How to fix this?

[douglash]

I just purchased a Mercedes-Benz 380SEC. It sat outdoors for who knows how long, and it is quite obvious:








Is this something that I can correct, or will this require professional work? I washed the car for the first time after I took these pics, so it looks little better, however I'd like to at least get rid of the oxidation (I assume thats what it is), and shine it up a bit. Any suggestions/tips on where to start?

[Lydia]

Re: How to fix this?

I hate to say this, but that sure looks like clear coat failure. Clear coat failure can not be fixed; the only option would be a re-paint.

[douglash]

Re: How to fix this?

I know that the white stuff on the roof comes off if scraped with a fingernail (I didn't do it, the previous owner demonstrated how easy it is to remove, ha). The white stuff on the trunk is has a texture to it like it is missing a layer, so perhaps the trunk is a different issue than the roof (such as clear coat failure). Does that make sense or am I out in left field about this?

I hate to say this, but that sure looks like clear coat failure. Clear coat failure can not be fixed; the only option would be a re-paint.

[Lydia]

Re: How to fix this?

I think it must be clear coat failure on both of them. The white stuff is the failing clear coat. It looks like there is just more clear coat left on the trunk than there is on the roof. Notice the white stuff makes kind of a border around spots (like the whole roof almost and a circlular patch on the trunk)? The places inside the white stuff don't have any clear coat at all. The white stuff is the failing clear coat, and around the white stuff is the clear coat that is still clear. I hope that makes some sense.

As to what you should do, do you have a buffer of some sort or do you plan to do the car by hand?

[douglash]

Re: How to fix this?

I plan getting one, as it seems to make waxing the car easier. Any reasons to not get one?

How much would you think a reasonable paint job should cost for that car?

I think it must be clear coat failure on both of them. The white stuff is the failing clear coat. It looks like there is just more clear coat left on the trunk than there is on the roof. Notice the white stuff makes kind of a border around spots (like the whole roof almost and a circlular patch on the trunk)? The places inside the white stuff don't have any clear coat at all. The white stuff is the failing clear coat, and around the white stuff is the clear coat that is still clear. I hope that makes some sense.

As to what you should do, do you have a buffer of some sort or do you plan to do the car by hand?

[Lydia]

Re: How to fix this?

I can't think of any reasons to not get a buffer. It will make it easier on you to wax, and if you get a good buffer, it will make it easier to shine your car. What kind are you considering getting?

My apologies but I don't have any idea what a reasonable price would be for a paint job for your car. Some one who knows about that will hopefully reply...

[douglash]

Re: How to fix this?

Well, I haven't shopped around much, but I saw one today at the local auto parts store, it is called the Vector 10" Orbit Waxer. Not sure if its any good, but thats all I know of right now.

[gorin002]

Re: How to fix this?

those oldies where nice.hope you give us a update

[kellyinkc]

Re: How to fix this?

that is CC failure. A repaint is in order.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How to fix this?

Yep, without a doubt the clear coat on that car has failed, and comprehensively so. There is only way to fix it.....repaint the car.

[ronniejay]

Re: How to fix this?

Doug,
What year is the car? Waht did you pay for it? What is the blue book value? How do you rate the body condition (rust, etc.), the interior, the engibe/mechanicals?

I hane seen bad paint jobs on a MB - it is not a pretty sight. I assume you are not going to Maaco or Earl Shibe! Check into a MB car owners club for good/reasonable paint shops.

You might look into Lowes for the Porter Cable 7336SP sander/buffer item #51472. I got a display model for $25. The are being phased out of stock. Go by one store ad have them look up the inventory at other stores. The price will vary ($109 and lower), and drop as they run out. You will need Maguiar's backer plate and pads if you plan to get into that line of stuff, as I do.

Good luck!

[douglash]

Re: How to fix this?

Well, I guess thats what I am going to have to do.
Thanks for everybody's help

[douglash]

Re: How to fix this?

Doug,
What year is the car? Waht did you pay for it? What is the blue book value? How do you rate the body condition (rust, etc.), the interior, the engibe/mechanicals?
It is a 1982, and I paid $1000 for it. Bluebook doesn't go back that far. The body appears to be in a pretty good condition, theres a little rust on the front, but that is the only spot I have seen it:

The engine has dirty injectors, but otherwise runs great and gets reasonable gas milage. The interior is leather and that is in good condition, although the wood trim is cracked in places.


I hane seen bad paint jobs on a MB - it is not a pretty sight. I assume you are not going to Maaco or Earl Shibe! Check into a MB car owners club for good/reasonable paint shops.

I am in a MB mailing list, which is very helpful with all the little glitches that need to get fixed up in the car. I will ask them about it once I get to the point of getting it painted.

You might look into Lowes for the Porter Cable 7336SP sander/buffer item #51472. I got a display model for $25. The are being phased out of stock. Go by one store ad have them look up the inventory at other stores. The price will vary ($109 and lower), and drop as they run out. You will need Maguiar's backer plate and pads if you plan to get into that line of stuff, as I do.

I will look into that, and see if they have any.

Good luck!

Thanks!