Retrofits give new lease of life to classics. Especially ones like these that have such a timeless design. It's really encouraging. I don't feel as much pressure to aim for the latest model of cars this way, it's more likely I can actually get the model I want.

I think Aston installations have hit a true niche market and should be rolled out they are onto a winner

@ziolan8970

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah i would love to get a cheap vantage reupholstered a upgraded with android auto by these guys. But I’m in the US.

@ethancaine1646

3 жыл бұрын

I just really dislike their interiors. Their software is nice but their steering wheels are gross and their displays look bad. These in conjunction make a new car look five years old

@ziolan8970

3 жыл бұрын

@@ethancaine1646 I can kind of agree, but for me I think the leather work in the old vantage has not aged well at all. That's why I'd have it reupholstered. For the steering wheel, it can be replaced for sure.

@Redpantslol

3 жыл бұрын

@@ziolan8970 It's easy to install Aston Installations' kit yourself on a V8 Vantage. I work with them in the US.

@ziolan8970

3 жыл бұрын

@@Redpantslol oh wow, which state?

5:42 In Flames, Trivium, Drowning Pool... Nice music taste dude.

@stingofpurlear8

3 жыл бұрын

Thats what I was saying he had the Unforgiven lll at 12:07 haha \M/

The wheels on the other DBS are stunning

Like it but it’s a shame they couldn’t use the existing controls and need to install the additional buttons.....oh well...

@ardonjr

3 жыл бұрын

And adding a better screen into the frame wouldn't have hurt either.. now you still have the old pixelated screen. A bit higher resolution would have been nice.

@ds2000

3 жыл бұрын

@@ardonjr New screen is coming in the future.

@ds2000

3 жыл бұрын

@ They do but if you look at their videos you can see they are cycling through radio menus as they press left and right. The AM circuits can go wrong enough without bolting more on the back. Its better to have it separate.

3 жыл бұрын

@@ds2000 Appreciate your observation.

@ds2000

3 жыл бұрын

@ I know James pretty well. My DBS was one of the originals they developed carplay v1 on. I also have their 360 degree camera system too. I'm excited for the HD screen to come as they olde Volvo unit is a bit tired / low res :)

I love the casual reminder that James is a metalhead ❤

This will give all sorts of cars a second life, I'm thinking E60 M5 next

@hovnojede010101

3 жыл бұрын

Retrofits are not too difficult on BMWs, there's lots of free information and specialists. OEM iDrive retrofits are popular and very doable

@rumbepack

3 жыл бұрын

yeah the e60, i guess you will be able to enjoy some music in your way to the mechanic if the electrical system works of course.

@mitchellsteindler

3 жыл бұрын

The infotainment is the least of that cars problems...

@marcwheels6718

3 жыл бұрын

Mitchell Steindler everyone talking about E60 M5 problems but please stop, search for E60 M5 sound on KZread and then come back, tricky cars but wonderful sound track!

@mitchellsteindler

3 жыл бұрын

@@marcwheels6718 we all know what they sound like...we also know what they sound like in the shop

James , Len and the team go above and beyond . They even collected our car from France, brought it back to UK and organised servicing and updates. We truly thank the team at Aston Installations for looking after us and our car. I have already recommended them to other owners.

Great upgrade to a classic. Fantastic V12.

James over at Aston Installations is a gem. He did the upgrades on my car last year and he did an amazing job.

I opted for this upgrade along with front and rear cameras on my 4.3 v8 vantage and has totally transformed the usability of the car. Also couldn’t recommend James at Aston Installations enough. Thoroughly nice chap with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

I saw this car drive past me in Tewkesbury and thought "JWW... long way from home, what are the chances...!"

I had a DB9 and i had android auto retro fitted in with cameras front and rear. I got a LED 4K screen as well and had the factory controlls swapped with the new ones.

I love this car can’t get enough videos of this car.

Taken my db9 there year ago , James fitted dension blue tooth , great place

The '08 - '12 DBS V12 is one of my all-time favorite cars! Such a beauty!

