Pictures of shaved body-side molding aka impact strips?
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2010 SLK350
Pictures of shaved body-side molding aka impact strips?
As the title says, looking for pictures of a w203 with complete set of impact strips deleted/shaved/removed and filled
... not just pictures of a car with the euro "classic" molding/impact strips with no chrome strip, but someone who has had the entire body side molding shaved so that the doors, for instance, are completely smooth.
Thanks fellas
... not just pictures of a car with the euro "classic" molding/impact strips with no chrome strip, but someone who has had the entire body side molding shaved so that the doors, for instance, are completely smooth.
Thanks fellas
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2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Would you include the bumper strip removal as well? The side impact strips continue the strips from the bumpers.
I would love to see a photoshopped pic of this idea.
I would love to see a photoshopped pic of this idea.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 182
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2010 SLK350
91RS:
Long story short, it wouldn't cost me anything near that amount to have it done correctly.
kjb:
Yes, but would rather have the rear strips molded in rather than removed and then filled.
As for the front, assuming I can easily route the side-marker wiring up/out and accessible so that I can change bulbs as needed to avoid errors, I may very well have the fronts molded in place. Either that or may just leave the fronts with or w/o the chrome strip. I kind like the front impacts. I'll think about that one. I can always have the rest of the body taken care of first.
But yea - Id love to see it photoshopped too!!
Anyone good enough to do such a thing? Please?
Long story short, it wouldn't cost me anything near that amount to have it done correctly.
kjb:
Yes, but would rather have the rear strips molded in rather than removed and then filled.
As for the front, assuming I can easily route the side-marker wiring up/out and accessible so that I can change bulbs as needed to avoid errors, I may very well have the fronts molded in place. Either that or may just leave the fronts with or w/o the chrome strip. I kind like the front impacts. I'll think about that one. I can always have the rest of the body taken care of first.
But yea - Id love to see it photoshopped too!!
Anyone good enough to do such a thing? Please?
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2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
To have it done correctly, sheet metal would need to be welded in place over the indentions for the side moldings, then body worked smooth, and painted of course. Then also use body sealer to seal the clip holes from the back side so water can't get inbetween the two panels. That's quite a bit of work. Filling it all in with body filler is NOT the correct way to do it.
I agree that I believe the car would look better without them, but I just want to make sure you're aware what you're in for.
I agree that I believe the car would look better without them, but I just want to make sure you're aware what you're in for.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 182
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2010 SLK350
To have it done correctly, sheet metal would need to be welded in place over the indentions for the side moldings, then body worked smooth, and painted of course. Then also use body sealer to seal the clip holes from the back side so water can't get inbetween the two panels. That's quite a bit of work. Filling it all in with body filler is NOT the correct way to do it.
I agree that I believe the car would look better without them, but I just want to make sure you're aware what you're in for.
I agree that I believe the car would look better without them, but I just want to make sure you're aware what you're in for.
first of all, I agree with what youve said
there will be as little filler used as possible. second of all, been doing body off restos as a weekend warrior since I was 16 with my pops pulling chevelle's camaro's and el camino's off the chassis and up onto a rotisserie.
third, I'll be doing most of the prep work, however I'll leave the finishing and painting to a friend who does most of our paint work. not only does he not charge me for anything but materials as a family friend, but he also owes the family business a good chunk of change for work done on trade. I myself recently did about $2K of work on his wife, so... im trying to say it's a non-issue
You're totally in the right to provide a reality check. Too many people out there with lots of talk who don't know what they're getting in to when they have an idea. Fortunately that's not the case here.
PS: I may opt to leave the molding in place and glass over it. I dont mind the contours, it's just how the molding as is completely breaks the lines up. I trust my body man to give the directions, he's produced too much quality work for us over the years
Last edited by RedStripe; Mar 26, 2012 at 12:52 AM.
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From: Seattle
w203 m112
When you find an easy/simple way to permanently disable the side markers, let me know Ive been meaning to do this for ever.
