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.
@@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.
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.
@ 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.
@ 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 :)
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.
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.
Mitchell Steindler everyone talking about E60 M5 problems but please stop, search for E60 M5 sound on UA-cam and then come back, tricky cars but wonderful sound track!
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.
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!
Aston installations go above and beyond with their levels of customer service. We can’t recommend them highly enough. Great people and fantastic service
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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!
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.
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
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!
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" 😁
Sorry James I wouldn’t be happy with such a Heath Robinson solution, it looks like you got it at Halfords. Not sure why it’s not integrated into original Nav buttons or even better works straight off the phone without any additions. Sorry to be rude but that car deserves a better solution. Love the channel as always , your enthusiasm for all things is a rare treat
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
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.
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 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
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.
You can plug in a Bluetooth adapter in cigarette lighter in most old cars and use it to transmit music/sound from your phone to the car speakers. I personally love it!
I would have paid extra and just had the car play system built into a heads up display, and removed the old square box completely and made it into an extra storage box.
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
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 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.
@@ziolan8970 It's easy to install Aston Installations' kit yourself on a V8 Vantage. I work with them in the US.
@@Redpantslol oh wow, which state?
@@ziolan8970 I learned that these kits can be shipped. If you someone to install it definitely worth trying.
5:42 In Flames, Trivium, Drowning Pool... Nice music taste dude.
Thats what I was saying he had the Unforgiven lll at 12:07 haha \M/
The wheels on the other DBS are stunning
I love the casual reminder that James is a metalhead ❤
Like it but it’s a shame they couldn’t use the existing controls and need to install the additional buttons.....oh well...
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.
@@ardonjr New screen is coming in the future.
@ 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.
@@ds2000 Appreciate your observation.
@ 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 :)
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.
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.
James over at Aston Installations is a gem. He did the upgrades on my car last year and he did an amazing job.
The '08 - '12 DBS V12 is one of my all-time favorite cars! Such a beauty!
This will give all sorts of cars a second life, I'm thinking E60 M5 next
Retrofits are not too difficult on BMWs, there's lots of free information and specialists. OEM iDrive retrofits are popular and very doable
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.
The infotainment is the least of that cars problems...
Mitchell Steindler everyone talking about E60 M5 problems but please stop, search for E60 M5 sound on UA-cam and then come back, tricky cars but wonderful sound track!
@@marcwheels6718 we all know what they sound like...we also know what they sound like in the shop
I have this on my Vantage. James and Lenny have been fantastic since day one.
I think mrjww should share his playlists on spotify, dude has great taste :)
Check soundcloud, it’s there
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.
I love this car can’t get enough videos of this car.
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!
Aston installations go above and beyond with their levels of customer service. We can’t recommend them highly enough. Great people and fantastic service
That moment when you upgrade your Aston Martin.
Much love, your friends at Rev Media!!
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.
Made my day yesterday hearing you drop a cog on the M40! Wow that V12 sang. Could hear it echoing back to me!
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.
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 !
@@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.
James and Lenny are great guys. Service second to none :)
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.
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
@5:42 , Only for the weak by inflames, alright. i love this guy's collection (who ever the spotify playlist might belong to)
Bringing a new air to a classic car. Fantastic service
Taken my db9 there year ago , James fitted dension blue tooth , great place
My favorite video. Simple. Informative. And of course featuring the best looking car in the world.
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.
Had the same kit fitted in my V8 Vantage
Great job and fantastic aftercare from Aston Installations
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 🤔 😂
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...
Clay Man is one of the best metal albums, please share your playlists! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
I saw this car drive past me in Tewkesbury and thought "JWW... long way from home, what are the chances...!"
Shout out to you James for having an awesome music taste. What a top selection you quickly scrolled through.
🤘🏻🤘🏻
@@lasousoupe ....FLOOOOOOOOOOOR!
One, Nothing wrong with me
Two, Nothing wrong with me
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
Excellent taste in cars and music. Nice.
