Hello Team,

I have a 1972 280se 4.5l MB and would like to know:

The paint is getting kind of dull (dead) and I wonder should I
paint the whole car or just life with it?

Is it better to keep the factory paint even if it is in not so good condition or re-paint the whole car. If re-paint what should I make sure the body shop has to do in order to get as close to the factory color match as possible. I do not want to have paint chips all over the car after some time.

thanks

cK

It depends on how bad the paint is. It can surely be improved, but you won't know how much until you try.

But I'd try the Meguiar's detailing system first. Depending on how good (or bad) the paint is, you might start with the Meguiar's wet sand paper, then go to their buffing pad system, and work your way down from their most abrasive product (#85 0r #84), all the way down to #82 for a perfectly smooth and glossy, polished finish.

Check out the posts from Mike Phillips, and try e-mailing him for some advise.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

For a 30 year paint work, I would think re-spraying would be the best option for the long term.

For all the money you're going to fork out getting the detailing products and achieving the desired results, I would opt for the re-spray option. Think of it as getting a discount on the products you otherwise would have to buy ...

Thus, MHO.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Paint, like oils, are incredibly improved in the last 30 years... If you want strength/ ease of application I would go with catalyzed acrylic enamel, color sand, then clear urethane over it to give it the gloss...a good paint store can get very close to original color... and I suggest using only one brand from primer to top coat...according their directions...