REBUILDING A WRECKED 2019 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE | PT2
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Head to squarespace.com to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code - matarmstrong I bought this wrecked 2019 Aston Martin Vantage and i believe it to be the cheapest one in the UK! Only thing is ive got to repair it. Buying parts direct from Aston Martin can be very expensive so im doing my best to cross reference parts from other manufactures like Volvo and Mercedes. But today i tackle to dashboard and it turns out its like no other dashboard ive ever removed. Check if your car was damaged with Car Vertical - 10% off here carvertical.com
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Notes
REBUILDING A WRECKED 2019 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE | PT2 follows Mat Armstrong as he confronts a daunting phase of his salvage rebuild. The video opens with a summary of the car’s damaged state, including a front end that arrived in pieces, airbags deployed, and a dashboard that has proven exceptionally difficult to source. Mat documents the practical realities of sourcing compatible parts, including inner tie rods that fit a range of models, and the tough choice to avoid Aston Martin’s high parts pricing by cross-fitting components from Volvo, Jaguar, Mercedes and Ford. The discussion quickly shifts to a critical repair decision: whether to use an off-the-shelf inner tie rod from a different car or to risk a dealer-grade part. As he inventories the parts, he also highlights the cost-saving and safety considerations around the steering rack and the pyrotechnic fuse that protects the airbag system, weighing OEM versus aftermarket options. The narrative then moves to the dashboard removal challenge, which is framed as a monumental, almost weighing-heavy task, given the car’s aluminum frame and the absence of a straightforward removal guide. Mat reveals that refurbishing the dashboard in the car would be preferable to a full dash removal and retrim, even though this introduces complexity for the electrical connectors and the knee pad modules. The video captures a turning point when he sources a secondhand inner tie rod that nearly dodges Aston Martin pricing, and when he identifies a Volvo-derived pyrotechnic fuse as a viable, cheaper substitute. The plan is to test fit the secondhand components, perform a rough alignment, and proceed with a cautious, incremental rebuild while documenting the real-world tradeoffs between cost, time, and risk. The episode closes with a reminder that the rebuild is still a work in progress, with the front end largely undone, the windscreen out for access, and the dashboard removal looming as the next major hurdle, all while inviting viewers to subscribe for the ongoing, high-stakes journey.
Topics · car_repair · car_rebuild · diy_project · automotive_parts · salvage · engineering
Questions answered
- What is the main sourcing strategy Mat uses to avoid high OEM costs for the Aston Martin Vantage, and why is this approach risky?
- Mat tries to source compatible parts from other manufacturers (Volvo, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ford) to avoid the high prices from Aston Martin, particularly for items like the inner tie rod and the pyrotechnic fuse. This approach is risky because non-OEM parts may have different thread pitches, lengths, or specifications that can affect fit and safety, especially for critical components like the steering system and airbag circuits.
- Why is removing the dashboard considered such a challenge in this build, and what are the potential options discussed?
- Removing the dashboard is challenging because the Aston Martin Vantage uses a heavy aluminum frame with the dashboard integrated, and there are numerous hidden bolts and connectors. The builder contemplates either retrimming and installing a repaired dashboard in place, possibly reusing the existing structure, or removing the entire aluminum frame and dashboard together, which is very labor-intensive and risky.
- What role does the windscreen removal play in the plan to access the dashboard, and what outcome is hoped from it?
- Removing the windscreen is intended to expose bolts and access points behind the dashboard, making it easier to remove the dash without dismantling the entire aluminum framework. The hoped outcome is to reveal a safer or more feasible removal path that reduces risk and avoids a full frame extraction.
- How does the video frame the community aspect of this rebuild, particularly in terms of collaboration and shared knowledge?
- The video highlights how viewers have offered help, parts, and expertise, with mentions of breakers yards, racing teams, and individuals who previously worked for Aston Martin. This collaborative angle emphasizes the community’s role in solving part shortages and sharing technical tips for a high-stakes project.