So what have you done with your Aston today?

[David W.]

Loose_Cannon said:

I'm finding the ride a bit harsh and throttle a bit urgent for my liking. I know there is a standing joke on here about the DB9 being a pipe and slippers car but seriously, what kind of snarling animal are they comparing it to!

I know a change of tyres away from Bridgestones would help, but really to make it ride like how I consider a proper Aston should the suspension would have to go. I really wanted to try your Virage before it went to see what adaptive damping was like in "comfort" mode...but thats all serious money that I could never afford or recoup.

I tried a Virage on a 12 plate I think. It sits between a DB9 and a DBS and was still to harsh for me. Surprised that it and the DB9 had a “cosier” cabin than a Vantage too, especially leg room for the passenger. The newer post 13 plate DB9 has been the most likeable for me so far as it has adaptive damping.
DW

[westhumbler]

A general query I'm hoping someone can answer.

I saw on here recently someone had coated the front cover piece that sits at the front of the engine compartment beneath the bonnet (where the engine builder's name is located) and I fancy improving the appearance of my DB9 in a similar way. The question is whether this piece is functional in any way, does it contribute to any rigidity of the vehicle? Can the vehicle be moved / used while this piece is removed, or is it purely a cover piece?

Also, does anyone know where I can get new screws for it, as the ones currently holding it in have seen better days?

Thanks in advance.

[David W.]

Would think if you knew size and length eBay or amazon would provide, something in stainless perhaps?
DW

[Mr.Tremlini]

divetheworld said:

The kids bought be a sun shade as a present.



"She’s fast enough for you, old man."

Best car sun screen ever!

[RobDown]

westhumbler said:

A general query I'm hoping someone can answer.

I saw on here recently someone had coated the front cover piece that sits at the front of the engine compartment beneath the bonnet (where the engine builder's name is located) and I fancy improving the appearance of my DB9 in a similar way. The question is whether this piece is functional in any way, does it contribute to any rigidity of the vehicle? Can the vehicle be moved / used while this piece is removed, or is it purely a cover piece?

Also, does anyone know where I can get new screws for it, as the ones currently holding it in have seen better days?

Thanks in advance.

I'm pretty certain it's not structural. It's just a cover. By the way Appleby sell the carbon fibre replacements, think a few on here bought one from them at Rockingham

[ripley500]

divetheworld said:

The kids bought be a sun shade as a present.



"She’s fast enough for you, old man."

Awesome 😀

[Buster73]

westhumbler said:

A general query I'm hoping someone can answer.

I saw on here recently someone had coated the front cover piece that sits at the front of the engine compartment beneath the bonnet (where the engine builder's name is located) and I fancy improving the appearance of my DB9 in a similar way. The question is whether this piece is functional in any way, does it contribute to any rigidity of the vehicle? Can the vehicle be moved / used while this piece is removed, or is it purely a cover piece?

Also, does anyone know where I can get new screws for it, as the ones currently holding it in have seen better days?

Thanks in advance.

The cover comes off in a few minutes , it’s held on by about 10 bolts , it’s a piece of cake to do.

With the bolts looking like they’ve seen better days, just rub them down with a bit of fine emery paper and give them a quick spray of satin black enamel , far cheaper than replacing the bolts from AM.

[Jon39]

westhumbler said:

. . . beneath the bonnet (where the engine builder's name is located) . . .

You meant the completed vehicle inspector's name.

The engine builder is usually, Dieter, Günter, Jürgen, or Klaus, although the engine blocks are made in England, probably by a George, Charlie, or Harry. ~

Edited by Jon39 on Tuesday 1st May 11:24

[Stevejay]

Paid our respect to Tommy

Edited by Stevejay on Tuesday 1st May 17:34

[Beechburn]

westhumbler said:

A general query I'm hoping someone can answer.

I saw on here recently someone had coated the front cover piece that sits at the front of the engine compartment beneath the bonnet (where the engine builder's name is located) and I fancy improving the appearance of my DB9 in a similar way. The question is whether this piece is functional in any way, does it contribute to any rigidity of the vehicle? Can the vehicle be moved / used while this piece is removed, or is it purely a cover piece?

