Stumped by Front Bumper Insert
04-30-2018, 09:00 PM
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05ML500, 05CLK320, 98E430, 03C240Wagon, 98C43AMG, 86Porsche911, 00Ferrari456M, 87RenaultGTA
Stumped by Front Bumper Insert
Hi All:
I purchased a 1998 C43 a few months ago, silver over black. When I drove it, the sound and fury was so incredible that I just couldn't resist it despite its needs.
Ah, the needs. Although it was very sound it was somewhat neglected but easily sortable with some parts-chasing and basic wrenching. I was pleased that the seller also bought it with the intention of bringing it up to snuff. However, since the seller only had the car for only a short time he did just two things: he ditched the dodgy aftermarket wheels and put on the 18 AMG monoblocks...good choice and then he lowered it...IMO bad choice. Since his wheel investment alone was north of $1,000 he (or his better half) decided to sell the car given the anticipated costs associated with its cosmetic, maintenance, and paint needs. I know, I know, buy the best example you can afford...skip the cars with no service history...there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes... yadda yadda yadda. But after you have bought all sorts of cars over 30 years you have the stripes where you can just get a feeling about a good one...and this one was a diamond in the rough that just needed service, some small bits, and paint. I was willing to source and buy the parts and do most of the work myself, and besides I only paid a few thousand dollars for the car. Plus, I do not have an AMG in my collection (which includes 4 benzes, a Ferrari 456M and an 86 911).
I have been able to sort out all of its maintenance needs including plugs, all fluids, filters, valve cover gaskets, engine and transmission mounts, the usual routine services on a 20 year old car with really no maintenance history. I had a fellow redo the headliner and sun shade for just $300, how could I refuse that?! The car had no radio but came with the stock speakers (removed by one of the prior owners for some reason). I was able to source an OEM unit from the local U-Pull-R-Parts and install that along with the included speakers...sounds great. I have also sourced great used OEM turn lenses, OEM cup holder, OEM window/trunk switch surround and other small needs through E-Bay. Of interest was a torn and worn out armrest on the driver's door that I was able to sort with the extra driver door panel that came with the car. I am sure that I am missing a few things here and there, but it is quite satisfying getting this old girl back into shape and it has been a comparative bargain factoring in that the only labor that I have had to pay for was for the smoking deal for the headliner replacement and an independent to handle the oil change and transmission service.
Now for the problem. All I have left (prior to paintwork) is that niggly front bumper insert. I have not been able to source a new or used part. I did see that someone on U-Tube fashioned one by trimming down a w208 front bumper insert, but I would hate to have to resort to that to fill the space. Is there some source for the bumper insert that I am overlooking? Have folks put in something other than the stock c43 insert (like a standard W202 insert, or mesh, or something else) in order to fill that space?
Thanks much.
Randy.
I purchased a 1998 C43 a few months ago, silver over black. When I drove it, the sound and fury was so incredible that I just couldn't resist it despite its needs.
Ah, the needs. Although it was very sound it was somewhat neglected but easily sortable with some parts-chasing and basic wrenching. I was pleased that the seller also bought it with the intention of bringing it up to snuff. However, since the seller only had the car for only a short time he did just two things: he ditched the dodgy aftermarket wheels and put on the 18 AMG monoblocks...good choice and then he lowered it...IMO bad choice. Since his wheel investment alone was north of $1,000 he (or his better half) decided to sell the car given the anticipated costs associated with its cosmetic, maintenance, and paint needs. I know, I know, buy the best example you can afford...skip the cars with no service history...there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes... yadda yadda yadda. But after you have bought all sorts of cars over 30 years you have the stripes where you can just get a feeling about a good one...and this one was a diamond in the rough that just needed service, some small bits, and paint. I was willing to source and buy the parts and do most of the work myself, and besides I only paid a few thousand dollars for the car. Plus, I do not have an AMG in my collection (which includes 4 benzes, a Ferrari 456M and an 86 911).
I have been able to sort out all of its maintenance needs including plugs, all fluids, filters, valve cover gaskets, engine and transmission mounts, the usual routine services on a 20 year old car with really no maintenance history. I had a fellow redo the headliner and sun shade for just $300, how could I refuse that?! The car had no radio but came with the stock speakers (removed by one of the prior owners for some reason). I was able to source an OEM unit from the local U-Pull-R-Parts and install that along with the included speakers...sounds great. I have also sourced great used OEM turn lenses, OEM cup holder, OEM window/trunk switch surround and other small needs through E-Bay. Of interest was a torn and worn out armrest on the driver's door that I was able to sort with the extra driver door panel that came with the car. I am sure that I am missing a few things here and there, but it is quite satisfying getting this old girl back into shape and it has been a comparative bargain factoring in that the only labor that I have had to pay for was for the smoking deal for the headliner replacement and an independent to handle the oil change and transmission service.
