Hello forum,

I'm in a serious dilemma right now. I'm getting my 1985 300TD ready for body prep and paint work, but I'm having a hell of a time finding a reputable shop in the Sacramento area that is willing to do the job and do it well. Main line body shops wont do restoration work and restoration shops wont do anything German. Its been frustrating to say the least!

The body shell is completely stripped down to sheet metal only and on a rolling caster cart. It has all new hinges for the hood, doors, and tailgate, a new tailgate, new rear doors, new hood, and used front fenders and front doors that need to be blasted and primered. There is a small amount of rust repair that would be necessary at the bottom of the left and right rear fixed windows (between C & D pillars).

The last hitch I have is I really would like to get it painted this summer so I can spend all winter and spring putting it back together. I am a tech at Mercedes-Benz of El Dorado Hills and I've already tried the body shops that we deal with, but they won't take on the job. I'm also not looking for a cheapo low priced paint job either. I'm willing to spend some money to get this done once and done right! The body shell is currently painted in classic white (737), which is what I plan on keeping it.

If I could PLEASE get some help on this with what I should do! I don't do body work or any prep or paint. I want to find a shop that will. And if I need to, I have NO PROBLEM putting it on a tailer and taking a road trip down to the classic center (assuming they would even have an open paintbooth this summer).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!