I had the usual damage on the front two leather dashboard panels, where the leather had shrunk due to sun exposure. Rather than replace it with leather that might not match color and grain perfectly, I decided to match the Alcantara A-pillars and headliner. Alcantara, being a synthetic material, will not shrink like leather, and stands up very well and is easy to clean. I was able to do this for $75, which is what a yard of Alcantara + shipping cost me.

I believe the correct color match is 9002, which is called "Anthracite". Keep in mind that Alcantara is a brand name of a specific ultra-suede. So if you can source real Alcantara, as you can from Gulf Fabrics in Tampa, FL, I found color 9002 Anthracite to be the best match.

Here are some photos of the process:
Step 1: remove the damaged leather and padding
Step 2: lay the panel out on your padding-backed Alcantara
Step 3: trace an outline of the panel on the back of the Alcantara
Step 4: cut out your template, leaving an inch or two all around
Step 5: spray 3M 74 adhesive on both the panel, and the Alcantara, let sit for 3-5 minutes, mate them
Step 6: work the Alcantara around the curves and shape of the panel

 

it looks fantastic! well done, I wish i was this handy. interior is not a place i will test my DIY

 

That looks awesome! Well done

 

Nicely done.

 

Seems to match the headliner well. As I look at your pictures I am reminded of taking photographs and then saying "why did I not close that damm door"

 

Can I bring my car over and have you do this???

Will bring nice beer, scotch, etc...

Good job

 

Very nice job, well done

 

Looks really good!

 

If you are in the area, absolutely. If you do the prep in terms of removing the panels (passenger side is a bit fiddly) the whole thing shouldn't take more than 2 hours maximum. But let me know if you want to do this so I can order more of the right Alcantara.
CATTMAN

 

Very nice, excellent work!

 

Excellent work! Looks perfect!

 

man that looks good, looks factory, like it was always there.

 

Cattman - you are saving a lot of souls with this gem. Fantastic work.

Like everyone said, it looks factory, or better yet, a $5K option.

 

Wow! That's fantastic! I never considered how doing this would really work so well because of how these dash pieces tie in so nicely with the inner "A" pillar upholstered sections. Makes it look absolutely original..

Wonderful idea.. Hope you don't mind if I "borrow" it?

FYI.. Supplier to Aston Martin for their Alcantara is called "Boyriven". Obviously this company is in the UK, however they sold me my headliner material direct. Very good pricing, easy as an email with the year and description of the color of my original alcantara. I couldn't seem to find the correct match from Golf Fabrics.

 

The 9002 Anthracite looks dark online, and even the swatch Gulf sent me looked dark- until I put it in the car next to the A-Pillar. It looks spot-on to me. FWIW, AM notes my headliner color as "Obsidian" on the build sheet, and I believe that corresponds to Alcantara brand's 9002 Anthracite.
CATTMAN