SL/R230: Solutions for Faded Black Aluminum Exterior Trim?
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Solutions for Faded Black Aluminum Exterior Trim?
I searched a number of keywords and didn't find any solutions on this topic, has anyone successfully dealt with sun damage to the black aluminium trim around the exterior windows? Mine has some blotchy sun fade, as well as what looks like clearcoat failure. I believe this is anodized aluminum, and am not sure how to refinish it short of removing to paint or wrap. Seems like every R230 I've seen has some amount of fade to these pieces, so I'm hoping someone has a process to restore them in place. Because based on my past experience with aluminum door and window trim, about half of it will be destroyed in the process of removing.
I searched a number of keywords and didn't find any solutions on this topic, has anyone successfully dealt with sun damage to the black aluminium trim around the exterior windows? Mine has some blotchy sun fade, as well as what looks like clearcoat failure. I believe this is anodized aluminum, and am not sure how to refinish it short of removing to paint or wrap. Seems like every R230 I've seen has some amount of fade to these pieces, so I'm hoping someone has a process to restore them in place. Because based on my past experience with aluminum door and window trim, about half of it will be destroyed in the process of removing.
here is how to remove them
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...r-glass-2.html
this is one part
around 100$ each
doesn't look like easy restorable
but powder coating yes ! that would work fine
Last edited by pmercury; Apr 29, 2020 at 06:13 PM.
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Actually you can get just the molding without the weather strip. But there are actually 5 aluminum molding pieces per side around the side windows, and one molding across the top of the windshield. I can only find the two horizontal moldings along the door and quarter window, both sides add up to a little over $300 online. The others don't readily appear, at least not on the Shop MB Parts catalog, which makes me think they may be NLA. Regardless to replace all 11 pieces would easily be over $1,000.
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Actually you can get just the molding without the weather strip. But there are actually 5 aluminum molding pieces per side around the side windows, and one molding across the top of the windshield. I can only find the two horizontal moldings along the door and quarter window, both sides add up to a little over $300 online. The others don't readily appear, at least not on the Shop MB Parts catalog, which makes me think they may be NLA. Regardless to replace all 11 pieces would easily be over $1,000.
that amount is ridiculous
Last edited by pmercury; Apr 30, 2020 at 02:56 AM.
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I assume he means powder coating. If this is anodized aluminum, which I think it is, the process is a little more difficult than it is for steel parts. Because powder coating electrically bonds the coating to the surface and aluminum isn't very conductive, you have to coat the aluminum with conductive aluminum oxide. Personally I've never dealt with powder coated aluminum parts, probably for this reason. I'd probably just paint them and call it good, but I'm pretty concerned about removing these parts without damaging them. Typically it's difficult to remove window trim without damaging it in some way.
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I still recommend vinyl wrap. It doesn't require removing and replacing things that can cause unplanned problems and isn't too expensive. I have it done on my car on the same kind of trim pieces you are talking about and am very satisfied with it. It is much easier and cleaner than painting or powder coating too.
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour - Ceramic Coating for Wheels 30ml
CarPro CQuartzCQuartz DLUX Ceramic Coating Kit For Wheels, Plastic & Rubber Trim
$39.99
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Agreed on the vinyl wrap, that’s the direction I am leaning right now.
Not sure I understand or agree with the suggestion to ceramic coat them? Ceramic requires extensive prep such that the underlying surface is basically perfect, it doesn’t have any corrective qualities. Ceramic coating the faded trim would yield me with some marginally shinier faded trim.
Not sure I understand or agree with the suggestion to ceramic coat them? Ceramic requires extensive prep such that the underlying surface is basically perfect, it doesn’t have any corrective qualities. Ceramic coating the faded trim would yield me with some marginally shinier faded trim.
Agreed on the vinyl wrap, that’s the direction I am leaning right now.
Not sure I understand or agree with the suggestion to ceramic coat them? Ceramic requires extensive prep such that the underlying surface is basically perfect, it doesn’t have any corrective qualities. Ceramic coating the faded trim would yield me with some marginally shinier faded trim.
Not sure I understand or agree with the suggestion to ceramic coat them? Ceramic requires extensive prep such that the underlying surface is basically perfect, it doesn’t have any corrective qualities. Ceramic coating the faded trim would yield me with some marginally shinier faded trim.
I would just give the part to a powder-coating shop
