I have a fairly decent sized problem with my 83 300SD. The car needs repainting pretty much all over, and it simply cannot be "resprayed" again. If it is, the paint build up will be too much and it will look like crap, it looks as if it's been resprayed at least twice. This means a total sand down and repaint. However, i do not have that kind of money, so my thoughts are, to sand down and prime the old girl myself, and pay someone to JUST paint it. It has some minor dents/dings that i would fix at the same time, just to get the old girl perfect. What kind of time am i looking at to sand down to metal? is it a feasable option for somone who has never done body work? How much would a decent paint job cost if the car was already primed and ready to be sprayed? I'm looking for a good, cost effective way to get my benz looking good the CORRECT way here, i dont want anything that will look like shizit in a couple years again. If nothing else, i may just risk it with macco etc and get it to look good for a year or so, even though that is NOT the route i want to take at all. Thanks for your time
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Ryan,
If you have never done body work before, It will be very difficult for you to get the car in the kind of shape needed for a decent re-shoot.
The tools needed alone will be a major downfall for you, I'm not saying you could'nt do it yourself, just that the right tools would make a big difference.
If you can get access to a air compressor, DA sander, spraygun,
the job will be a whole lot easier. You may be able to rent the equipment.
If you do decide to do it yourself, start off with 180grit sandpaper,
then move to 220grit, that will get it ready for primer.
You will have to develop a "feel" for the sander, so take your time.
There are a whole lot of steps to get it ready to paint but if you take your time, it can save you tons of $$$$

Good luck with the project!!!

You had two words in your post that were key,,,,, perfect and correct. If you want perfect and correct, be prepared to pay lots of money. There is no alternative. Other than that, go see Macco, you will get what you pay for.
Pete

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K