A number of people have responded not only by post but by email to me as well and I thank you. I will try your suggestions. As a further note, with the (perhaps erroneous) assumption (I'm all thumbs) that I can actually fix this, does anyone know if the chrome wrap around pieces and the chromed "receiver" piece is still available from Mercedes or through an aftermarket supplier. I checked on rechroming and found it to be very expensive!