Yes , for a really nice re spray all the exterior trims must be removed and that's usually where the troubles begin ~ they'll damage them , leave off some of the myriad tiny washers & nuts that prevent leaks , break the lenses so on and so forth .

A cracked up previous re spray rarely needs stripping , it does require total scuffing though and this like all other aspects of proper body works , is very time consuming .

There are good body shops in Mexico , so far I've never found one anywhere near the border though .

A buddy of mine just had his W-123 done in Mazatlan and still paid $2K + , he's quite pleased with the works tho' .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better