Tomorrow I get the 300D from the body shop with a new paint job. I removed all trim before I took it in and now I get to replace it all. I removed the sunroof and had it painted separately. Easy to remove thanks to boostnbenz's DIY section. I have new seals for the roof but after reading the threads, I am a little worried about getting the new front seal in place. Has anyone done this job lately? Should I remove the wind deflector to make it easier to insert the seal? Is it OK to slick it down with WD-40 or should I use soap? Any comments will be appreciated.

__________________
Bruce

73 220D (never left Germany)
81 300D (totaled)
84 300D (Purchased '03, sold '17)
85 300SD (purchased 10/01/03)

Use soap, and you will probably need to make a driver to tap the corners in, that is the worst part.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Have you pictures for us to see before, stripped of chrome and after with new paint!!!!!!
Would be great to see your photos. What is the cost of paint job?

__________________
'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.

A friend recommended the local Maaco. They are going to paint it for $400.00 plus $250.00 in body work for a dented fender, total 650.00. I realize that this is a cheap way to go but I couldn't see spending $2000 (one estimate) to paint a car that cost $1800. I am changing from Light Ivory (623) to Champagne Metallic (473). Maaco had the MB color codes and mixed a sample for me to see. I practiced taking off trim at the Pull-A-Part and got new fasteners and clips from Perf.Parts. I figured the more I did the better job Maaco will do. I also removed tail lights, mirrors, cowl covers, wipers, washers, grill, bumpers, rocker molding, side molding, emblems, and hd. light surrounds. The hardest trim to deal with is the gutter trim above the doors. I cleaned all the rubber with peanut oil and painted the plastic pieces semi-flat black. I guess I'll see it tomorrow. I am hoping for at least a 20 footer.

MB paint color codes

__________________
Bruce

73 220D (never left Germany)
81 300D (totaled)
84 300D (Purchased '03, sold '17)
85 300SD (purchased 10/01/03)

That's a great deal to have your Mercedes painted. Changing color too. Did Maaco paint inside doors under hood etc. I checked the Maaco site and indicates metalic clear coat colors are up to $1000 or more. I just purchased an 85 300D and needs painting badly. You've already given me inspiration ours repainted but like you don't want to spend more than $600-$800 on an $1800 auto. I think ours is either desert red or cabernet red. I would like a bit brighter red. I think I'll begin removing roof trim first. Please post pictures of your MB.
Thanks Tom

__________________
'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.

Lorenztl, unfortunately this price does not include inside doors or engine bay. Maaco said $100 per door so I declined. If you go to Maaco, ask about specials. They are always having a half price special on one of their services. Their pricing strategy reminds me of a mattress store. Anyway, I will report back when I get the car. I hope I can remember where all the attachments go.

__________________
Bruce

73 220D (never left Germany)
81 300D (totaled)
84 300D (Purchased '03, sold '17)
85 300SD (purchased 10/01/03)

I found a section in the FSM that shows how to remove that trim. I've removed them without knowing exactly how to do it before using a an old plastic screw driver handle and mallet to know them off and the same tool to put them back on.

__________________
DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Side seals and rear are easy..Rear seals: take an L shaped small crowbar
and gently open up the front seal space. Insert front seal, pay attention to the ends. now using the L bar close the space you opened up.Call if you need
help Gray 919-923-4321

10 years late on the help...

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!