[SLSLSLSL]

I was wet standing my front grill with 800 grit sandpaper to try and remove brake fluid stains but I went too hard and now there’s white surface underneath.

What is that surface? I thought they were just pure metal.

How can I repair this mistake?

 

[SLSLSLSL]

Big oops moment

 

[robm.UK]

They are anodised to give the titanium colour, the base metal is aluminium.
Damage appears to be surface only, small and localised, so you might get away with a blended colour matched rattle can repair. Maybe you could get them re-anodised?
Not sure if the vanes are still available, but new ones will be a darker colour because yours will have oxidised, and they will be $$$.
If you’re thinking about replacement, the best option might be to find a used grill from a junk yard.
Or, a while back @duh_vinci repainted a front grill, which turned out pretty good too.

 

[SLSLSLSL]

They are anodised to give the titanium colour, the base metal is aluminium.
Damage appears to be surface only, small and localised, so you might get away with a blended colour matched rattle can repair. Maybe you could get them re-anodised?
Not sure if the vanes are still available, but new ones will be a darker colour because yours will have oxidised, and they will be $$$.
If you’re thinking about replacement, the best option might be to find a used grill from a junk yard.
Or, a while back @duh_vinci repainted a front grill, which turned out pretty good too.

Thanks. Do you have any idea how to remove the individual grill slats? Might just get them all re-anodized then. Or purchase a used individual slat like Mercedes-Benz SL R129 Grill Slat - A1298881238

 

[Ken Potter]

They are riveted on. You have to remove the grill and drill the rivet out.

 

[duh_vinci]

Do you have any idea how to remove the individual grill slats?

If it helps you in any way...

DYI - refinishing damaged grill

Driving along I-95 yesterday, enjoying the weather... "BANG...":dunno: Rocks starting to roll off the truck 2 lanes over: 20190208_082540 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr 20190208_082317 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr As you can see, not only the damage to 2 of the slats, but also the acid rain spots that...

www.benzworld.org

Regards,
D

 

[SLSLSLSL]

If it helps you in any way...

DYI - refinishing damaged grill

Driving along I-95 yesterday, enjoying the weather... "BANG...":dunno: Rocks starting to roll off the truck 2 lanes over: 20190208_082540 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr 20190208_082317 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr As you can see, not only the damage to 2 of the slats, but also the acid rain spots that...

www.benzworld.org

Regards,
D

This helped a lot
How’s it holding up? Got close up pics by any chance?

 

[SLSLSLSL]

I'm going to get a quote on anodizing on monday. Hopefully if under $200 bucks I'll get them all freshly re-anodized.
If it's something crazy like $500+ I'll probably just paint or spot correct and polish and hope for the best.

 

[duh_vinci]

This helped a lot
How’s it holding up? Got close up pics by any chance?

This should take you to a full size pic Mercedes - restoration

 

[hattie]

I think I paid $350 for a complete new grill from Mercedes of Fairfield.

 

[SLSLSLSL]

I think I paid $350 for a complete new grill from Mercedes of Fairfield.

NO WAY??? Do they ship to canada? I wonder if my local dealer might sell them too so I'll call on Monday.

 

[duh_vinci]

A complete grill assembly still available (for now) https://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/parts/result

Lowest current price i've seen online lately is from 129-880-02-85 - Grille Assembly 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz | MB Parts Source

 

[SLSLSLSL]

I think I paid $350 for a complete new grill from Mercedes of Fairfield.

Mercedes of Fairfield quotes 850 USD

 

[hattie]

Idk it’s still on their website for $392. You don’t get internet pricing if you call.

 

[SLSLSLSL]

Idk it’s still on their website for $392. You don’t get internet pricing if you call.

Sweet hattie thank you. I found it. I have a friend who lives in Fairfield and will be visiting Canada next week. How fast was the shipping when you ordered from there online? (Assuming you live in fairfield?)

 

[hattie]

Fairly fast no more than a few days, I didn’t ship it I picked it up at the dealer.