Maaco doesn't do body work, they just spray paint.

If you do a very good prep job, the Maaco paint job will turn out well, they don't use junk paint.

You will not get factory color, though, you will have to pick one as close as possible from what they offer.

I would sand down to the primer, but not through, if you are going to prep this yourself. Finish with Scotchbrite to give a very smooth, shiny surface (else you risk "telegraphing" sandpaper marks!).

Wear good plastic gloves the ENTIRE time you are working on the car, and wipe down with wax remover immediately before taking it to be painted. Finger oils will cause horrible problems with newer paints -- big spots of crinkle finish!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!