Hi all --

My beloved '89 300SE has developed car wash-type scratches all over its Smoke Silver paint. I took it to a detailer, who told me my clear coat was cracking, and that repainting the car is the only cure. (Apparently the car can't be color-sanded and a new clear coat applied -- it needs a full-on repainting.) Have many of you encountered this situation? How much do you think I should expect to pay for the repaint? Is there a shop in So. Cal. anyone can recommend? Thanks!

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Tony

My 93 Silver 300E Sportline has the same problem. I got one estimate of $5000 from a very good shop here on the Jersey shore, I don't intend to pay that much. I hope you can find a better price. I read that someone from Cal got a good deal south of the boarder, it looked very good.

Take your car to the body shop at the dealer. They'll be able to give you a much more accurate assessment. Not that your detailer is lying, but chances are the painter at the shop will have a better idea what has happened to the paint, and whether it is salvageable. Sanding a car down and re-clearcoating IS repainting a car. If the car is already sanded and masked to spray clear, it is in the painter's best interest, generally, to go ahead and put a light coat of color on the car. Otherwise, imperfections that may not have been visible under the damaged clearcoat WILL be once the car has regained it's luster.

Smoke silver is a tough color. If you opt for a re-spray, take it to a good shop!!

Jay.

I am sorry to hear about the cracking clear coat. I have an idea, try and find a local MB club, and ask some members who does their body work and painting.
I am sure they will lead you to great people.

Keep us updated!

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