Mars Red C204 AMG Plus - PlastiDip Grille Blackout
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Manchester UK
W204 C220 CDI COUPE AMG SPORT PLUS
Mars Red C204 AMG Plus - PlastiDip Grille Blackout
After looking on T'Interwebs for a decent blackout grille that:
A) Didnt cost a small fortune (i.e. CF jobby)
B) Wasnt ****ty Chinese plastic rep
I stumbled across the wonders of PlastiDip on the forums so decided it as a low cost and reversible approach to the results I sought. So ordered a couple of cans of Matte Black 'Dip to have a go myself.
I decided to remove the grille from the car (as its actually surprisingly easy to - instructions covered elsewhere on MBWorld) to dip indoors... to avoid the wonderful British unpredictable drizzly summer days... or any albatross sized bird**** landing between coats and fecking things up!... I digress...
As Ive alway been told.. Prep, Prep, Prep - so a bathtub full of soapy water (washing up liquid to break down any waxes etc which could prevent a decent key for the 'Dip) a sponge and an old toothbrush and a little elbow grease & the grille was spotless. After a towel dry and a hairdryer to get into the nooks and crannies it was ready for the first coat:
Second Coat - still wet
Third Coat
....a couple more coats then the finished article:
& finally on the car.
Next is the DRLs as they now stick out like a sore thumb (& doing this made me notice I have got a stone crack on the DRL lens. FFS), the rear emblems and chrome bar over the number plate.
Have a go guys... whats the worst than can happen?
A) Didnt cost a small fortune (i.e. CF jobby)
B) Wasnt ****ty Chinese plastic rep
I stumbled across the wonders of PlastiDip on the forums so decided it as a low cost and reversible approach to the results I sought. So ordered a couple of cans of Matte Black 'Dip to have a go myself.
I decided to remove the grille from the car (as its actually surprisingly easy to - instructions covered elsewhere on MBWorld) to dip indoors... to avoid the wonderful British unpredictable drizzly summer days... or any albatross sized bird**** landing between coats and fecking things up!... I digress...
As Ive alway been told.. Prep, Prep, Prep - so a bathtub full of soapy water (washing up liquid to break down any waxes etc which could prevent a decent key for the 'Dip) a sponge and an old toothbrush and a little elbow grease & the grille was spotless. After a towel dry and a hairdryer to get into the nooks and crannies it was ready for the first coat:
Second Coat - still wet
Third Coat
....a couple more coats then the finished article:
& finally on the car.
Next is the DRLs as they now stick out like a sore thumb (& doing this made me notice I have got a stone crack on the DRL lens. FFS), the rear emblems and chrome bar over the number plate.
Have a go guys... whats the worst than can happen?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
C204, C117
A lot of people have actually done this. Personally, I don't like the texture much and I eventually got rid of my stock grill and got a 507 edition grill, wrapped the fin in satin black. Much better finish and result. Looks good on your car though, nice job!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Manchester UK
W204 C220 CDI COUPE AMG SPORT PLUS
Thanks 
The finish, as you say isn't glasslike but It certainly doesn't look like a DIY job. So pretty pleased with the result (yet to see how it holds up to stonechips!)
Guessing yours is an aftermarket with the C63 grill being a different fitment?... Is it good quality & lastly where did you source it from?
On another note looking at my pic above... Splitter deffo required I think!
The finish, as you say isn't glasslike but It certainly doesn't look like a DIY job. So pretty pleased with the result (yet to see how it holds up to stonechips!)
Guessing yours is an aftermarket with the C63 grill being a different fitment?... Is it good quality & lastly where did you source it from?
On another note looking at my pic above... Splitter deffo required I think!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
C204, C117
Thanks
The finish, as you say isn't glasslike but It certainly doesn't look like a DIY job. So pretty pleased with the result (yet to see how it holds up to stonechips!)
Guessing yours is an aftermarket with the C63 grill being a different fitment?... Is it good quality & lastly where did you source it from?
On another note looking at my pic above... Splitter deffo required I think!
The finish, as you say isn't glasslike but It certainly doesn't look like a DIY job. So pretty pleased with the result (yet to see how it holds up to stonechips!)
Guessing yours is an aftermarket with the C63 grill being a different fitment?... Is it good quality & lastly where did you source it from?
On another note looking at my pic above... Splitter deffo required I think!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-W204-07-13-C-CLASS-C63-Style-250-300-350-BLACK-FRONT-GRILLE-GRILL-/151272626562?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23388d1982&vxp=mtr
