Paintwork

[Bob Haswell]

Hi, I am a newbie and am looking for help with a paint problem with my newly acquired 1990 230 ce. The paintwork on the bonnet has crazed just like an old piece of china and I am not sure whether this is purely a lacquer problem or paint as well. Before I attempt anything, I thought it would be wise to ask if anyone had encountered this problem and what I should do (before going to a paintshop).Your help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[television]

Hello and welcome Bob,, this was not a wonderful year for MB paint, but it can craze it the clear coat top is too thick,, possibly an incorrect paint job at some time, colours like red and gold were the worst offenders. this needs to be sanded off and you could do this your self but hardly worth the effort as the modern orbital sanders take it off in minutes leaving a perfectly feathered surface.

You just cant re do the top coat clear, and it must be base coated first

 

[Bob Haswell]

Thanks Malcolm, After having a good look with a mag. glass, I was reasonably sure that it was the top coat. I have not tackled this sort of job. Would it be better to let the trade do it? Bob

 

[television]

Thanks Malcolm, After having a good look with a mag. glass, I was reasonably sure that it was the top coat. I have not tackled this sort of job. Would it be better to let the trade do it? Bob

You can flat it yourself with a sanding block, and it must be taken right back to the factory base coat as one never knows if the layer under the top coat was contaminated

If you remove the grill and Star the average body shop charges £100- £150 to repaint, it may pay you to ask a body shop first if its OK if you flat it

 

[Gazzaj]

Its red isnt it? I'd recommend respraying it professionally, as doing it yourself is risky. there are peole who are very reasonable out there just shop around, and if your confident flat it yourself and then scotch it to save money.

 

[Bob Haswell]

Thanks for the advice. You are dead right Gazzaj, it is that funny red (almandine?). I'm going to check out the local paintshops. Will let you know how I fare. Bob

 

[Gazzaj]

Is it by chance the one that I was bidding at on Ebay?? !!

 

[Bob Haswell]

Hi Gazzaj, Might be. Got it from a chap in Doncaster. Is that the one. Bob

 

[Gazzaj]

Yeah the one in Donny! Cracking looking car well done!!, i forgot it was ending! I fancied that one to go with my saloon. Where are you based? sure some of the members know of some good people all over the place, Paint is my thing but only if your in the north

 

[Bob Haswell]

Hi gazzaj, I didn't expect to get it as I had to go out for the evening. Left a conservative top bid and got it for quite a bit under. First buy on ebay. Luck I guess. Newark is my stomping ground. Have yet to take car to a pal to check it out but drove ok when I picked it up. The bonnet crazing (all over, as per sellers photo) is the biggest challenge at the moment. Thanks for tips. Will keep you posted as things progress.