Would have been awesome if the original controls would work with it right? For me the new controls look to much aftermarket for such a car...

That dbs is Such a stunning car! Ive just realised a dream and picked up a aston martin db7 vantage v12 with the all important and very rare manual 6 speed gear box. So chuffed.

@robc9136

3 жыл бұрын

well done mate.. very nice choice. I remember a family friend getting one.. err 20 years ago! Im a Fezza guy but I do long for an aston !

@gk77stuff51

3 жыл бұрын

@@robc9136 cheers bud thank you. I'm going to put up a video in the next few days of my db7, please check it out.

So rather than a a wire and a suction pad on the window so it spiols the aesthetics, you go and have a Inc square box stuck on the leather dash 🤔 😂

I've been working directly with Aston Installations for a few years now and they are some of the most knowledgeable people in the Aston world, not to mention an incredibly stand-up and sincere group. Can't say enough good things about them!

Made my day yesterday hearing you drop a cog on the M40! Wow that V12 sang. Could hear it echoing back to me!

I think mrjww should share his playlists on spotify, dude has great taste :)

@user-yd7ih9vy7t

3 жыл бұрын

Check soundcloud, it’s there

I have this on my Vantage. James and Lenny have been fantastic since day one.

Nothing better than outfitting your older cars with Apple CarPlay. I have done it on everything from my 8p A3, R32 GTR, Evo VIII, etc... Really makes those last two so good to drive! I even had boost gauges displayed for real time diagnostics.

Humm, surely it can be implemented to enable you to control in via the stand aston controls? The new buttons look terrible.

I think it’s cool but the sort of stuck on button interface on the dash spoils it - there’s got to be a better way of presenting it

@FOVKRO

3 жыл бұрын

Louis Eguchi we’re all ears when you figure it out!

@grantfergusson231

3 жыл бұрын

By the armrest wasnt too intrusive to be fair

@LouisEguchiWale

3 жыл бұрын

Chris Mack yeah the by the armrest looked better and neat I commented before I saw that! I wondered if you could somehow use more premium buttons matching the finish of the car and mount them somewhere less visible but still ergonomic. Not easy!

@celestialtoystore

3 жыл бұрын

James put my button on the rear inside wall of the dash cubby hole but I guess with the DBS being manual, he doesn't have this cubby.

Aston installations go above and beyond with their levels of customer service. We can’t recommend them highly enough. Great people and fantastic service

Been thinking of this for so long for my V12V - Great Video

Had the same kit fitted in my V8 Vantage Great job and fantastic aftercare from Aston Installations

Nice. Shame they can’t integrate it with the existing main dial on the control panel as it does still look a little aftermarket. But still tempted.

@robrandtoul

3 жыл бұрын

They do integrate it with the existing factory fitted dial on later models (eg 2018 Vantage).

@MarkB4444

3 жыл бұрын

robrandtoul thanks Rob. Mine is 2014 though...

@robrandtoul

3 жыл бұрын

Mark B ugly knob for you then!

Amazing taste in music James! nice

I think the DBS may be one if the best looking cars of all time. Period. The proportions and details are just perfect. I’ve loved the design since Casino Royale.

Music choice is seamless, James. Much appreciation from Staffordshire

Love the V12 sound 🔥🔥🔥

James and Lenny are great guys. Service second to none :)

I like how you are a proper metalhead, James /,,/,

S&M² was such a great concert, glad you're enjoying it too!

Enjoyed that - thanks!

Excellent addition to the Aston, which we need more videos of...... Really love the DBS..... James

Great video, I want one for my DB9. Can I ask what is the brand and model of your watch please ? Cheers

Clever upgrade!

Excellent taste in cars and music. Nice.

This is absolutely brilliant and so great to see!

My favorite video. Simple. Informative. And of course featuring the best looking car in the world.

14:36, knew from the early videos (Q&A too if I remember correctly), that You are a rocker. Nice. How is music in Your life? Do You play that guitar You had x year before at the back of the room?