Now for the problem. All I have left (prior to paintwork) is that niggly front bumper insert. I have not been able to source a new or used part. I did see that someone on U-Tube fashioned one by trimming down a w208 front bumper insert, but I would hate to have to resort to that to fill the space. Is there some source for the bumper insert that I am overlooking? Have folks put in something other than the stock c43 insert (like a standard W202 insert, or mesh, or something else) in order to fill that space?
Thanks much.
Randy.
04-30-2018, 10:38 PM
#2
Hi All:
I purchased a 1998 C43 a few months ago, silver over black. When I drove it, the sound and fury was so incredible that I just couldn't resist it despite its needs.
Ah, the needs. Although it was very sound it was somewhat neglected but easily sortable with some parts-chasing and basic wrenching. I was pleased that the seller also bought it with the intention of bringing it up to snuff. However, since the seller only had the car for only a short time he did just two things: he ditched the dodgy aftermarket wheels and put on the 18 AMG monoblocks...good choice and then he lowered it...IMO bad choice. Since his wheel investment alone was north of $1,000 he (or his better half) decided to sell the car given the anticipated costs associated with its cosmetic, maintenance, and paint needs. I know, I know, buy the best example you can afford...skip the cars with no service history...there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes... yadda yadda yadda. But after you have bought all sorts of cars over 30 years you have the stripes where you can just get a feeling about a good one...and this one was a diamond in the rough that just needed service, some small bits, and paint. I was willing to source and buy the parts and do most of the work myself, and besides I only paid a few thousand dollars for the car. Plus, I do not have an AMG in my collection (which includes 4 benzes, a Ferrari 456M and an 86 911).
I have been able to sort out all of its maintenance needs including plugs, all fluids, filters, valve cover gaskets, engine and transmission mounts, the usual routine services on a 20 year old car with really no maintenance history. I had a fellow redo the headliner and sun shade for just $300, how could I refuse that?! The car had no radio but came with the stock speakers (removed by one of the prior owners for some reason). I was able to source an OEM unit from the local U-Pull-R-Parts and install that along with the included speakers...sounds great. I have also sourced great used OEM turn lenses, OEM cup holder, OEM window/trunk switch surround and other small needs through E-Bay. Of interest was a torn and worn out armrest on the driver's door that I was able to sort with the extra driver door panel that came with the car. I am sure that I am missing a few things here and there, but it is quite satisfying getting this old girl back into shape and it has been a comparative bargain factoring in that the only labor that I have had to pay for was for the smoking deal for the headliner replacement and an independent to handle the oil change and transmission service.
Now for the problem. All I have left (prior to paintwork) is that niggly front bumper insert. I have not been able to source a new or used part. I did see that someone on U-Tube fashioned one by trimming down a w208 front bumper insert, but I would hate to have to resort to that to fill the space. Is there some source for the bumper insert that I am overlooking? Have folks put in something other than the stock c43 insert (like a standard W202 insert, or mesh, or something else) in order to fill that space?
Thanks much.
Randy.
I purchased a 1998 C43 a few months ago, silver over black. When I drove it, the sound and fury was so incredible that I just couldn't resist it despite its needs.
Ah, the needs. Although it was very sound it was somewhat neglected but easily sortable with some parts-chasing and basic wrenching. I was pleased that the seller also bought it with the intention of bringing it up to snuff. However, since the seller only had the car for only a short time he did just two things: he ditched the dodgy aftermarket wheels and put on the 18 AMG monoblocks...good choice and then he lowered it...IMO bad choice. Since his wheel investment alone was north of $1,000 he (or his better half) decided to sell the car given the anticipated costs associated with its cosmetic, maintenance, and paint needs. I know, I know, buy the best example you can afford...skip the cars with no service history...there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes... yadda yadda yadda. But after you have bought all sorts of cars over 30 years you have the stripes where you can just get a feeling about a good one...and this one was a diamond in the rough that just needed service, some small bits, and paint. I was willing to source and buy the parts and do most of the work myself, and besides I only paid a few thousand dollars for the car. Plus, I do not have an AMG in my collection (which includes 4 benzes, a Ferrari 456M and an 86 911).
I have been able to sort out all of its maintenance needs including plugs, all fluids, filters, valve cover gaskets, engine and transmission mounts, the usual routine services on a 20 year old car with really no maintenance history. I had a fellow redo the headliner and sun shade for just $300, how could I refuse that?! The car had no radio but came with the stock speakers (removed by one of the prior owners for some reason). I was able to source an OEM unit from the local U-Pull-R-Parts and install that along with the included speakers...sounds great. I have also sourced great used OEM turn lenses, OEM cup holder, OEM window/trunk switch surround and other small needs through E-Bay. Of interest was a torn and worn out armrest on the driver's door that I was able to sort with the extra driver door panel that came with the car. I am sure that I am missing a few things here and there, but it is quite satisfying getting this old girl back into shape and it has been a comparative bargain factoring in that the only labor that I have had to pay for was for the smoking deal for the headliner replacement and an independent to handle the oil change and transmission service.
Now for the problem. All I have left (prior to paintwork) is that niggly front bumper insert. I have not been able to source a new or used part. I did see that someone on U-Tube fashioned one by trimming down a w208 front bumper insert, but I would hate to have to resort to that to fill the space. Is there some source for the bumper insert that I am overlooking? Have folks put in something other than the stock c43 insert (like a standard W202 insert, or mesh, or something else) in order to fill that space?
Thanks much.
Randy.
05-01-2018, 04:24 AM
#4
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Better than tow cover, I call that part the tooth brace 
Now perhaps my memory is playing tricks, but I recall that someone was talking of manufacturing this specific part for those who loose it because it wasn't zip tied
Now perhaps my memory is playing tricks, but I recall that someone was talking of manufacturing this specific part for those who loose it because it wasn't zip tied
05-11-2018, 01:17 PM
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C36 AMG
Hello Everyone,
I am a new member , I have been searching far and wide for these tow covers, is there anyone on this board who has them for sale or knows of where to get them fabricated?
I would greatly appreciate any help at all.
Thanks,
Leonidas
I am a new member , I have been searching far and wide for these tow covers, is there anyone on this board who has them for sale or knows of where to get them fabricated?
I would greatly appreciate any help at all.
Thanks,
Leonidas
05-30-2018, 06:35 PM
#7
IF you guys want I can modify the insert from the 208 as the youtube video shows.. You can buy one from ebay and have it shipped to me. I will than make all the needed cuts, and than I will paint it and clear coated and finally ship it to you. If any of you is interested send me a PM. And btw, for you new guys, I modify the C43 air box to make it put out 10HP/10TQ. I've sold 15 here so I'm a trusted member. You can also paypal me the money for that part and I will order it and modify it and send it to you when its all done, up to you. Thanks.
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stateside2 (05-30-2018)
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05-30-2018, 08:05 PM
#9
Super Member
Geo, this would be so clutch! I keep hearing & seeing people without these front bumper pieces & clearly they're difficult to obtain. This would be a perfect solution that are in need of one; top notch work for sure!
05-30-2018, 09:07 PM
#11
Super Member
Originally Posted by speed43
Zayed, thanks.
Hayden, what does clutch mean?
I do think I can mod this to fit the C43 nicely.
Hayden, what does clutch mean?
I do think I can mod this to fit the C43 nicely.
Sorry! Meaning it would be very helpful for the community.
05-31-2018, 03:20 PM
#13
Well, I can buy and modify to fit the c43 as good as it can get. Goal would be to NOT have to use straps to hold in place.
I will buy a NEW one from the other Mercedes model and mod and sell each one for about $220.00 all completely done.
I will buy a NEW one from the other Mercedes model and mod and sell each one for about $220.00 all completely done.
06-02-2018, 09:01 PM
#14
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05ML500, 05CLK320, 98E430, 03C240Wagon, 98C43AMG, 86Porsche911, 00Ferrari456M, 87RenaultGTA
I pulled a tow hook cover from a w208 in a junkyard for $8.00. Same silver color so no need to paint it I am going to try the modification seen on u-tube.
06-02-2018, 09:57 PM
#15
Nice, I'm going to see if the junkyard somewhat nearby have any mercedes. Usually they don't, when they do they are worthless.
