May 2022 (kinda) Updates
I said in my last Blog Post that I’d do this each month, and I’m already kinda-breaking that less than one month later. Due to some big things going on in my life, I’ll be arriving in my new home at the beginning of May and figured I’d be proactive by doing a monthly update early. With how much is going on, I’m sure I’ll do another one next month as well!
Redpants website content
DIY Guide - Replacing the headliner
Article - Seats Aren’t That Simple
Build Page - Steve’s BADASTON Widebody 2012 V8 Vantage
Redpants Online Store
Redpants intake filters are now in stock and ready to ship! These are made with a synthetic blend filter media that flows better than the factory paper filters. Plus, they’re reusable so they can be washed and reused rather than being thrown away.
I added a listing for the Alcantara-covered fir tree clips used in the cabin. There are several colors and you’ll need to know exactly which you have before ordering. Your VIN won’t help with that, you’ll need to see your actual build sheet. These are very easy to damage so they aren’t eligible to return - all sales of them are final.
I’ve reactivated the listing for the standard single-plate clutch package for Sportshift cars, so that’s an option again if you want to stick with that. I still highly recommend a “maintenance upgrade” when the time comes, and I discuss that quite a bit in my Throttle Response Info Page.
VelocityAP’s progressive lowering springs are also unavailable for some cars. The DB9 springs are out of production and not planned to be returned so I’ve completely removed the product listing for them. Their V8 Vantage springs should make a return but there isn’t yet a date for when that will happen. If you’re looking for an alternative, the BC Racing coilovers I helped develop have continued to be popular and I’ve got lots of happy customers using them (myself included).
I’ve got Cobra Nogaro seats listed again. I’d held off on this for a while because of two major factors (well, major to me). First is that US-market cars will have an airbag warning light due to the occupancy sensors in the base of the passenger seat. This can be turned off with an AMDS, but can’t be tricked like the side-impact airbag warnings can. If you don’t have access to a dealership (or indie) with an AMDS, or if they’re not willing to do it, then you’re stuck with the warning light. Second is that sourcing OEM leather was extremely difficult for a while and I got burned by lack of delivery on leather orders I’d been placing. I’d held off on listing the seats until I’d sorted those two issues, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that some of my customers are fine with dealing with these so I need to loosen up a bit and resume taking orders for the product. If you want more information, check out the Article I recently published. It talks about the Cobra Nogaro, seats in general, and how various factors led to me picking this seat for my Aston Martin.
Other Stuff
As I mentioned in the beginning of this Blog Post, I’m finally continuing the journey that I started (uh, tried to start) over a year ago. The next two months will be especially hectic. Not only will I be setting up my new life overseas, I’ll also be flying back and forth between the US to finish up my car, attending a big AMOC event, and being at my brother’s wedding.
All that means is that I’ll be busier than usual so I won’t be able to help as much for people’s individual car stuff. My priority is to run Redpants - it’s a business and it’s what pays my bills, puts food on my family’s table, and puts a roof over our heads. I’ll have very little time in general from now through June, and what time I do have will be used to make sure inventory is on the shelves and orders are fulfilled. If I can help people with individual concerns beyond that, I’ll do everything I can - as I always do. I just won’t have as much time the next couple months, that’s all.
With that it’s worth mentioning that I do have dedicated shippers. They’ve been fulfilling orders since the end of last year. If I can’t be reached about an order, they can be. I’ll be adding them to my Contact page in the next week or so. They also have direct access to my ordering and shipping systems, so even if I’ve dropped off the radar for whatever reason, they’re still fulfilling orders.
Keep Current
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you know when I put out a new video.
I hate social media so I’m rarely on it. If you want to get in touch, email me or use my Contact page (they both go to the same email address). If you message me on a Redpants social media page, it should say to email me. If you try to message me on a personal page, it won’t be seen.
I notify people when I publish Monthly Updates by sending out a Newsletter. If you’re not subscribed to my Newsletter, you can do so here:
Okay, that’s it for this update. 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.