The Aston Martin Restoration process

Whether it is minor refurbishment or a major back to basics reconstruction of a once derelict and forlorn car, the process of a restoration still contains the 4 basic elements. These are:

Strip and Assessment – This key stage must essentially be completed before any restoration can be properly scoped and of course costed with any certainty. Even sound looking bodywork can hide major problems!!.

Much the same applies to engines and other systems. There are no shortcuts, only bad assumptions.

Reconstruction – Whether this is a mechanical or structural and cosmetic restoration or both, only skilled craftsmen, using the best tools and manufacturing processes will successfully transform tired bodywork and worn machinery to as good as new.

We at Aston Workshop are proud of the team we have assembled, the new and old technologies we have mastered and the state of the art tools and manufacturing facilities we employ. These we describe.

Assembly – Bringing the myriad of carefully overhauled and finished components together, installing them carefully. Engines in particular require to be carefully bedded in and adjusted, and this takes time and skill. It also requires a fanatical attention to detail.

Above all, it takes team work, for access is perforce limited and the numbers working on an owner’s car therefore needs to be well managed to achieve the optimal outcome. These skills we illustrate.

Test and finish – Only when all the components have been carefully assembled, installed and adjusted do we see a complete car again. It is only then that we have the opportunity to undertake the many functional tests, adjustments and retests to access the car’s potential.

Strip and Assessment

Scoping and Defining the RestorationKey issues to consider in planning and executing a restorationWhen and over what overall timescale do I want this restoration to take place – is this a long term project or do we have an end date in mind, say a holiday or show date.Do I want to embark on a restoration to achieve a desired overall quality or am I going to set a budget and we define what we can

[more...]

Reconstruction

There are some 5 to 10 thousand parts that comprise an Aston Martin. Some are non-wearing and unlikely to significantly deteriorate as a function of age; but others wear, are subject to corrosion and in the case of electrical equipment prone to failure as a result of degraded insulation and embrittlement. Seals become stiff with age, surface wear occurs and paint and corrosion protection becomes

[more...]

Assembly

Points to observe when planning a full restoration of your dream AstonSystem InstallationIt pays to do this carefully and in the correct order. One of the key indicators of a good restoration is how the brake and clutch hydraulic pipes are laid out. The more care that is taken to ensure a perfect alignment and fit so the more professional the end product will appear. We at Aston Workshop take

[more...]

Test and finish

Commissioning and Test Why systems have to be bedded in – When any mechanical system has been dismantled and new parts installed, each element of that system needs to bed in with its associated components before it is free, easy and will function as it has been designed to do. Typical examples are overhauled engines, braking systems, transmissions and steering boxes. They will often need

[more...]