Hi,

I have a 1982 240D that still has very shiny paint, however, the previous owner must have done something like scrape ice off of it with a stiff brush, b/c there are several scratches all over the paint work. When I first wash it, it looks great and the scratches really don't show much, however, once it gets some dust in the scratches, they really show up substantially more.

Any suggestions on what I can do short of washing the car everyday and/or getting a new paint job? Can someone tell me what sort of paint these old mercedes have?

BTW, if this is the wrong place to put this posting, I will gladly move it elsewhere.

Thanks in advance,

Brian

__________________
1987 560SL - 95K
1996 E300D - 183K
1997 E300D - 162K
1982 240D - 160K

I would try some polishing compound.

-Jason

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Hi Jason,

I have already tried polishing compound & even rubbing compound, but, apparently, the scratches are too deep :-(......

I am wondering if cars that old have a clearcoat or?

I guess I may end of having to try color sanding...any thoughts?

Thanks!

__________________
1987 560SL - 95K
1996 E300D - 183K
1997 E300D - 162K
1982 240D - 160K

Most Benz from the mid '70's on have base coat/ clear coat finishes. Check your paint code tag, mounted on the front support rail with all the "emissions" tags, to see what the original paint was.

If you use a polish and the "base" color comes off onto your pad then likely you have a single stage paint (try a few spots) or a compromised two stage paint. If the color doesn't come off onto the pad, then it's a two stage. As far as the scratch, if your fingernail catches it then it's too deep to correct.

Without seeing the scratches on your paint and based on your explanation, an acrylic paint conditioner will work best for you.
For the least amount of time and effort to get the wet look you want.
http://ibc34.com/images/before-and-after-VaporWax.jpg This is an extreme close up of VaporWax acrylic paint conditioner on a black 93 LINCOLN MK VIII



This is a 2001 black TOYOTA Avalon

An acrylic paint conditioner is not a wax,polish or sealer. Major scratches are not repaired.
An acrylic paint conditioner is a long lasting non abrasive spray on iiquid that will instantly remove some minor scratches and make most other scratches invisible.
Requires no buffing and it never dulls or has to be removed.

I took a look at the Vaporwax site.

No address, phone numbers or even country listed that I can find.

ANY reputable firm has basic firm data listed.

__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."