markayash

There is a plastic trim part above the tag that covers the light that is cracked on mine..I am looking for a replacement but don't know what it;s called? Anybody ever bought one?

2MERKS

Please post a pic if you could, tks.
R
2MERKS

markayash

Plastic strip above the tag,.It I can find one I might spray paint it black or just silver
T

2MERKS

Here you go:

• Manufacturer:Mercedes-Benz
• Part Number:208-758-05-38-9744
• Part:Molding
• Replaces:208-758-01-38-9744

markayash

Just bought it from here..Best price and normal shipping..Noticed several likes went to the same site and shipping was $20!

https://benzparts.autohausofpeoria.com/
These guys had it $5 cheaper and charged $9 shipping

Serndipity

markayash.......the replacement trim is likely to arrive only primed.

For a perfect match, using your vehicle's color code, you can buy the water based metallic base color coat, as well as the protective clear coat, in aerosol spray cans at:

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/

markayash

Thanks, it says silver and I saw similar parts with white so not sure..But if it is I will order the paint

Serndipity

If I wasn't clear, they will use the exact color code of your vehicle (e.g. which you'll find on the driver's side quarter panel when you open the door) and custom mix the the paint so that it should be a perfect match to your current silver metallic paint (e.g. silver has many color radations and
hues.

Because the MB base color is water based, you'll also need to apply protective clear coat over the color coat.

I believe the part you ordered will already have a primer coat applied and you won't need to first put on a primer coat. They also have primer paint and my guess is that the white you saw, is one of several colors it's available in.

markayash

For some reason they don't show my paint code K744 or even a silver for 2002 clk430..I emailed them for help..
I did find it on other sites but for more money.

Thanks

scotterikson

You'll get "in the ballpark" on matching paint. Best bet is to bring the car and have them "photo" it to mix your paint. There are 5 variants (lighter to darker) of 744 "brilliant silver metallic". I have 4 cars finished in 744 and no 2 of them are an exact match.

Serndipity

No worries, your paint code is the 3 digit number (i.e. 744), which is 'Brilliant Silver' and has been a very popular MB color across numerous models and years of production.

BTW, you can also get all of the details, which will specify how your vehicle was built (e.g. including the interior and exterior color codes, engine and transmission type and version, included optional equipment etc.), by entering your VIN at:

https://www.datamb.com/

Sometimes letters may precede or append the numeral color code and confusing. For example, my quarter panel showed K548 (Firemist Red) , the VIN decoder showed 548U (Amber Red) and when I ordered the paint (using K548) the order confirmation just showed the code as 548,3548 (e.g. which would be the prescribed formula to produce a factory color match).

The reason I chimed in here is because you initially indicated that you were going to just paint the trim piece silver or black, using an aerosol spray can purchased from a hardware, big box or an auto supply chain store and for little money, you could purchase the proper metallic color base and clear coats, that would be identical to the factory paint. The alternatives would be to have it painted by an auto shop or purchase the materials from a professional auto body supply house for $$ (e.g. because of the cost of the raw materials being available in larger sizes than needed, the labor to mix and/or adjust and then apply with a spray gun etc.),

Since the trim piece should already have light gray primer applied, you'll just need to purchase the base color coat and clear top coat for $30. However, should the part not be pre-primed (e.g.virgin plastic), you'll also need to purchase the aerosol plastic parts adhesion promoter and primer (e.g.my choice would be in white, which will require fewer coats of the base color).

When you receive the paint, follow the instructions for painting the test card that is supplied. The metallic base paint has nano sized suspended metal partials, which then reflects light. If not applied in thin coats, the partials won't align properly which will affect the color match (e.g. to dark, flat etc.). Also apply the clear coat to the test card as well.

In the event that the color match is off, while it could be due to various reasons (e.g. improper application, weathering of the factory paint, small variances that occurred when factory painted etc.), just send the test card back with a detailed explanation and they'll adjust the mix formula and send you another can of paint at no charge.

However, in your situation, I believe you'll find it to be an easy, straightforward and rewarding project.

FYI, here's a thread, where a Silver 2002 CLK430 was painted, that was much more involved (e.g. repairing scratch and ding on a body quarter panel), You'll have enough paint left over for future projects, so when you're done painting the trim piece, turn the cans upside down and release some compressed air, that will clean out the nozzles, for another time.

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-w208/631369-painted-my-car.html

markayash

Interesting, parts shop said the part comes from Germany prepainted but will take a couple of weeks or they can get it unpainted and a few days..I am in no hurry so said painted..If it's close enough I will leave it alone Car is 17 years old

Serndipity

Great decision.

Turns out that the part number you ordered, 208-758-05-38-9744, comes factory painted using your vehicle code (e.g.denoted by the last 3 digits of part number).

The molding is also available, with only primer, as part number 208-745-05-9999.

Either way, the cost of the molding is the same, so you saved the extra expense of the paint materials, shipping and your time.

markayash

Thanks to 2MERKS who gave me the part number

2MERKS

We're all in the same gang! No worries.
2MERKS