Finally getting around to repairing the quarter panel. I just bought a 1/4 section of a 2005 CLK from a wrecking yard for $350. I plan on grinding out the spot welds and reattaching it. http://autobodystore.com/forum/showt...elded-on-panel
That's an ambitious project! i am very interested to see how this works out for you. Since you bought the car back as a "salvage" title, I'd recommend taking detailed photos of the project all along the way. Not only might that help you in the future if you decide to sell it, it can help insure it. I have a friend who used to do some salvage work and he often had problems getting his cars insured unless he could show the insurance adjuster what was repaired.
I have a friend who used to do some salvage work and he often had problems getting his cars insured unless he could show the insurance adjuster what was repaired.
No trouble with insurance. It has been my daily driver for the past year. I use to drive with the fender cut open but it caused too many reactions. So I cut some metal off the original door and tacked it on to cover the hole. The car only had to pass a brake and light check to be registered.
I was able to pull the side of the car out enough to open and close the door and have the windows line up nicely by using a telephone pole, a come-a-long and a curb. The gap on the convertible bonnet is narrower than the undamaged side so I am pondering sending it to a frame shop before removing the old panel. I called a couple but they don't seem interested in working on it.
Sorry to hear Mine was in an accident recently. 18 year old who just got his driver's license.
Hope you find the CLK worth looking for!
Very similar story to mine. I was hit in the rear and pushed into the car ahead by a 17 year old who had just finished defensive driving school. Apparently he went to keep the points from a speeding ticket off his license.
I was in the same boat as you, but I had probably done more recent work: valve covers/breather covers, breather hoses, CPS, fuel filter, transmission flush TWICE (to be sure), coolant flush, plugs and wires, new pads and rotors all around and a couple of new tires.
I was in the same boat as you, but I had probably done more recent work: valve covers/breather covers, breather hoses, CPS, fuel filter, transmission flush TWICE (to be sure), coolant flush, plugs and wires, new pads and rotors all around and a couple of new tires.
I bought a nearly identical replacement car for my wife the old one has become my drive to work car.
After letting the car sit around for a couple years and I have finally decided to attempt the repair. I trimmed it out just below the seam and cut the skin out of the donor quarter.
It did suffer a little while stored in my back yard. Even with a good car cover the convertible top seam separated and some winged bugs got into a headlight. I have 3 more project cars stored that are waiting for me to rescue plus one old AMC Pacer that is beyond rescue! Fitting the quarter skin on was a project that I wanted to try but never got around to. Like building a puzzle I cut out a section of the inner fender well leaving the same section of inner fender on the replacement panel. Once that was welded in everything got seam-sealed. It still needs a new rear AMG bumper, finish body work and paint. The gaps and fitment look decent and I am happy with my low dollar DIY fix so far. I might finish and drive it or just sell it, but at least I won't be guilty of letting it die in storage!
Really talented, I agree! I could never do anything close to that lol. I just pay people do things, other than oil change and air filter change lol. I have an awesome neighbor and we actually share same garage and he worked for Mercedes Benz as car mechanic before. Of course, he's also good with all kinds of cars and that's all he does all day, lots of customers.
My body and paint work is not very good but somewhat presentable. The two Stage Paint was easier to use than I thought it would be. Too bad I forgot to shoot the fuel door when painting the car
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Mine was in an accident recently. 18 year old who just got his driver's license.
