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Apr 10, 2019 21:29:40 GMT
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I bought my R170 SLK a few weeks ago for silly cheap money because it's got a rusty front wing. Now I haven't set foot anywhere near a bodyshop since 2000 when I threw my daily driver Mini in a hedge, but at some stage I'd like to get a replacement wing and have someone paint it for me. Am I better off getting the bodyshop to get a wing from their supplier or should I go looking myself? I've never bought panels before and don't know where to start looking other than eBay and Mercedes themselves (might need to sell a kidney if I go there). Fitment of pattern wings might also be an issue. All thoughts and suggestions much appreciated. For bodyshop reference, here's a pic of my Mini in 2000 just after I'd thrown it into a hedgerow when a balljoint collapsed... (she did get repaired!!) I can't use the SLK picture as it's not strictly Retro, being a 2002...  |
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Its a bolt on panel so its easily sorted and they are a couple of reproduction panel manufactures in the market - these can be anything from a perfect fit to absolutely appalling dependent upon the quality of the panel - so don't expect a perfect fit if you manage to find a new panel for fraction of the price of what the main dealer OE part is - I would make an enquiry with the main dealer first and see what the best price is that they can do - then you have a starting point - some of the prestige dealers have a policy of applying a fair discount on parts for the slower moving stock for older vehicles - the used parts market is going to be awkward has unless you can find a rust free example the panel its likely to be in the same condition has your original - bodyshops will paint the wing for you off the car if you have a colour code but the majority of them like the job from start to finish so that they can correctly colour match the paint - especially if it's metallic finish - by all means post up any further questions you have and I will do my best to answer them - Chris
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The other question would be how bad is the rust? If its just the lower rear etc it may be cheaper / easier to carry out a local repair and local re-paint.
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Apr 12, 2019 18:51:22 GMT
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The other question would be how bad is the rust? If its just the lower rear etc it may be cheaper / easier to carry out a local repair and local re-paint. Kevin it's the usual at the front but also all the way around the wheelarch and down to the bottom. The other arches are starting to go but I can't afford to do them all at the same time. If the right colour wing comes up and it's in good nick I'd use a secondhand one (the car is not perfect so it wouldn't bother me) but paint is starting to flake off the wheelarch on the front so it's likely to cost more in labour to repair rather than replace. I also understand that the likelihood of finding a good one is between Slim and None. And Slim's on holiday... @grumpynorthener Chris that's really helpful advice - I will at some point head down to the Merc stealers and give myself a giggle. It'll also give me a chance to look at some of their newer stuff. And I would almost certainly be leaving the car with the bodyshop to do the wing. |
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