Full Respray What Limits to go to!!!

[johno2004]

Having owned my W208 CLK320 for 4 months now have decided to bring it back to former glory.

Don't get me wrong the car has only got 55k with full mbsh i have all history from all owners and last owner 7 years.
The car is immaculate in every way, engine drives like it is 6months old, interior like new only minimum ware on front bolster not really noticeable,

BUT the bodywork lets it down with age related stone chips and scratches (Quite a few ) and just one slight bubble on one wheel arch but no rust anyware else and for a 10 year old car the body work is great.

My dilemma is how much to spend on addressing the body work,

I have had a quote for a full monti respray ( all glass, lights, trim etc and back to bare for £2800 + vat.

Now that is a lot to spend on a car 10 yo car worth about 5k, however it would probably last another 10 as i only do about 6k milage a year.

Does any one have any suggestions on other options eg cheaper sprays blow overs etc.

Also does anyone know a good bodyshop in leicestershire area.

All comments appreciated

Johno

 

[Parrot of Doom]

If it were me, I'd leave it until the weather is warmer.

I know they're dried in ovens but any blobs around the edges of the doors will still be soft and take more time to dry.

 

[hmang]

and they'll stop gritting when the weather improves

 

[jberks]

If there's no real rust, I don't see the point of a back to metal respray. Stone chips should be resolvable with a blow over where necessary, repaiir the rust and respray the panel and a professional bodyshop should be able to return the rest of the finish to near showroom with simple polishing using the appropriate machinery and chemicals. (not a bloke with a rag and tcut!)

Even if the finish doesn't last quite as long, it should cost no more than £3-400 for a really detailed job and at that rate, just have it done again if and when it needs it.
My concern would be that it's 10 years old. With the best will in the world, whilst near perfect mechanically now, it is getting to the point where daft things will start to go wrong and you don't want to invest so much in it you can't get out. Our 1995 C class was trouble free for most of it's life but before we sold it last summer, some things were starting to go wrong and it was starting to cost money.

 

[johno2004]

Thanks for reply jberks that was my thinking.

If anyone know a good boby shop that could do what jberk suggests in leicestershire area could you let me know.

Thanks

 

[shotblaster]

costs

If the current finish is metallic or pearlescent then it will be a 2 coat paint system ( clear lacquer over base coat colour) . Materials alone to do a car of that size will be in the region of £400 before even thinking of prepping and spraying and polishing. £2800 is not out of the way if it's a reputable paint shop using quality materials.

 

[JBell]

W208 are notorious for rust so you will find more so be prepared for the bill to go up.

I would have the work done that actually needs doing but not go for a bare metal re-spray as that is excessive

 

[om613]

Nine year old post.
So is it still on the road?

 

[ZZZZ]

and they'll stop gritting when the weather improves

I believe it's the other way round, at least here in Northamptonshire :-x

 

[V6Matty]

OP hasn't been on since 17-08-2015 so I suspect probably not