Anyone used the ECP front wings for a 210

[Naraic]

It's a w210...doesn't need stone chips. On one of the old wings the underseal had peeled back around the arch...and rusted heavily.

 

[Xtractorfan]

The undersealing was joke and rusting underneath was a big issue, other manufacturers fared much better by not using loads of underseal.and better quality metal and proper ecoating

 

[Frontstep]

Nobody can paint sharp edges well, paint applied to a sharp edge will always pull back from the edge, leaving the edge with a poor coverage. This edge is therefore highly prone to edge corrosion.
This problem is well known in the coatings industries.

 

[Xtractorfan]

Do you work in the coatings industry?

 

[Frontstep]

Don't take my word for it Just Google Edge Corrosion you will be overwhelmed with technical papers detailing the problems.

 

[Benzworx]

With the system we use, dont have a problem with coating sharp edges as said by Xtractorfan

 

[Naraic]

Clive, how do you do it?

 

[Xtractorfan]

Im sorry technical papers or not. I have never had problems with edges rusting on any panels we have fitted, MB wouldn't either if they would just use decent metal and ecoat their cars and use a proper priming procedure.

 

[Naraic]

What is "ecoat"...?

 

[Benzworx]

Don't take my word for it Just Google Edge Corrosion you will be overwhelmed with technical papers detailing the problems.

Yes but there is a way and have been using the system for over 3yrs now
and its not rocket science trust me

 

[Frontstep]

http://www.resene.com/archspec/datasheets/ECS1_3DesignPrinciples.pdf
http://www.corrosion-club.com/paintwisdom.htm
http://www.duluxprotectivecoatings.com.au/technotespdf/1.1.1 Mild Steel - What it it.pdf
There are literally dozens of papers on this problem.
I certainly would not use any company that did not recognise this problem for any coatings work.
A simple rounding off of sharp edges will dramatically improve adhesion, coverage and consequent durability.

 

[television]

What is "ecoat"...?

Etch I think

 

[Xtractorfan]

I did a write up on it but timed out so here it is on wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrophoretic_deposition

 

[Benzworx]

Very true and agree with you entirely, that is why i spent months/years
as a paint coating consultant automotive and marine

 

[Xtractorfan]

This isnt an argument about the merits of sharp edges or the problems with them, it is just a thing that one accepts and therefore deals with, similarly if I were to paint over a weld without sanding/grinding and preparing the area before painting then it too would rust away within a short time
My argument is that MB with all the technical knowledge available should be able to produce a car than can last at least ten or twelve years without any rust appearing whatsoever.

 

[Benzworx]

Etch I think

Nail on the head Malcom etch is a vital key

 

[Xtractorfan]

Oh and welcome back Malcolm, hope all is well.

 

[R W]

Thank you all for your replies. So the Taiwan wings seem to be of good quality & fit so unless ECP reply to Frontstep question & have a good reason to buy the more expensive, I will be buying the Taiwan wings.

Naraic your write up on rust repairs & the new wings makes interesting reading. How bad were your old wings, do you have any photos. Did you fit the seals between the wing & bumper, or did you assemble without the seal. I hope & am not expecting as much rust as yours when I remove my wings. I have removed the wheel arch liners several times over the years , cleaned & sprayed with waxoil so I hope there are no nasty surprises.

I was thinking of painting the underside of the new wings with Por15 or Hammerite, then waxoil or the Bilt Hamber wax on top. Or years ago Schultz( I think 3M make it now) did a rubberised spray on protection, that dried to a hard rubbery finish. I did read this may have some adhesion problems if the surface is not 100% clean & letting water behind the sealant, making the rust problem worse. But as the wings will be new & will be clean it should adhere OK.

What are your thoughts on protection of the new panels?, paint, wax or rubberised sealant.

 

[Naraic]

The old wings:











I epoxy primed then used Bilt Hamber wax on the new wings.