I have same model DBS, and had Apple car play and front and rear cameras fitted by Aston installations last week. As James says, totally transforms the usability. Fantastic kit, professional company. Makes a perfect car even better!

Love your playlist ;) keep up great work!

I love the Land Rover series 1 mug!! 👍🏻

Clay Man is one of the best metal albums, please share your playlists! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

Whoever's phone was connected when he was going through the other DBS has a great taste in musi

Really cool, congrats to aston installations!

I cannot wait for the new screen upgrades! Hope it’s coming soon!

I’m about to do the same thing to my F80 M3. Nice video, James.

Excellent stuff! I had my Aston dealer install the Aston bluetooth audio streaming upgrade in my DBS Carbon Black Edition, a few years ago. It isn’t listed as a DBS v12 upgrade option... It is an option for the Vantage but, actually is compatible with any Aston from 2008 to 2012. Not as fancy as the “Aston Installations” kits but, it is completely integrated so no visble changes and you just get the additional BT option in the audio sources list and works very well... the Carbon Edition also has the more updated Garmin GPS which is much better than the old Volvo GPS I had in my DB9

Hi James. I agree with you on modern tech people say to me they aren’t bothered about it until they happen to have it by chance in a car they buy. Then they like me wouldn’t buy it without. It’s great that there are companies out there that can retro fit things like apple CarPlay. We have it and I think it’s brilliant. All your maps are always up to date and cars now don’t come with CD players anymore.

Your a metal head love you even more now... and you just solved the number one hate i have about Aston’s. I worked on there apps for a number of year great company but god someone one helps them with infotainment

Love the car James and what great taste you have - like me! I swapped my wheels for the later DBS option and the steering is so much lighter - really improved the drive again. It took me 9 years to find my perfect spec DBS and I’m thrilled with the car. If there is ever a DBS drive out/meet let me know! Enjoy.

@5:42 , Only for the weak by inflames, alright. i love this guy's collection (who ever the spotify playlist might belong to)

In my DB9 AML added Bluetooth functionality into the standard system to play my music from my iphone and receive calls all controlled by the existing interface and buttons. The original sat nav, although dated, still gets me where I need to go with full postcode addresses and traffic warnings/rerouting. No extra buttons required. I guess the value of this alternative solution depends on how attached you are to Apple car play, spotify and waze etc and if you don't mind extra buttons stuck on your beautiful AM interior. I like the idea of front and rear cameras though.

Sweet upgrade, Any video on the G wagon coming up ?

I remember working on some older astons and I think pre 09 they’re was a lot of work with volvo they did,the old keys said Volvo on the back of them but covered them in leather

Glad to your music choice is as respectable as the DBS. Perfect for a V12 👊

Well done James! 👍️

Mrjww is a metalhead ! Awesome :)

I love the idea of this, but does it effect the originality and residual of the car? Do I get my DBS done?

This is pretty cool. Porsche now offer fully updated head units for models going back to the 996 to add the most up to date infotainment to the older models including Apple CarPlay. It’s cool because it’s the most obvious thing that dates the older cars. I think it’s about £2,500 though.

for an older AM vantage (with or without a screen) get the "Mr12Volt" bluetooth connectivity module (about $130). installation is easy, then use a tablet or your phone running the android or apple car app. the audio will play through the car's stereo system.

Bringing a new air to a classic car. Fantastic service

Reminds me of fitting a bluetooth modem on the stock stereo for my 996, i could use the full stock system for handsfree calls as well as the old corded phone :).

Great Video looks like a cool upgrade for my DBS (2009). Can I assume if its Apple CarPlay that it isn’t just Waze & Spotify thats supported? I assume Apple Maps, Google Maps and Apple Music will also work? - What’s the approximate cost? Thanks

Hopefully they will have the screen update ready to go soon. That’ll make a big difference on your DBS

Perfect upgrade for such a timeless looking car.

