Trim removal for repainting
 

I have a 1987 300e that REALLY needs to be repainted. How do I remove the black trim pieces along the sides, etc., so that they can be re-attached securely and without further damage? Is it possible to obtain new ones and install them in place of the old ones after the paint job is done?

Also, how do I remove the 300E chrome trim from the trunk lid? I can see how to remove the Mercedes emblem but not this one...

For plastic trim it is usually a case of very careful prying. You can replace the bayonet fittings that are under the trim pieces if necessary (once the paint job has been done). I don't know about the 300E chrome trim as both of my cars are de-badged...

I am also in the process of removing the trim on my 85 300d, I know how to remove the belt line trim. I sort of know how to remove the gutter trim (is there a thread with pictures?). I do not not know how to remove the trim strip on the lower window sill. Does anyone have a write up on that?

Also - is there a write up on the removal and replacement of the front and rear windows?

And, (another and) is there a write up on rust repair on the rear window (its in the corner)

thanks

Here's one

PeachPartsWiki: Rear Window Seal Replacement

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/296348-w123-exterior-trim-removal.html

I haven't written up the refurbishment of my doors yet but the bits you want are in the FSM in chapter 72 (chapter 67 for the front and rear windscreens too)

repaint
 

So, I have been planning this for a long time - just got back a quote from at top tier painter - I am removing all the trim and glass. Whole job with minor rust repair (lower window and lower quarter panel) 4700.00

Ok, I have the money for but, my 84 has 205k on it - it is perfect, all rubber has been replaced, all ac hose have been replaced, motor mounts. Ac is fine, trans has been resealed. Interior leather is fine, seat springs are fine, window motors and regulators are fine. SO....

If I decide to sell after I paint - can I sell it at 8k? Coupes and wagons get those prices or higher.

Advice?

84 or 85?
 

I was going to do alittle research for you on past 300d sales, but it looks like you made a typo on your second post. I assume you meant 85 not 84?

yes, 84. I sold a low milage 85 (60k) for 8k a few years ago. Should of kept it...

See the MB Cars For Sale section
 

Did you scroll down to the MB Cars For Sale section and do a search for previous 300d sales? There's quite a number listed, too many for me to replay. Not sure your paint job will provide a 100% return on your investment and enable you to get 8 grand out of your car. Sounds like you're doing a lot of work for the body shop on your own. I can't remember if you said you got more than one estimate or not. If you didn't, might be worth getting a second or third.

Have got several quotes and they are all running about the same- I de-trim the car. They sand down to good primer, fix rust, epoxy prime, long board sand, shoot two base color and three clear, color sand and polish. Using PPG, Glasurit shops were a little higher.

How difficult with the door trim be to remove???

http://www.artshot.net/window_trim.JPG

Look in the Tech Forum.....
 

Stretch has just the pictures you need in a thread titled "Removing 123 Trim" and it's under the Tech Forum today, 8/23.

Mitered trim on door
 

Stretch's write up does not mention the mitered window trim...

No indeed - so if you have a look in chapter 72 in the FSM

I figured out an easy way for removing the window gutter trim.

a-pillar to top of c-pillar: clip remover/trim separator, wrapped with a bit of tape to prevent unwanted marring, very slowly, lift a little bit at a time.

and the hard part that took me a while to figure out - Top to bottom of c-pillar: I used a foot long piece of 2x2 and a mallet. Place end of 2x2 at the bottom of the trim and tap out the bottom corner so that it lifts out of the channel enough for you to finish the job with the trim separator.