When I removed the lower drivers side dash instrument panel I discovered that two of the snap-in connectors were broken off (probably thanks to the DPO – Damn Previous Owner).  I was taking the panel off while I was working on repairing the Sagging Headliner in my car (read all about it in this series of articles).

The broken connectors are a white plastic item, glued to the smooth back of the panel, and covered with a metal spring clip.  They are designed to insert into a mating socket on the dash structure, and grip and hold the panel tight.   When I removed the panel I noticed the clips were sheared off (missing) but immediately found them still stuck in the mating socket.  I used a pair of needle nose pliers to gently tug the snapped off clip out of the socket without damaging it further. Continue reading “Repairing a Damaged Dash Instrument Panel in and Aston Martin DB9 or DBS” →

What the hell is this article talking about?  Deep cleaning the Dash in a DB9?   This is part of “while your at it” syndrome.   I was dealing with a sagging headliner (read all about that in this article), and to get the headliner out of the car one of the steps described in the official Aston Martin Workshop Manual was to remove the interior dash panels in order to release the A-pillar covers (a.k.a. Cant Rails).  I set about removing ALL the interior dash panels since it was the last panel that come off that hold the A-pillar covers in place (what a surprise).   While I have all those sculpted leather panels off the car, I figured what better time to give them a close inspection and a deep clean.  The cleaner is also a conditioner that adds UV protection, and this should help the leather last a little longer as well.

During the inspection I discovered three separate panels that had the glue failing and the leather was lifting away.  This was leading to the leather rising up and looking uneven.  This is really, really common with the front most dash panels that are in the direct sun most of the time.   ‘While I was at it’, I opted to get these repaired by an upholsterer. Continue reading “Deep Cleaning and Leather Conditioning the Interior Dash Instrument Panels of an Aston Martin DB9 or DBS” →

I repeat, are you crazy?  Why would you want to take out the Dash Panels of your DB9?  As I mentioned in my other article on Removing the Drivers Side Dash Panels, there could be lots of reasons:

• There is a squeak or rattle driving you nuts and you want to see what’s loose under there
• The glue is failing and the leather is popping up on one of the panels and you need to get it off to take to the upholsterer
• You are trying to access or remove the A-Pillar cover perhaps to have it re-trimmed or to remove your headliner

For me, I was working on removing my Sagging Headliner (as it turns out you don’t have to remove the A-pillar trim cover so this was a bit of a lark for me).  Whatever your reasons, I can show you how to do it below.

The process on the Passengers side is similar to the Drivers side, but is more difficult.  You have more challenges to deal with, namely the Airbag and Glove box.   In this article I will share the tips you’ll need to tackle this. Continue reading “How to Remove the Passenger Side Dash Panels from an Aston Martin DB9” →