1:8th DB5 Build

LeeBee_37

Hey Guys,

I'm new here so I just wanted to say hello and also say that I recently purchased the 86 artworks of the JB DB5. I plan on posting section by section updates on this forum.

Before I start I was wondering if anyone here has also built the model and if they could offer any tips / advice / red flags on their personal experiences with the car.

I look forward to hearing from this fantastic community I have recently discovered.

Thanks All and I look forward to the comments / suggestions.

ACACIA_AVENUE

Hi LeeBee_37 and welcome to AJB.

I am also currently trying to Build the 1:8th DB5, I have had quite a few problems building this so far.

With regards to advice:
1. get decent screwdrivers.
2. download the instruction pdf's from the website as they are more up to date than the printed originals.
3. use the screw list from issue 75 (I think that is the one) AND sort all the screws out and label them before starting as this will help.
4. Last but not least, be prepared to spend a lot of time cussing, swearing, shouting, pulling your hair out and drinking large volumes of alcohol in frustration )

Also check out this site:
http://www.partworkmodels.co.uk/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=71
Very informative and what these guys are doing in the way of modifications is amazing like creating leather upholstery, carpeting and creating new wheels etc.

Gadget Meister

Concur with AAs advice, although the only real problem I had has mating the body/chassis at the end, there is a knack and it's called perseverance. All I will add is be VERY careful with the circuit cables, especially on the pedals, so easy to come apart.

ACACIA_AVENUE

Gadget Meister wrote:

Concur with AAs advice, although the only real problem I had has mating the body/chassis at the end, there is a knack and it's called perseverance. All I will add is be VERY careful with the circuit cables, especially on the pedals, so easy to come apart.

YES I agree the wiring is very delicate -{

LeeBee_37

Thanks both. Some good advice here.
Slow and steady with this one...

I'll keep you posted on my progress, once the parts arrive.

PoorMansJB

There is also a facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/DB5-SwapShop-and-Build-Services/464922020212503) devoted to the DB5 build which includes quite a number of tutorial videos.

BOFFER

Remember that there is an ignition key and it needs to be both in the ignition key hole and pushed in. If its not the electrics dont work properly. Should save you several hours of frustration.

minigeff

My golden rule;

Go carefully, don't rush anything and if you're getting tired and frustrated, put it down and leave it for another time.

The reason for this advice? Because you will find it virtually impossible to source replacement parts. Go steady.

Gebruder Gumbold

If you REALLY want to ruin your social life, your joints, and your wallet...then tackle a real Aston Martin DB restoration.
I worked on a DB4, 5, and most recently the OHMSS DBS, and to that I say "Never Again!"
Well, perhaps never again....

My opinion is that the building of something has been, for me, eminently more satisfying than the finished product.
The wanting of an Aston Martin is definitely more satisfying than driving or owning one. The romantic situations that for years, play in your head can never be surpassed by a fussy, oil leaking barge of a motorcar.
That said, I would not take a quiet, reliable, sterile motoring experience over a cramped, hot, vapour filled, noisy, frustrating, wonderful hand made machine any day!

Your experience building a scale Aston should be as the original builders, or at least, restorers. Parts SHOULD not fit perfectly and should require fitting, filing, drilling, shaping, etc. Imagine how long it takes just to fit a mirror onto an ally bodied English rustbucket....hours of pain, and in the end, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Enjoy the process, revel in the disasters, as up from the shes grow the roses of success!
Cheers,
GG
ps will be out for lunch from 1-2PM, so please don't break into my office...or pinch my Playboy