I am in the process of refreshing an 86 300e. One ball joint has a ripped cover and I will replace both (A call is in to Phil). Is this a difficult job? I would like to have them replaced at the local Winston tire dealer as they have a new alignment machine (recommended by two independent mb shops). Can I trust a a tire shop to this work? Also, until I put on a set of 16 inch 8 hole wheels (30,000 miles left on a set of P4000's), I am obliged to drive with original wheels that are looking very poor. They are not pitted but the painted finish is terrible. It looks like a ring of silver around the lug nuts. Has anyone ever painted their wheels? Any success? - any recommended paint? Thanks for any replies. This is a great site and God Bless America.