DIY Fender Paint? Good job possible? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300SD81 · #1 09-17-2008, 02:29 AM

College has taken its toll on my car... its recently suffered some severe damage to its fender while parked on the side of the road (horrible parallel parking attempt?? I have no idea what would cause someone to hit it from that angle..). But whatever caused it, I need to replace the fender, and am wondering if it would be possible for me to paint it myself rather than sending it out and still have it look factory.. I've heard good things about touch up paint from paintscratch.com and they do seem to sell it in larger quantities/spray cans...

#2 09-17-2008, 02:39 AM

Touch up is one thing, trying to paint the whole fender yourself will never match. Take it to Maaco (or any decent body shop), have them use their color matching computer and spend $1xx for them to spray it.

Personally, I'd wait for a matching fender to come through the junkyard.

TylerH860 · #3 09-17-2008, 03:19 AM

This episode of 'Wheeler Dealers' provided a good tutorial on a W123 wing/fender replacement. The great thing about these fenders is they're bolt on, so no cutting or welding is required.

Episode 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJqTOdln3hE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2om8DQ6Xno&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2U2eL4w4Z8&feature=related

Episode 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA8UgFrfuCg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7f5jedaGhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOa7RPGYHF8&feature=related

It probably won't get the paint to look right if you do it yourself, especially if you're a first timer. Maaco will very likely do a fine job. I know form personal experience on Norm, and even the great Ed on this show tried a fender replacement/paint on a Ford Capri with mediocre results.

I'm not saying it can't be done, but it makes more sense to send it off.

Filmguy · #4 09-17-2008, 03:47 AM

But if you're really poor...you can buy 12.5 oz spraycans of basecoat and clearcoat from Paintscratch and it might look okay (definitely not "factory") Probably do a fender for $75 in materials.

This is not really an endorsement...I think Paintscratch has terrible Customer service.

TylerH860 · #5 09-17-2008, 03:52 AM

Bah... At least go to Sherwin Williams automotive and they'll use their little paint matching gun and mix it up for you.

Even with the color code, paint does fade over time.

This thread belongs in the bodywork forum.

RML · #6 09-17-2008, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filmguy

That was suppossed to say "Customer Service"

FYI: You can use the "Edit" feature and edit your original post without creating another correcting post.

RML · #7 09-17-2008, 06:36 AM

You might try finding an independent body man who will do the final spraying for you if you do all of the prep work.

Dee8go · #8 09-17-2008, 10:23 AM

How well do the Duplicolor spray paints match the original MB colors?

TheDon · #9 09-17-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

How well do the Duplicolor spray paints match the original MB colors?

not very well... Seeing as MBZ colours are MBZ colours only. You can get close but under the discerning eye it wont even be the same...

The jerk didn't leave any insurance info.. talk about a skeeze

Chad300tdt · #10 09-17-2008, 10:51 AM

I've used automotivetouchup.com for MB color code base and clear in spray cans. They supply you with cards to spray the paint on and see if it matches your car. If it doesn't match, they will make adjustments to make it match.

Also, they consider faded paint to be a legitimate reason for a color adjustment.

I've been very happy with them.

TX76513 · #11 09-17-2008, 10:51 AM

Good paint shops will give you the fade chips for your color. Then you can get the right match mixed.

Dee8go · #12 09-17-2008, 11:15 AM

Thanks. I'm only looking for paint for my grill right now. Since it has some separation from the surrounding paint, it may not matter if it's a little bit off.