Hey all,

Got a question: I went to inspect a 190E with a friend the other day. He's interested in buying it to fix up. Anyhow, the car is Smoke Silver and has been sitting outside for about 2 years in the same spot. I saw there was some greenish "muck" built up on the paint. It rubs off with your finger, but what the heck is it? The car was sitting near some shagbark trees, but not directly under them. I suppose a good washing and detailing would do the trick, but has anyone seen this before?

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Regards,
Aaron

I suspect its a form of algae.

If the car has been sitting pretty in the same spot for 2 years, rust would be a definite look out. There other would be the infestation of dried wires/cables in the engine bay - and a possibility also it being of rats/insects haven.

What about the drying of rubber seals?

Might pay to have it checked thoroughly.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I was in, under, around and on top of the whole car. Amazingly, it appeared to be quite solid. He is thinking of buying it and dropping it off at my workshop for some heavy duty work. I don't generally get into the newer cars, but a friend is a friend....

Of course, before I touch it, it's going to the car wash!

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Regards,
Aaron

Wash it first, then go over it with some cut-type polish, clay, cleaner type polish.... Repeat as needed till the removal rag does NOT turn black/black-ish. Once that's done....let us know what you are dealing with and we'll be happy to help. At this point, there are too many unknowns.

Hope this helps,
Lee