I recently bought a 2006 DB9 Volante. The lower edge of the front bumper is already scraped up! I am having it fixed and want to prevent future problems like this. Has anyone installed a skid plate or other type of protection and how has it worked out?

 

Are you talking about the small, removable ABS plastic lip at the bottom of the front valance? If so, you can unscrew it and replace it or sand it down and paint it about as many times as needed. Its an easy fix. No Skid Plate is going to keep you off curbs and driveway thresholds, that's just a matter of changing your driving style to make allowances for the low clearance.

 

Yes, Duane, that is the problem area. I was advised to have the entire valence removed and painted. I'll take a closer look and just paint the removable lower edge as you suggest. Thank you very much.
Scott

 

Scott -- Duane's advice is spot on for a Vantage but we DB9 owners aren't so lucky. We don't have anything between the bottom of the bumper and the road I've scraped mine a few times, but you have to lie on the ground to see the damage. I avoid looking.

Google "aston martin db9 skid plate" and you should get a couple of choices. One on eBay is made of plastic (about $150). There's also a stainless steel option made by an AMOC member (for about $350) if he's still making them.

I've debated getting one for my car but worry that I'll have even less clearance. I've just learned to angle across inclines and be mindful of suspension "bounce" over speed humps and when crossing sidewalk aprons to enter the road.

 

I have the composite/plastic plate on my 07 DB9 ($145 on eBay). I'm pleased with it. It's good protection & better than nothing in my opinion. Of course getting to know my car and it's clearance while understanding the roads in my area and adjusting my driving style helps avoid major problems. Enjoy your 06 DB9 !

 

I am enjoying it. It's an amazing car to look at and to drive!! I've learned that driving across inclines slowly and at an angle is critical. The biggest problem for me has been getting too close to concrete curbs in parking spaces.

Does the skid plate show from the front and has as it gotten any scrapes on it? Does it reduce the front clearance as yvr mentioned?

Are you aware of any Aston Martin events/road rallies in Central/Southwest Florida?

 

[QUOTE=scottsilv;4011834]I am enjoying it. It's an amazing car to look at and to drive!! I've learned that driving across inclines slowly and at an angle is critical. The biggest problem for me has been getting too close to concrete curbs in parking spaces.

Does the skid plate show from the front and has as it gotten any scrapes on it? Does it reduce the front clearance as yvr mentioned?





Not noticeable, only about 5/16" thick & black. Front lip is cut at an angle. I can't recall the last time I "pulled into" a space. I prefer to back in. Those concrete parking blocks and even low curbs will win every time ! Why give them a chance unless you really, really have to.

 

Great advice. I'll be backing in from now on.

 

Mine has a stainless skid plate installed by the prior owner. Has saved my bacon more than once as I got used to car's height.

 

Thanks for the input, Conqueror. Great photo of your car!

 

I bought mine from "Woody's Custom Shop" on Ebay. I think I'm going to order a replacement with an extra 1/4 inch in front as it currently doesn't quite cover the bottom edge of the bumper...and I don't care if it sticks out a little if it saves by bumper (which I've already had to repair & repaint). I too now always back in...learned that lesson for just $900.

Skid Plate Profile:

Skid Plate doing its job:

 

Good morning , looking for a bumper skid plate for my 2009 DBS? Has anyone installed one? where to purchase one? She had had a few scrapes on the underside . Took off the center belly pan and had to do a few repairs, 3" long cracks along both side up front. Cleaned the road grime off, sanded to make a ruff bonding service and used SEM panel bond. . All the work was done on the back side. Holds and looks good. Better than the $1300.00 plus shipping for a new one. thanks and be safe.

 

This looks interesting but I can’t speak from experience with the product.

https://sliplo.shop/

 

Yes look's interesting, held on with tape? universal cut to fit. I am on the fence, doesn't look like it protects as well as the 3 pcs units, but than again its 1/5 the cost.

 

For DB9, but some might apply for DBS: https://aston1936.com/2019/11/16/ski...on-martin-db9/