Transformer – My C-Class Mercedes restoration project

[Lambchop]

BLIKSEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude .. Stop showing off now !!
Now this is why i like detailing black cars

[PaulVW]

Thanks Audioholic & Lambchop

Unfortunately this project is "on hold" for a while as we are moving house. I have 89 boxes to unpack and progress is slow

At least all my tools are out of storage and I can't wait to foam this fukcer with my 6 month old unused foam lance

Hopefully my garage will be sorted out by this weekend so that I can finish off the Merc before new year...

[PaulVW]

OK, so with the opening of our new business this project has been delayed like a govermunt funded electric car project

However, the Merc was put to great use with various polish and paint product demos. The past 2 weekends I managed to get some time to finish off the car as I want to start using it now.

Progress since the last update:
Engine service (oil, filters, spark plugs)
Gearbox oil & filter changed (big job!)
Rooflining, rear headrests, parcel shelf & c-pillar trim replaced
Interior assembled
Bumpers & mirrors resprayed
Lights fitted

Yesterday I gave the car a final once over with Menz FF and my new G220V2.

I also tried different LSP's on different parts as I want to test the durability of the different products:
Bonnet: Poorboys black hole topped off with Collinite 845
Roof & Doors: Menz Powerlock Sealant
Boot: Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant

Here are some final pics. At least this project is now in the sign-off phase. I just need to replace the steering wheel and then take it for a final diagnostics check up and roadworthy test.

[PaulVW]

Apart from the painwork which came out looking really nice in my opinion, I am also very proud of the rooflining.

This is what it looked like - sagging and someone attempted to fix it with staples









I enquired at the local MB agant and a new lining would have set me back R5,500 . After searching for hours I found a place that sells second hand MB parts and I found the complete interior of a similar car that was crashed. The headlining cost me R650 but I ended up spending about R2k at this place on various other parts.

The second challenge was to replace the headlining without removing the rear windscreen and I found a detailed procedure after spending hours googling this task.

Anyway - here is the final result (a few hours and R650 later)





Thanks for looking

[PrevanP]

Awesome results Paul....the car looks like a new car!

[Lambros]

Unbelievable transformation, well done! That C-Class is A-Grade!

[katotter]

Hey Paul, I saw this the first day I got on the forum, it was one of the transormations that made me decide to start researching this phenomenon called detailing, when my skills are honed a bit I will attempt this type of project. I would really like to do something like a jetta 1, fox or a rabbit golf, but like you said, time is the biggest enemy.

Well done

[Rayner]

Great work Paul. Been watching the updates on this project. Well done.

[PaulVW]

(06-03-2011 03:08 PM)PrevanP Wrote:  Awesome results Paul....the car looks like a new car!

Thanks Prevan

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(07-03-2011 07:45 AM)katotter Wrote:  Hey Paul, I saw this the first day I got on the forum, it was one of the transormations that made me decide to start researching this phenomenon called detailing, when my skills are honed a bit I will attempt this type of project. I would really like to do something like a jetta 1, fox or a rabbit golf, but like you said, time is the biggest enemy.

Well done

Thanks Wouter!
Glad I managed to encourage you - I was also inspired by what I saw on this forum Good luck with your plans - I must say, VW's are much easier to work on than these

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(07-03-2011 08:34 AM)Rayner Wrote:  Great work Paul. Been watching the updates on this project. Well done.

Thanks Rayner

[Carn]

Awesome work as usual Paul

[springbok]

I just re-read the whole thread. What a great turnaround.

[SilverSabre]

Wow. That is amazing.

Also, who's been rating this at 3 stars??? Jealousy!