Whoever's phone was connected when he was going through the other DBS has a great taste in musi
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
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!
Five finger death punch, Metallica what a hero 😂
I like how you are a proper metalhead, James /,,/,
Humm, surely it can be implemented to enable you to control in via the stand aston controls? The new buttons look terrible.
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.
They do integrate it with the existing factory fitted dial on later models (eg 2018 Vantage).
robrandtoul thanks Rob. Mine is 2014 though...
Mark B ugly knob for you then!
I love the Land Rover series 1 mug!! 👍🏻
Been thinking of this for so long for my V12V - Great Video
I’m about to do the same thing to my F80 M3. Nice video, James.
S&M² was such a great concert, glad you're enjoying it too!
Where ever I may roam...Metallica. I saw that on the screen. Brilliant song 👍👍👍
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.
Music choice is seamless, James. Much appreciation from Staffordshire
DBS, Five Finger Death Punch, perfect!
Glad to your music choice is as respectable as the DBS. Perfect for a V12 👊
The grail car right there. Stunning.
Love the V12 sound 🔥🔥🔥
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
Clever upgrade!
The rear of that DBS is beautiful beyond words.
Noises. Lots of noises.
Love it!! An Aston & Five Finger Death Punch. It should go hand in hand.
Excellent addition to the Aston, which we need more videos of...... Really love the DBS..... James
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
Louis Eguchi we’re all ears when you figure it out!
By the armrest wasnt too intrusive to be fair
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!
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.
Listen to that V12 !
Amazing taste in music James! nice
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" 😁
This is one of those things that are just incomparably satisfying.
In Flames - only for the weak yessss James !! big tune !
Mrjww is a metalhead ! Awesome :)
MRJWW, you have great taste in music! I never would’ve guessed you like Metallica, Drowning Pool, Volbeat, et cetera. Nice! 🤘
Sorry James I wouldn’t be happy with such a Heath Robinson solution, it looks like you got it at Halfords. Not sure why it’s not integrated into original Nav buttons or even better works straight off the phone without any additions. Sorry to be rude but that car deserves a better solution. Love the channel as always , your enthusiasm for all things is a rare treat
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
Perfect upgrade for such a timeless looking car.
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.
cant wait to get mine for my porsche
Denim shirt 🤔 you're turning into Jay Leno 😉
that is literally my dream car i really need one of those when im older :)
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.
Big up any company that lets staff park their motorcycles in the workshop! 👍🏼
I was not expecting FFDP. Maybe something like Avicii but great choice in driving music.
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 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
Great video, I want one for my DB9. Can I ask what is the brand and model of your watch please ? Cheers
This is absolutely brilliant and so great to see!
I love this DBS with manual transmission!
Really cool, congrats to aston installations!
Awesome company offering something that Aston-Martin them self showed be offering from the factory in their moder cars
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.
Thats the exactly same original nav system in you DBS as in my Volvo XC90 from 2008 :)
Awesome only improvement would be steering wheel controls and a bigger screen...
this man has a good taste in music
I cannot wait for the new screen upgrades! Hope it’s coming soon!
YES..........................Just that one small detail...msde the ASTON ....MUCH QUICKER......LOL
Nice job , cool!
Maybe later on they can make it
1) wireless connection to Apple CarPlay
2) Bigger screen
3) wireless phone charging station
You can plug in a Bluetooth adapter in cigarette lighter in most old cars and use it to transmit music/sound from your phone to the car speakers. I personally love it!
I would have paid extra and just had the car play system built into a heads up display, and removed the old square box completely and made it into an extra storage box.
Drowning pool and trivium 👌🏻
I love the idea of this, but does it effect the originality and residual of the car? Do I get my DBS done?
12:07 "The Unforgiven lll" I HEAR YA @mrjww that is driving music!
Awesome! I wish I could get Apple car play to my Mk 2 Ford RS. 😃
Falling in love with an Aston Martin is obvious. That's why the exist. Not a surprise you *have* to drive it this often ;)