Well the 450SEL was the victim of a parking lot hit and run. Left passenger and driver doors were creased pretty good.

Initial estimate from my insurance company's preferred repair shop is about a $1000 (2 new door skins, paint, blending etc), lifetime guarantee blah blah blah.

Paint is a metallic gold (champagne). When asked about the paint (2 vs single stage) they stated that they use a single stage Dupont product.

The 1980 450 SEL is not a collector but it is our daily driver. Interior is almost new looking and she's in great mechanical condition (154k miles). It's been 13 years since I've had any body work done. So I've got a few questions:

- Single vs 2 stage paints. Everything i've read to date sez 2 stage (clear coat last of course) is preferred especially as it relates to standing up to the elements, UV etc. The hood was done single stage 13 years ago, has deterioted and left and I'm sure I'm now contributing to global warming. I take pretty good care of the paint. rest of the paint looks brand new.

- Blending. How the heck do they blend single stage paint against the rest of the factory paint? We've all seen the results of a hack metallic paint job where its obvious. 13 years ago the dealer had to reshoot the hood 4 times.

- Door skins. Should I insist on Branded door skins (Benz) or OEM. vice "cheap" ones. Maybe Benz doesn't make door skins so it's time for a day trip to Potomac German Auto for two doors.

- I am seriously considering just having the dealer do it. THoughts here too.

- Any great questions I should ask of the body shops? Not trying to tick them off. Just trying to let them I know I have certain expectations.

Thanks all.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)