interesting to note, went to my local stealer and they have just had delivered around 20 new cars, none have any wood on the inside facia, all have alloy/ piano finish.
End of the day it's all personal choice, although I would say that the wood finish in my old XK looked awesome, but IMO not in a new era Aston.
Interesting to note, went to my local stealer and they have just had delivered around 20 new cars, none have any wood on the inside facia, all have alloy/ piano finish.
End of the day it's all personal choice, although I would say that the wood finish in my old XK looked awesome, but IMO not in a new era Aston.
I think carbon fibre has no place in an Aston. As a material used to make panels/chassis etc, then I don't have an issue with it, but when it's used for visual purposes I despise it. If they use it then I don't want to know it's there.I like the alloy fascias, they look quite nice in the right car.
Wood looks fantastic with the right colour combination:
Piano black just wouldn't go with that at all.
George H said:
Not at all, look at this DBS
The thing I don't like about this combination is the juxtaposition of the CF door handle with the wood door cap. That to me is just wrong. If you decide on CF in the interior, then don't mix it with wood trim pieces. Wood and metal, or CF and metal...OK, but CF and wood?....Noooo !Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff