Yes I'm bummed out.

I had a FineOlBenz. Now it needs a fender and work on the door. The problem is, all the body shops in the Central Valley cannot use a single stage paint due to the pollutants. Putting a base, clear over a couple of panels is in my opinion like repairing a leather chair with a piece of levi material. It's just not the same. The proper paint is Gasserite and no one seems to work with it here.

The insurance company assured me that they will not paint the whole car to the tune of $7000. But they may have to.

Are there any shops in Oregon or Nevada that work on MBZs? I figure there must be one in Reno or Las Vegas.

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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1984 280SEL, 62,000 miles
Euro model in the USA
1983 300D (Totaled out 10/2004)
New Factory Mint Green paint
Palomino int
1982 240D (Steak dinner for two)

You may not have any problems with the repaint using a two-step paint vs single. I just had my red 67 Mustang fastback (show car) touched up after a WOMAN DRIVER!!!!! careened her Honda down the side of my car while I waited at a stop light. Bottom line, my several-year old single stage paint matches up perfectly agains the new two-stage touch-up. It all depends on who does the work; a spray-gun artist or a drooling cretin who somehow managed to get a job in a body shop.

Look for someone who specializes in the odd-ball work as opposed to the production shop the insurance company will try to steer you into. Get some references and check the work he's done. Know anyone in the local hot rod community? These folks know quality and demand good work at fair prices.

Good hunting,

230/8