Hi
Throughout the last 2+ years the front of the truck has developed number of paint chips on the hood and front bumper. I decided to take care of it and repaint the hood and the bumper, also I bought a set of flairs need to be painted. I live in central Jersey around Freehold area; I’m looking for a body shop can do the work near by. If any one knew of a body shop in the area and had a good experience with please let me.
Thanks for your help
Aiman
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Bordeaux Red Metallic MY2002 ML320
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Chrome front grill, MCS GPS DVD nav system, Illuminated door sills for each door, MB Style chrome sidesteps
ML Burlwood Door Handle, Chrome Door Handle Cups, custom-cut StonGard Light protection film, MB Trip Computer, Chrome Rear Hatch Handle, Euro M-class footwell net, OEM MB integrated cell phone V600
If you ever intend to use your ML as a trade-in at a delear, they will be able to tell that the hood was repainted. Regardless of any proof you could offer that it was rock chips, they will “assume� it was massive front-end damage and depreciate it accordingly. If that’s a concern, then you might wan to see if someone in your area specializes in rock chip touch-up repair. I’ve seen some outstanding work. It will cost as much (maybe even more) than a re-paint, but it will keep you from taking that depreciation hit.
I have done THAT twice, from all the "drafting" I do on the freeway. Will do Number 3 in the spring. Only part of the truck that gets abused, HOOD< and Bumper. If they would just stay out of MY lane, the left one:) AT 170,000 miles whats left to depreciate.
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jmarenas
'99 ML 320
Rochester MI
1st sorry for the miss spell LOL(Repenting/Repainting) [:D]
I found a shop near by; they will take care of all the paint chips, couple of small dents, and paint and install the fender flairs for $1200. The shop does custom paint job for show cars. What should I be looking for, what questions should I be asking.
About depreciation, 1st Thanks for your advice the truck has 55,000 on it, I did had a concern about that but, the hood and the bumper look so bad I’m not enjoying the truck.
I’m thinking about trade it in for a new truck, which will be the new ML in about 2 years. The trade in value will be so low that the depreciation will not be an issue at that time.
The biggest thing is how many coats of primer, paint and clear coat they use - this adds to the longevity. Also ask them how many times they wet sand between coats of primer & paint - this is what gives you a really "smooth as glass" paint job. Chances are since they paint show cars, you won't have to worry about the quality of the materials since they'll be top-notch.
II agree that the processes they use in for priming and sanding is important to make the job last. Another factor is to make sure the finished job matches the rest of the truck. You probably don’t want the hood and bumper to look factory new while the rest of the truck is a bit dull with swirl marks and such for use. Most body shops have tricks of the trade to “degrade� a new paint job to match the rest of the vehicle. While I was waiting to pickup my ML after some bodywork last year, I watch a guy work the new finish on a 10 year old Toyota. When he started, the new paint was so fresh looking, it was obvious that it was new. After about 15 minutes of buffing, he had it matching so closely to the existing swirl-marked and faded paint, that you couldn’t tell what was new.
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