Hey guys,

Its been a while since I did a review, been distracted with other things, but I have been meaning to post this one for a while.

The peeling leather dash problem has been a common problem that has plagued all of our older Aston's dashes for quite some time. After trying to find a local body shop that would not rip off my arms and legs just to get the piece fixed, I quickly started getting serious sticker shock as shops wanted $1000-1500 to replace the leather piece (with non OEM leather mind you). I quickly thought there simply had to be another way.

Its not until it was brought to my attention that the actual Aston Martin factory will build you your own brand new set of dash panels matched to your exact VIN# for only a small fraction of the cost!

All in all, I was able to get both the instrument cluster panel, and the passenger top dash panel made directly by the factory (brand new) and shipped half way across the world for less than $500 total. Even better, both pieces can be installed yourself easily in your own garage.

Thanks to Rob Sims @ HWM Aston Martin in the UK, I was able to get my set ordered at the factory with just my VIN#, and within 4-5 weeks my brand new dash panels shipped. Not only were they brand new pieces made specifically for me by the factory, but they were made using the newer stronger adhesive bonding agent that will never peel like the old "eco-friendly" type.

And the best part of getting brand new dash panels directly from the factory instead of trying to "fix" the old piece: NEW CAR SMELL!!

Dash panel literally takes about 30 seconds. You just pop off using your fingers. I bought a bunch of fancy dash puller tools but after trying to use them for a few minute I realized they were not nearly as good as the tools God already provided you. Just pull up using your fingers in 3 positions (closest edge to windshield, middle, front sides). Voila ... comes right off, but be gentle! You still have to undo one screw that is attached to a leather strap on the dash panel (why this is even there I have no clue, it does nothing other then add a sense of occasion I suppose).

I have provided pictures below.

For those wanting to fix your old dash panels, getting a new set direction from the factory is the best & cheapest way to go about it and it will be way better than anything a local upholstery shop could ever do.

(pictures of both before & after, you can see mine was starting to peel pretty bad)

Hope that helps!
007

 

Thanks for sharing. This is great news and a wonderful option for those of us with OCD and have a need to fix the imperfections in our interiors.

I wonder if other interior parts are available?

 

They can replace virtually any part directly from the factory, and the factory will make it specifically for your car. That's the one advantage of Aston Martin being the last true boutique manufacturer left, you get that extra special touch. And shockingly it's a LOT less expensive than you would ever think.

 

That is great news! I need to replace the passenger side top panels and was planning to go to a local shop, but this is a much better option. Thanks for doing all the leg work on this...

 

Yes, thanks! The dash panels on the passenger side of my DBS have stretch marks, and the panel nearest the windshield is grainy and worn.

Will contact Sam and check this out!

 

Thanks for the kind words...

Correction, I mixed up the parts director contact, it was Rob Sims who helped me at HWM.

Rob@hwm.co.uk

Thanks,
007

 

This is great information, thanks for posting. I need two panels on the passenger side dash. Sounds like this little winter project may happen after all.

 

I don't understand why you guys all seem surprised by this news. All parts for our cars are available from Aston; there's nothing special about interior parts. You just tell them the VIN or color you want and they'll make them up for you. Some prices aren't too bad and some prices are shockingly high, depending on what particular piece you need. So the decision on whether to buy OEM or have it fixed by an outside source is based on price, not availability.

 

I am so glad you shared this with us. My car needs like 4 panels replaced! I have been really nervous about the costs and where to go to get it all done. I think I will start ordering mine this winter and get it all fixed!

 

My guess is that in the event of an accident, these pieces can become missiles within the interior of the car. Perhaps the screw is used to prevent that interior piece from going ballistic during a head-on collision.

 

So for sure the newer cars don't have this problem anymore, even when parked in extreme heat for long periods of time?

 

Check out astonmartinbits. They will sell you an exact match leather hide that any upholstery shop can use to recover your parts. Way less expensive than new pieces from the dealer. Just a thought.

 

Is that $500 US for both pieces including shipping? Seems rather reasonable actually. My car was missing the little leather door cap on the end and when I called my local dealer I think they wanted almost $150 for a replacement. So its kinda hard for me to believe they would accept $500 for two of those bigger items. I did have the leather by the rear glass re-glued and it was less than $50. Still looks good today after almost two years.

 

The dealer prices in the US are obviously much higher than what I've been quoted by Rob at HWM Aston. I have contacted him and for $707 I can replace (on the passenger side) the panel above the glove compartment and the piece above that that has the tweeter that extends through it.

I might save a couple hundred bucks doing that locally, but not sure if they could match the leather exactly.

When I purchased my DBS, the leather was pulling off on the piece on the drivers side that has the tweeter (Acoustic Lens) going through it. I was told the cost of the piece was $700 (dealer price).

I do like that these pieces will be made by Aston.

 

I never thought of that, makes perfect sense