Car is back from Body Shop!
 

What do you guys think?

Sorry for the bad pic. I don't have a hosting site.

I was wondering about how to get the bottom clips off. I have purchased new ones to fasten on the lower body panel and wondered what the best approach would be to take off the clips without damaging the new finish.

The money on the paint was well spent. No overspray and a deep shine! You can't even tell. I am glad I went with the recommended shop over getting the best "deal".

Any tips would be valued.

Thanks,

Mike McKinney

Mike

Looking good! Be sure to follow the body shop's advice regarding the new paint care for the next few months. Did they recommend any particular steps, such as not washing with any soap or any special care instructions? How soon can you wax it?

The areas that are going to be covered with mirrors, panels etc might benefit from some protection.

Haasman

Haasman,

Thank you for the compliment. You did post an interesting question. I thought about doing a clay bar on the rest of the car and then a wax since the weather is warm now in Southern Ontario, Canada.

I am not sure if it would be too early to do so. I still need to get those damn clips off of the bottom. Any tips?

-Mike

I believe their backs can be accessed from inside the door.

Since the clips are probably original and might be brittle from age, I'd consider just taking/breaking them off (as long as they won't do any damage) and replacing them all. Then you would have fresh stong ones and not have to deal with that area again. They can't be too expensive - (Buy a couple of extras)

Haasman

Mike, did you try turning the clips 90 degrees to remove? I'd try that before removing the interior door panel. I had the cladding off the driver's door of our 1992 300CE and reused the bottom clips. Many of the top clips broke when the bodyshop tech removed the cladding so I replaced all of them. As Haasman suggested buy a few extras because even the new ones tend to break.

The general rule of thumb on fresh paintwork is to allow about a month for "curing"...you can wash if you need to, but don't wax.

I will try the 90 degree thing. Thanks Ferdman.

I will wait to wax. How long should I wait?

I want to put the car through a touchless car wash. Is there anything wrong with that?

Let me know please guys.

Thanks,

-Mike

Touchless car wash = very strong chemicals & very high pressure waterjets.
Not sure if I would want either on fresh paint. ;)

I have always been told to only use cool water for the first month. Avoid pressure, rubbing or any kind of chemical including soap. Also, NEVER, EVER use dish soap. It removes wax. Only use car wash soap.

If in doubt, go find a late model car with a dull finish and ask the owner what dish soap they use ....

Haasman