Also - Ive always wanted to see what a fully smoothed out w203 would look like. Pretty sure itd look sick though Make it happen. Sounds like you've got the right tools to make it so.
Ive been meaning to do this for ever.Also - Ive always wanted to see what a fully smoothed out w203 would look like. Pretty sure itd look sick though
Make it happen. Sounds like you've got the right tools to make it so.
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
I tried to say long story short ha ha, however... but since youve pushed the issue a little, Ill explain a little:
first of all, I agree with what youve said there will be as little filler used as possible.
second of all, been doing body off restos as a weekend warrior since I was 16 with my pops pulling chevelle's camaro's and el camino's off the chassis and up onto a rotisserie.
third, I'll be doing most of the prep work, however I'll leave the finishing and painting to a friend who does most of our paint work. not only does he not charge me for anything but materials as a family friend, but he also owes the family business a good chunk of change for work done on trade. I myself recently did about $2K of work on his wife, so... im trying to say it's a non-issue
You're totally in the right to provide a reality check. Too many people out there with lots of talk who don't know what they're getting in to when they have an idea. Fortunately that's not the case here.
PS: I may opt to leave the molding in place and glass over it. I dont mind the contours, it's just how the molding as is completely breaks the lines up. I trust my body man to give the directions, he's produced too much quality work for us over the years
first of all, I agree with what youve said
there will be as little filler used as possible. second of all, been doing body off restos as a weekend warrior since I was 16 with my pops pulling chevelle's camaro's and el camino's off the chassis and up onto a rotisserie.
third, I'll be doing most of the prep work, however I'll leave the finishing and painting to a friend who does most of our paint work. not only does he not charge me for anything but materials as a family friend, but he also owes the family business a good chunk of change for work done on trade. I myself recently did about $2K of work on his wife, so... im trying to say it's a non-issue
You're totally in the right to provide a reality check. Too many people out there with lots of talk who don't know what they're getting in to when they have an idea. Fortunately that's not the case here.
PS: I may opt to leave the molding in place and glass over it. I dont mind the contours, it's just how the molding as is completely breaks the lines up. I trust my body man to give the directions, he's produced too much quality work for us over the years
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
2010 SLK350
Viper:
I think you'd be surprised what a difference shaving the body molding off the entire car would make.
91RS:
No doubt. Any time I've taken a request to a local body shop (versus my guy back home), I always leave with a laughable experience after Ive given a quote and their "explanation" behind it. Oh, & will do! I'm ultimately having the entire thing repainted, so trying not get ahead of myself by not having my list of "custom" body work finished in my current color when I'd turn around and have it repainted.
C32:
Yes you're right, thats definitely a practical approach.
I personally wouldn't trust paint to be very durable over the chrome trim for a long period of time, but also am just looking to eliminate the look of the trim altogether.
You should consider getting yourself of European impact strips for the front bumper. That way you can eliminate that corner lens, which will look better than having the lens painted over IMO.
While we're on the subject, I'll also add that the European "Classic" impact strips can be purchased OEM, which contain no chrome trim whatsoever. That would be a viable option for someone looking to do something like that. I however, am looking to go all the way like I said.
I think you'd be surprised what a difference shaving the body molding off the entire car would make.
91RS:
No doubt. Any time I've taken a request to a local body shop (versus my guy back home), I always leave with a laughable experience after Ive given a quote and their "explanation" behind it. Oh, & will do! I'm ultimately having the entire thing repainted, so trying not get ahead of myself by not having my list of "custom" body work finished in my current color when I'd turn around and have it repainted.
C32:
Yes you're right, thats definitely a practical approach.
I personally wouldn't trust paint to be very durable over the chrome trim for a long period of time, but also am just looking to eliminate the look of the trim altogether.
You should consider getting yourself of European impact strips for the front bumper. That way you can eliminate that corner lens, which will look better than having the lens painted over IMO.
While we're on the subject, I'll also add that the European "Classic" impact strips can be purchased OEM, which contain no chrome trim whatsoever. That would be a viable option for someone looking to do something like that. I however, am looking to go all the way like I said.
