Opinions on paint......
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Canby, OR
CLK55 AMG
Opinions on paint......
First of all, yes I do have the flat hood emblem now so disregard the ugly stock one.
Here is the way my car looks now (black/chrome grill w/ flat hood emblem)
I was thinking about blacking out the lower area in the bumper between the fog lights to help set off the grill.
Here is the way my car looks now (black/chrome grill w/ flat hood emblem)
I was thinking about blacking out the lower area in the bumper between the fog lights to help set off the grill.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 566
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From: OC, CA
1999 CLK430 (sold) 03 CL55
I just feel the big star grilles belong the on new CLKs but to each to their own liking. 
But I don't think painting the piece would be to be your liking, you'll eventually kick yourself after you finish it. I think a mesh on the other hand is worth considering the effort to put in.
But I don't think painting the piece would be to be your liking, you'll eventually kick yourself after you finish it. I think a mesh on the other hand is worth considering the effort to put in.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
Likes: 5
From: TN
2002 c240
NO.
There is a thing called "flow" and when you black parts out it breaks up the flow. It makes the parts stand out like a sore thumb. On muscle cars it can be a good thing, but on a sleek Mercedes that is designed to flow smoothly it is a bad thing.
IMO the three slot grill doesn't look all that hot. It's misproportioned to the rest of the front end that has smaller lines. a 4 slot, or better, would be a more proportioned fit. Since you already have it though, I'd recommend colormatching the slats and leaving the emblem and the black fill around it (inside the circle) as it is.
The black grill does not look good. It stands out too much and breaks up the flow of the front end. In short, it's fugly. Making the slat on bottom black also is even more fugly. Talk about standing out in a bad way........
Hopefully you'll see this as constructive.
There is a thing called "flow" and when you black parts out it breaks up the flow. It makes the parts stand out like a sore thumb. On muscle cars it can be a good thing, but on a sleek Mercedes that is designed to flow smoothly it is a bad thing.
IMO the three slot grill doesn't look all that hot. It's misproportioned to the rest of the front end that has smaller lines. a 4 slot, or better, would be a more proportioned fit. Since you already have it though, I'd recommend colormatching the slats and leaving the emblem and the black fill around it (inside the circle) as it is.
The black grill does not look good. It stands out too much and breaks up the flow of the front end. In short, it's fugly. Making the slat on bottom black also is even more fugly. Talk about standing out in a bad way........
Hopefully you'll see this as constructive.
Last edited by The Jury; Feb 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
Likes: 5
From: TN
2002 c240
match the slats to the car. leave the emblem and the circle black.
Next mod I'd go with either the euro projectors or the cheese graders. I chose the euro HID factory projectors. Makes a nice difference.
Next mod I'd go with either the euro projectors or the cheese graders. I chose the euro HID factory projectors. Makes a nice difference.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
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From: TN
2002 c240
Yes I actually have some nice side by side comparisons from when I did the swap. I'll go dig them out. What I prefer about the Euro HID headlights is that they didn't stand out like a sore thumb. They eventually became a part of the american cars in later years of the 208, but in my model (99) they had to come from overseas before they became available here.
Here's a pic of them installed, I'll go find the details side by side pics from the swap............... Much better than the halogens. The obvious difference is a clear front lens rather than a serrated lens with grooves. The projectors are behind the inner lens so they are not visible.
Here's a pic of them installed, I'll go find the details side by side pics from the swap............... Much better than the halogens. The obvious difference is a clear front lens rather than a serrated lens with grooves. The projectors are behind the inner lens so they are not visible.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Canby, OR
CLK55 AMG
Jury, thanks for the pics. I like those lights. I'll probably run my headlights now since I already ordered the HID conversion.
I think I'll order up that top grill in silver.
I think I'll order up that top grill in silver.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
2002 CLK55 AMG cabriolet
CLK's look sweet with the factory chrome center grill and aftermarket headlights. That large center star looks silly on our model and as Jury says pulls attention away from our front end design. Anyone seen these smaller star grills....I'm trying to lay my hands on one of these?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 257
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From: Singapore
2000 Kleemann CLK 230K
Here's a pic of them installed, I'll go find the details side by side pics from the swap............... Much better than the halogens. The obvious difference is a clear front lens rather than a serrated lens with grooves. The projectors are behind the inner lens so they are not visible.