Glad to see you say they also do android. Does anyone else except MrJWW even use an iphone in the UK these days ;)

Frankly what more do you need to use your classic in the modern world? Great video!

Should i upgrade my V6 Ftype S to this? Skooma overload.

This is one of those things that are just incomparably satisfying.

I just installed Apple CarPlay into my 1993 MR2 and it changes the interior to look much less clustered, definitely an upgrade I’d recommend for anyone debating it

Dude! Your recommended daily spotify playlists are so different to mine! haha!

Can they do this for Jaguar F-Type? Can’t find anyone who can retrofit CarPlay to mine!

To me this video is the opposite of Shmee getting a brand new steering wheel in his SLS black!! Retrofitting new tech is much much more elegant solution!! Props to you Janes

I love this DBS with manual transmission!

Man that changes a lot of things!

It’s an awesome thing to be able to do!! But the button does not seem to be in keeping with the other instruments.

The grail car right there. Stunning.

cant wait to get mine for my porsche

that is literally my dream car i really need one of those when im older :)

James you’re listening to some real wild music 😅😂

How much does it cost? I'm in the States, and my 09 Vantage could really use an upgrade.

Hugely inventive and highly skilled, very British! Every time I see the interior of this car I am reminded of J Clarkston's comment about the gear stick "It looks like the terminators knob" 😁

Biggest question which comes to my mind is whether the Siri interface works; is one able to dictate text messages, navigation destinations, and music choices via voice?

Anyone know a good 997.2 Apple car play retrofitter? There needs to be more of these places in the UK specialising in retrofitting. They are so common in Asia and the Americas but in the UK it's so hard to find a professional retrofitter, i guess it's due to the market size probably

any plans to instal touch screens?

Need more of the DBS on your channel

Good system, but doesn't come without its problems. Had it fitted to my V8 Vantage at the beginning of the year and found there was a bug with in the system. There are 2 switches. One toggles the video between the Sat nav and Android Auto/Carplay, the other toggles the audio. It was the audio where I found there was a bug. The audio switch is supposed to connect your phone in one position and the cars audio system (radio, CD, etc) in the other position. However, I found if you start the car in the phone position you get the radio playing through the drivers side speakers only. Same happens when you come off a phone call. To solve this, you need to put the switch in the car audio system position and switch off the car stereo system and switch it back on again. This brings the sound back to all speakers. It is then possible to put the switch in the phone audio position so that you can listen to music on your phone. I understand Aston Installations is aware of this fault and are working on a solution but not heard anything back yet. Their advice, in the meantime, is always to start the car with the switch in the car audio system position. Very frustrating when the system costs over £1000. I am hoping Aston Installations come up with a solution to fix this bug sooner rather than later.

Porsche did this too with their entertainment systems. I love it. One thing I will note--for some reason it is mainly the British manufacturers (or a derivative of them in the case of Aston--Callum) that are beginning to offer comprehensive manufacturer-quality upgrades for their previous cars: Callum's Vanquish 25 and McLaren's SLR MSO--two new and prominent examples. Quite a fascinating concept and in a way, a clear nod by significant industry constituent's that they clearly do not "make em like they used to" and probably never will again. Porsche has also offered similar with the Carrera GT.

Design is more than just how the exterior looks, and when looking at older videos like this it just reminds me that Aston Martin still has a way to go before it can be considered as making well designed cars

How does this installation affect the extended AM warranty. These cars have been known to have the occasional electrical gremlin and most of the time the genuine warranty will cover this. So what happens if you have an issue, claim under the warranty only for the dealer to find a third party system in place, will they say its not valid or is it fully compatible and guaranteed to be accepted if an issue occurs ?

MRJWW, you have great taste in music! I never would’ve guessed you like Metallica, Drowning Pool, Volbeat, et cetera. Nice! 🤘

Great car, a real long distance cruiser, but would your Green Range Rover not be better?? And can you get apple car play on it??

It's craftmendship 💪🏽