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Hub Cap Paint Prep

Started by 90077merc, 08 November 2021, 01:03 AM

90077merc

I am repainting the flaked off paint on the hub caps. Should I chemically strip away the old paint? All of it?
1974 450 SEL

Randys01

Remove ALL the paint ....but be careful using chemical stripper.

Howard60

...and (a bit late now probably?) dont bother with primer, just go straight to body colour on the bare metal.
Previously: 280ce W123, 450slc C107, 350se W116, 230e W123, 250ce W114

Jed

I'm getting ready to do this job as well. Certainly makes sense to strip to bare metal as you'll get a cleaner new paint job however a friend told me not to as it's very difficult to get the new paint to adhere to the bare chrome. He claims it sticks better to the old paint. Not sure what to do now??
1979 Mercedes 6.9 #5206 - restored
1979 Mercedes 6.9 #6424 - ongoing restoration
1976 Mercedes 6.9 #484 - restoration?

UTn_boy

You have to do what the factory did......put down a coat of primer first. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

Howard60

I have (for my sins) done this on two separate cars now, and if the bare metal is cleaned and degreased you only need
the body colour. Its a good finish and no risk of seeing any primer close up.
Also, maybe a coincidence, when I stripped the paint from various hub caps (bought separately) I could see no evidence
of a base coat??

To be honest, the hardest part is masking off!!
Previously: 280ce W123, 450slc C107, 350se W116, 230e W123, 250ce W114

Jed

I think I got the masking off part figured out.  I bought these stencils which look like they will work great.  I Just have to find time to get to the project now...



1979 Mercedes 6.9 #5206 - restored
1979 Mercedes 6.9 #6424 - ongoing restoration
1976 Mercedes 6.9 #484 - restoration?

Howard60

A lucky find! Good luck! I look forward to you posting the outcome.
Previously: 280ce W123, 450slc C107, 350se W116, 230e W123, 250ce W114