How to go about installing N420 diffuser on Vantage?

[Brakke]

Hi Gents,

I recently purchased a V8V and have since gone ahead with clear lights and now I am looking to install the carbon diffuser (should I be afraid of George??).
Anyone that can enlighten me how to proceed? Does the bumper need to come off, if so ; how do I proceed to do that?

Any input is appreciated before I waste time myself.

Thanks,

Brakke

[X7LDA]

The dealer fitted mine OEM and had to take the bumper off.

[Neil1300r]

Brakke said:

Hi Gents,

I recently purchased a V8V and have since gone ahead with clear lights and now I am looking to install the carbon diffuser (should I be afraid of George??).
Anyone that can enlighten me how to proceed? Does the bumper need to come off, if so ; how do I proceed to do that?

Any input is appreciated before I waste time myself.

Thanks,

Brakke

No need to be afraid of George, he's just our resident frustrated virgin.

Yes bumper needs to come off, supposedly not that easy. At least one person has posted up pictures of how to do it

[MrBGR]

Hi Brakke,

I did it myself following these instructions, below, you will need a mate with quite a bit of patience!

I think the dealers quote 10 hours, it took 2 of us 6 hours, without a ramp, so now that I have done it I can see where the hours go!

I have a PDF of the 2006 - 2009 Workshop Manual, if you need it let me know and I will PM you a link to download.

Rear Bumper Removal

1. Raise vehicle on ramp.
2. Remove number plate.
3. Remove LH rear lamp assembly (see Workshop Manual procedure 17.03.AB Lamp Assembly (Rear) – LH Renew).
4. Remove RH rear lamp assembly (see Workshop Manual procedure 17.03.BB XREF:280 Lamp Assembly (Rear) -RH Renew).
5. Remove wheel arch liner LH (see Workshop Manual procedure 01.02.JB Wheel Arch Liner - Rear - RH -Renew).
6. Remove wheel arch liner RH (see Workshop Manual procedure 01.02.HB Wheel Arch Liner - Rear - LH -Renew).
7. Remove tyre mobility kit from the rack.
8. Remove torx bolts located behind carpets to rear wings (x2).
9. Remove bolts (x2) in rear light recess.
10. Remove bolts securing bumper to wheel arch (6).
11. Remove bolts (x4) securing bumper to brackets.
12. With assistance Release bumper from body.
13. Release fir trees securing harness to bumper (x6).
14. Release remaining harness clips from bumper (x6).
15. Disconnect multiplugs to parking aid sensors (x2).
16. Disconnect multiplugs to license plate lamps (x2).
17. Remove nuts (x6) securing exhaust finishers to bumper.
18. Remove number plate light assembly (clips x5).
19. Remove parking aid sensors (x2)
20. Remove screw retaining clips (x13)

Installation
1. Install screw retaining clips x13.
2. Install parking aid sensors x2.
3. Install number plate light assembly
4. Install exhaust finishers to bumper.
5. With assistance position bumper to body.
6. Connect multiplugs to license plate lamps X2.
7. Connect multiplug to parking aid sensors.
8. Secure harness to bumper (fir trees x6 and clips x6)
9. Install bumper bolts to brackets and body (x10).
10. Install tyre mobility kit to rack.
11. Install number plate.
12. Install RH rear lamp assembly (see Workshop Manual
procedure 17.03.BB Lamp Assembly (Rear) – RH Renew).
13. Install LH rear lamp assembly (see Workshop Manual procedure 17.03.AB Lamp Assembly (Rear) – LH Renew).
14. Install wheel arch liner LH (see Workshop Manual procedure 01.02.JB Wheel Arch Liner - Rear - RH - Renew).
15. Install RH wheel arch liner (see Workshop Manual procedure 01.02.HB Wheel Arch Liner - Rear - RH - Renew).
16. Lower vehicle on ramp.








Was it worth it!?

I think so...

[Brakke]

OMG!

For Sale: unused carbon diffuser Vantage V8.

Edited by Brakke on Wednesday 5th February 07:13

[Brakke]

Thanks for the write-up MrBGR!
Very helpfull, I hoped there was a cheat to this, but guess not.

I would very much appreciate if I could get a link to download the manual for the 2006-2009 Vantage.
Obviously I am going to do this myself, I just have to find a way to trick one of my mates to help me with it.


Thanks!

Brakke

P.S: In Amsterdam there are these DIY garages, where you can rent a bridge to lift the car. You think that will make the work a lot easier? Its only like 40euro for a full day rent.
I guess in the manual it will mention where (points) to lift the car.

Edited by Brakke on Wednesday 5th February 07:28

[KarlFranz]

MrBGr, you forgot to tell him the steps where you line up the diffuser with bumper once it's off the car, mark holes on the lower bumper lip and then drill them out so you can attatch the diffuser using the provided fasteners.

