April 2023 Update
A lot of my time this month was spent on getting Redpants Unzipped going, including launching the YouTube channel. If you haven't subscribed yet, I'd appreciate it if you did!
As for Redpants itself...
I've made a pair of DIY Guides based on Service Bulletin SB-30-0313. The first is the Misfire Correction (AKA "Coast Down") Procedure. It applies to basically every Gaydon-era Aston Martin other than the Cygnet. I included it in the "General" section of my DIY Guide Index since it needs to be done due to both the engine and transmission.
The second is the Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learn Procedure. It's a similar process but only applies to cars with automatic transmissions (not Sportshift).
I also published a pair of DIY Guides covering engine oil changes for 2nd Century cars. The first is how to change the engine oil for the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine, and the other is to do the same job on cars with the 5.2L twin-turbo V12 engine. I still need to get them fleshed out a bit with specific tool sizes, pictures, and eventually videos, but the main structure and process for each is there. I already have the parts and oil for each listed in my Online Store so check them out if you're doing the job yourself!
Speaking of my Online Shop, I've been able to get better rates with USPS due to high volume! Shipping rates with USPS should now be lower across the board. Hopefully it'll make a meaningful difference on smaller orders. For example, a shipment that used to cost $12.21 now costs $9.74. Not huge, but a decent percentage change. And, let's face it, nobody likes shipping costs so any reduction is welcome.
While shipping costs may be a bit lower, unfortunately the pricing on most parts from Aston Martin have gone up as they’ve done an across-the-board price increase on just about all parts. I have to update all the product listings individually so if you’re checking my Online Store the week after I publish this Blog post, you’ll see constant price changes as you browse.
Another change is that I've had to add shipping restrictions to the Deadweight Touge 500 and Touge Max batteries. I've never experienced anything like what I went through trying to ship these to overseas customers, and frankly it's been a nightmare that simply isn't worth it. If I can figure it out, I'll reinstate international shipping, but until then they're restricted to domestic US sales.
I've started stocking oil filter adapters for the 4.3L and 4.7L V8 engines used in the previous-gen V8 Vantage. It's a rare thing to replace, but it can come up. Recently a customer sent me a picture showing how the oil filter had seized to the adapter and caused quite the mess. I ended up writing an Article about the topic as well.
Lastly, I've added the BC Forged HCA398 - it's a forged wheel similar to a couple others already listed, but with a different spoke design.
Keep Current
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Okay, that’s it this time. I’ll push out Blog Posts as needed in addition to my monthly ones, so make sure you check back if you want to see those.