Also, does anyone know where I can get new screws for it, as the ones currently holding it in have seen better days?

Thanks in advance.

It's called a Slam Panel and acts as a radiator cover. I'm also getting mine done up using a hydrophobic/graphic coating. I don't believe it's structural, though I'm not moving the car just in case as 20 screws hold this onto the car. I purchased new screws rather than mess about with painting - https://astonmartinbits.com/models/4-DB9/parts/476... - good luck

Edited by Beechburn on Tuesday 1st May 09:35

[james-witton]

Have a word with Buster, see page 391 of this thread.

[leerandle]

Just a word of warning, if you don't fit the slam panel and then shut the bonnet, then trying to re-open the bonnet is very difficult.

You then need two people, one pulling the bonnet release catch by the passenger foot well and the other pressing bonnet catch and lifting bonnet.

As I was by myself, I had to tie some string around the bonnet release catch and try pulling both at the same time.........not ideal

Also, it gets pretty hot under there, so any coatings/paints etc need to be able to withstand high temp or will they will only look pretty for a while before it all starts to peel off.

[Buster73]

leerandle said:

Just a word of warning, if you don't fit the slam panel and then shut the bonnet, then trying to re-open the bonnet is very difficult.

You then need two people, one pulling the bonnet release catch by the passenger foot well and the other pressing bonnet catch and lifting bonnet.

As I was by myself, I had to tie some string around the bonnet release catch and try pulling both at the same time.........not ideal

Also, it gets pretty hot under there, so any coatings/paints etc need to be able to withstand high temp or will they will only look pretty for a while before it all starts to peel off.

Can’t see how the panel being removed and the bonnet opening are connected to be honest , sounds more like the cable on the bonnet opener has stretched and needs a quick adjustment.

Agree with you on the finish , I did bring that point up with the company that finished it and they promised no issues would arise.

[leerandle]

Buster73 said:

Can’t see how the panel being removed and the bonnet opening are connected to be honest , sounds more like the cable on the bonnet opener has stretched and needs a quick adjustment.

Agree with you on the finish , I did bring that point up with the company that finished it and they promised no issues would arise.

The bonnet has x2 rubber feet either side that contact the slam panel when closing. This not only aligns the bonnet with the front wings, but also the bonnet latch and hook mechanism.

Once you remove the slam panel, that gap is reduced (as the rubber feet no longer have the slam panel to rest on) and prevents 'normal' operation of the bonnet catch (certainly in my situation a couple of times).

I'm happy to be corrected, but i've messed around enough times under my bonnet to not remove it again and close the bonnet.

[Buster73]

leerandle said:

The bonnet has x2 rubber feet either side that contact the slam panel when closing. This not only aligns the bonnet with the front wings, but also the bonnet latch and hook mechanism.

Once you remove the slam panel, that gap is reduced (as the rubber feet no longer have the slam panel to rest on) and prevents 'normal' operation of the bonnet catch (certainly in my situation a couple of times).

I'm happy to be corrected, but i've messed around enough times under my bonnet to not remove it again and close the bonnet.

I bow down to your superior knowledge and stand corrected.

[westhumbler]

Thanks everyone for your really helpful replies. Having looked at the real carbon fibre replacement vs the cost I'd been quoted to apply the water coating, I'm going to buy the carbon replacement , so there is a (slight) weight saving benefit (maybe get from 16.7 to 16.8 mpg one day?!) as well as an aesthetic one too.

[V8LM]

Took the Lemon for its service. 180 miles, wonderful day, fabulous car.

Edited by V8LM on Tuesday 1st May 20:13

[starlight225]

Saw the start of production of my seat covers for my new lightweight seats in the trim shop, and now fitting the Bluetooth upgrade.

[leerandle]

starlight225 said:

Saw the start of production of my seat covers for my new lightweight seats in the trim shop, and now fitting the Bluetooth upgrade.

Lets see some pictures when they're done.

I've just fitted some to my car and very pleased with them.

I'll get some pictures once its out of the paint shop.

[starlight225]

leerandle said:

Lets see some pictures when they're done.
I've just fitted some to my car and very pleased with them.
I'll get some pictures once its out of the paint shop.

Work in progress at the moment...