I found a big paint chip this morning while washing the car. It must be only a few days old as this was the first I had seen of it. I think this is too big for a DIY job. What do you guys think?

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

You are extremely lucky where that rock hit. That panel that it hit, if i'm correct, is only like $30-$40. Just get a completely new panel. It's a small piece that comes off when you slide it and move it properly. Do you have windshield wipers on your headlight lenses? I can't see from that picture. If not it'll be even easier because you'll just get the ones without the holes in them and you won't have to worry about working the wiper out of it. But

Your cheapest and easiest solution is just to pop a new panel in that puppy

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Own:
2013 C300 4matic
2009 C300 4matic

Owned:
2001 E320 Sport
1992 500E
1989 300SEL

Thanks for the tip. I don't have the wipers so I'll call the dealer on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday here) and see if I can order one, that will probably be cheaper than getting it repainted.

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

Definately better than getting it repainted and everything. Goodluck.

__________________
Own:
2013 C300 4matic
2009 C300 4matic

Owned:
2001 E320 Sport
1992 500E
1989 300SEL

It's true it is a cheap part to replace but I'm pretty sure the new part will have to be painted to match your car. Either way it's not really a big deal.

But you sure have to wonder what the hell caused such a big chip and also be glad it didn't hit your lights.

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Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

I don't think so. You should remove the panel anyway, and I think you can repair this in about 3 hours, tops, with the right equipment and supplies. However, unless you already have the right stuff on hand, it'll probably cost you more than the price of the panel to buy it in the minimum quantities available. If you'd like to go for it anyway, the experience will be invaluable, and you'll be ready to go the next time this type of damage happens. So, if you want to know, here's what I'd consider (for a 1st rate repair)...Is it dented? Place a dolly behind it and gently hammer the surface flat. Get a bit of wax/silicone remover and go over the entire panel. Take a mini grinder and carefully feather-edge the paint around the damage. If the primer hasn't been penetrated, hand sand it (120 - 80 grit) to prep it for a tiny bit of finishing filler (I use Evercoat glaze. Go to the local body shop supply place and get a recommended product in your area, maybe talk to a bodyshop too). Mix up your filler (no, this isn't bondo that you buy in the Walmart), apply, sand, remix, reapply more, sand again, repeat until it's flat and you can't detect any depression. Prime the spot and adjacent surface (cut a hole in a piece of cardboard to use as a 'mask' and spray through it ). At this point, you are right where you'd be with the new replacement panel, nearly ready for finish paint. Since that's a whole different subject, I'll opt out and let you decide whether to finish paint yourself, or have it done. (I'd get some touch-up paint and shoot the repaired area, then blend with the surrounding paint. But as I said, this too is an investment, since you'll need the reducer and hardner as well as a minimum of a pint or so, clearcoat, etc, or you could go with a rattlecan of touch-up just for this tiny spot) Hope this diatribe helps. Good luck.

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus