Full paint correction and detail on my c43 thread
 

Well I decided to clean her up and see whats what. Mechanically the car needs a few things but the paint was really bad. The hood was the worst and there are some spots that will need wet sanding. Ill post progress as I go. Below are a few images for start.

I will pull the front bumper off as itll need a very good clean/detail/touchup and ill also do touch up all around the car. Next i will clean the interior and detail the wheels.

So far the car was clayed all around, hood was buffed and polished and left side is almost done. Still have the bumpers, side skirts, roof, and right side done.

Im also trying to get i to all the small areas like between the doors and all the cracks. Taking off the door moldings and detailing between there. The hood was oxidised so bad there was no reflection on it at all.
heres how it looks now. It took three days on and off to get here.

Question: hhow do I take off the fender molding? Does the fender have to come off?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...46871aa601.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e2e6654385.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9a564f6de6.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...857325fc76.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...21c6482c3e.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...354d7d3551.jpg

That looks fan-freakin-tastic!!!

Looks like some very solid results.

A bit off topic, but have you tried the 203 C55 wheels on the 202? They look awesome on the 203 from that one picture that you posted.

Thanks.

I haven't tried them but I should. They are 19s tho so not sure how they would fit.

Just ordered touch up paint and this tool below

Porsche content below

PJmak,
Nice detailing. Probably looks best in person.

http://mb-teilekatalog.info/view_Sub...=88&subgrp=030

If you're referring to the molding piece(s) on the bumper itself, you have to remove the bumper and possibly the cover to access the clips behind that hold the molding in place.
Make sure you order some spare clips as some will break (brittle) when you remove them. Or optionally, you could soften them up with a heat gun as you carefully remove them.

Thanks :)

Its the fender molding not bumper btw. Im pretty sure the fender would have to come off.

Ah, you a referring to the front quarter panel body-side molding, on both sides, correct?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0e2c99aa3c.png

If this is what you are referring to, then these body-side moldings on the front quarter panel are removed from the exterior (removed carefully with a )
Also, have some of these molding clips handy
and part # A0019888081
They may break off due to age.

Yep thats the one.

So no need to hold pull the fender?

The door ones come off easy. they are held in with one scree then they slide off easily.

dude you are my new hero! the paint on my C43 is so awful I've been convinced I need to go back to bare metal and start over.

I MUST learn how to do this to mine. here's a pic of one of the worst parts: https://i.imgur.com/buwDZHp.jpg

my entire roof and trunk have no reflection anymore, as well as probably 2 of the doors. what stuff do I need to start buying to be able to do this? I have an old w124 I can practice on first

Here's an example:
If the clear coat is not gone,
.

Nice job pj! Your front fender, has it been rolled out more than factory? It sure does look like it and looks awesome. If the back could look like that it be cool.

it sure looks like it in the picture but its not :)

thanks man :)

thats nothing. My hood was way worse than that. I wish I took pics.

thatll buff out in no time man. Need to hit it with rubbing compoud an a cutting pad first ro take put oxidation and heavy scratches than come back and hit it with polishing compound and a polishing pad. That paint will shine again no problem. Dont let it get really bad. If you bring it back now and seal it with ceramic coat or wax you are good.

im gonna wet sand a few spots on my car and ill take pics. Wet sanding will basically make it look like it has no clear than jll buff it back to shiny again.

this is exactly what Ill be doing on my trunk for the exact same reason(bird poop).

https://youtu.be/fgHd1twCHYM

Great transformation.

Btw, that paint touch-up tool works wonders on those rocks chips. Easiest way for me to pull that trim piece off was to open the door and give the end it a slight pull-then work down towards the tire. I used my hand, a pry tool, and some microfibers to protect the paint. There is a small lip on the end that wraps the fender a small bit so don't rip it straight-pretty simple stuff no worries. You're probably already on it, but I'd touch up paint and seal/ceramic coat any points where the trim has been rubbing body. Be cautious with wet sanding, I'm not sure how much clear was laid on these cars. Shouldn't be too intimidating though just avoid sanding in circles. When done well it's going to look like glass totally erasing any orange peel. :y Good luck & keep that model 43 sexy.

Thanks for the tips will try it today but I wont do much work on it today other than that.

Im catching up on a few bad sleep nights last few days so I havent had a chance to work on the ar much but should resume this week.

Got some touch up paint from a shop yesterday and the tool should be back tomorrow but touch up will be the last step before ceramic coat.

Thanks :)

Na its just a plastic cover thats made specifically for those door handles. I think I have one on the trunk too

Its a cool little touch :)

I believe you can get them at the dealer.

Heres a bit of an update.

took off other side moldings and hand buffed between the cracks. Will hit the rest of the side tomorrow or this weekend. Also side skirt is pretty bad

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f869d1d912.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...208abb4397.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...8f2f9532e0.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e1792313ef.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2cb7b52c84.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...cc13393227.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...515c8ce8a7.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f6af15d8f7.jpg

How is the metal under the door sills, any rust? This is one of the standard places on w202's where the metal worms start feasting :eek: