2001 320 Pillar Molding Rehab - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

8092400e · #1 08-10-2009, 11:25 AM

Thought I would post a re-hab of the rear pillar molding on my 01 ML 320. If yours are like mine, they looked like this:

The clear coat is peeling off and looking very un-mercedes like.

To purchase new is $90.00 or so apiece, so I attempted a rehab. Supplies:
320 dry paper
400, 600, 1000 wet paper
Masking tape, butchers paper
Rustoleum Plastic Paint, "gloss" black (we'll get to this later)

I tried the 320, a bit too aggressive in my opinion so I went directly to the 400 wet paper, followed by the 600 and a short shot with 1000 make sure you mask off the paint before sanding to keep from hitting the paint with the paper, the glass is not affected. I made sure ALL the clearcoat was off, I did not want to do this again when the clear cote peeled under the new paint:

I then masked the area on the car (I suppose you can remove these, but I thought they were easier to manage attached to the car, chasing them all over the workbench and then breaking mounting clips while removing them was not in my plans):

I then sprayed, it was a bit humid but I went with it anyway. The plastic paint did not dry as advertised. Instead of a glossy, automotive type finish I have a more "plastic" look that is passable and much improved over the peeling finish. If I was going to do it again, I would research a plastic primer to prep the surface for a good gloss black automotive paint. All in All, not too bad:

Total cost $31.20, all available at your local Home Depot.