[Brakke]

KarlFranz said:

MrBGr, you forgot to tell him the steps where you line up the diffuser with bumper once it's off the car, mark holes on the lower bumper lip and then drill them out so you can attatch the diffuser using the provided fasteners.

Thanks for that, so I need to drill as well?
The diffuser didnt come with fasteners, any chance anyone has pics of these??

Much appreciated all the information!

[MrBGR]

A ramp would really help!

I will upload the Manual and send over a link.

Ah yes, aligning and fitting the diffuser, I had blanked that bit from my memory, that bit took some time and even more patience!

We used a number of small G Clamps to align before we drilled...

We swapped out the supplied fixings with stainless steel Bolts, Washers and Nylocks

[Brakke]

MrBGR said:

A ramp would really help!

I will upload the Manual and send over a link.

Ah yes, aligning and fitting the diffuser, I had blanked that bit from my memory, that bit took some time and even more patience!

We used a number of small G Clamps to align before we drilled...

We swapped out the supplied fixings with stainless steel Bolts, Washers and Nylocks

So tool-wise I need (next to normal tools):
- Drill
- clamps
- Bolts, washers and nylocks.

And heaps of patience and tranquility.

Ok, I will try getting this done in March, this month is just too busy.

Thanks for the info, will get pics posted once all is done!

Brakke

[MrBGR]

I have uploaded a copy of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2006-2009 - Workshop Manual here:

www.caundle.com/am.pdf - 120mb

Good luck and looking forward to seeing the photos of the car!

[Impasse]

I didn't remove the rear bumper of my car when I fitted my diffuser. It's not the correct and proper way, but it's certainly do-able.

[Brakke]

MrBGR said:

I have uploaded a copy of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2006-2009 - Workshop Manual here:

www.caundle.com/am.pdf - 120mb

Good luck and looking forward to seeing the photos of the car!

Big thanks for that!

[JohnG123]

I fitted mine without removing the bumper.
You need small hands and a selection of Torx drivers and a bendable Torx driver

Took me about 4 hours

[Brakke]

Impasse said:

I didn't remove the rear bumper of my car when I fitted my diffuser. It's not the correct and proper way, but it's certainly do-able.

Hi Impasse,

How did you do it??
I am really curious if there is any other way of doing it without removing the rear bumper.
Thanks for any input.

[Brakke]

JohnG123 said:

I fitted mine without removing the bumper.
You need small hands and a selection of Torx drivers and a bendable Torx driver

Took me about 4 hours

Hi John,

Could tell me in a bit more detail how you did it?
Did you get it up a ramp? How did you connect the diffuser to the bumper, with bolts, nylocks etc or differently and how did you allign the diffuser and drill the holes.

Thanks for any input.

Brakke

Edited by Brakke on Wednesday 5th February 15:59

[Manwhoneverwas]

Mine was fitted when the car was in getting painted last year, it is a time consuming task apparently.

I posted a cost saving tip before regarding this if it is to difficult to fit yourself.
A main dealer will quote you say 5-6 hours at circa £150 / hour and the AM technician will fit it.

However in my case it was fitted at a body shop approved by AM (they are part of the same John Martin Group) as the AM dealer in Edinburgh.
The labour rate at the body shop was much cheaper (circa £50/hr) and these guys are stripping down Astons on a regular basis, so are very efficient at what they do

[JohnG123]

I was able to lie on my back and get under the car whilst it was parked in my garage.
I did not put the car on ramps.
Using a head torch you will see all the torx headed screws that hold on the existing metal grills
and metalwork. The existing diffuser is held on with 4 screws.

(I still have all the old parts in the garage if any one needs any spares.)

You will need a 90 degree headed torx set as the screws/bolts are really difficult to get to come loose just be patient.
A long bendable torx headed driver also comes in handy.
I bought mine of ebay but then had to re bend one to suite using a blow torch.
If I can find it you are welcome to have it.

If your car has rear parking sensors these need uncliping from the rear.

I used all the fittings and screws that came with the diffuser and you will need 2 people to allow you to put the diffuser in place while you mark the holes that you have to drill in the bumper.

It is by no means any easy job but if you take your time and get the correct tools then is is achievable.
My car was a 2008 roadster and I had no trouble undoing any of the bolts.

If you have any doubts get the garage to do it, but if you can get the existing diffuser and metalwork undone then you do not need to remove the rear bumper.

[Brakke]

Thanks Johny and also MrBGR for the manual and info.

My friend has a good garage with everything I need, so I will try jacking it up first to get extra space anyway and have a look.
Worst case I take the bumpers off, sounds like a good day of music, beer, chatting about everything and fiddling on cars.

Thanks all for taking the time to comment.
Will make sure to get pics of the work done.
Just looking for last item on my list; 200 cell cats!
If anyone has a 2nd hand pair laying around, I am all ears!

Thanks again,

Brakke