Hoping to get some advice tonight!

I own an 84 300SD and have some small rust bubbles under the chrome trim on top of the front bumper.

This weekend I saw an 85 (or 86) 420 SEL sitting in front of a wrecking yard where I live. The guy said he would sell me the chrome trim from the top front bumper for $35.00 if I take it off myself (its clean).
It looks to me like the same part would fit both cars?

I got under the car and found approx 10 small bolts that appear to be part of what holds the trim on there, so I loosened them all, they won't come out but they do loosen. There are also two holes underneath there on the corners with a recessed nut up inside them which I loosened and the nuts came off.

There are two small chrome plates on the top trim corners that appear to be just over where the recessed nuts were. Even after I got those nuts off, the small chrome plates still seemed firmly in place.

It started raining hard so I had to abandon the project for the time being, but the guy said he would let me come back for it later.

My question is: does anyone have any advice on further steps needed to get that part off?

Amazing how well put together all that stuff is!

Thanks a million,
Keefer

Keefer,

I had the same problem with my 380SE. I ended up replacing the metal portion of the bumper and having the bumper cover re-painted. Once the metal begins to bubble the fasteners under the cover are completely corroded.

Pull the bumper, unbolt from shocks. Take a look behind the bumper you will then see the whole story.

I think after all said and done it was about $700.00. Looked great. Used all new O/E parts.

Thanks,

Zill.

Thanks Zill,

I recently repainted my front cover. I went to an automotive paint store in Boise and got some bumper paint prep and some bumper spray paint, (as close to the color of the side cladding as I could get it) and it turned out really nice as well.

Now If I can get that chrome trim off and replace mine, I will be into it all for less that $100 (not counting all my elbow grease)!

Keefer

Since you are going to replace your old one anyway use it for the learning curve. You could ask him how much for the whole bumper and just swap out the whole nine yards. Or ask if he would just trade out the bumpers with the 35 bucks, that way you get the bumper and he gets the cladding. Should just bolt right back on.

__________________
If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon

Not a bad idea except that i have my bumper painted nicely (silver) and the donor car is more of a blue color, also the lower plastic grill area of the donor car has a big crack in it.

Thanks for the suggestion!

As said above you need to remove the whole bumper.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Will Do!

Thanks for all the replies.