S203 C class front wings

[C32Graham]

Afternoon all,

I have some corrosion on the front (and rear) wheel arches on my 2002 C class estate. I've been quoted £250 per corner to sort it out. Not horrendous but My thoughts are that I should just buy replacement wings via ebay and replace the fronts myself as ebay are looking at £50-100 each. This is all provided I can find some rust free second hand items!

Are they particularly difficult to change? My car is Obsidian black so pretty common I think!

Thanks, Graham

 

[190]

I haven't changed them on a 203 but I have changed bolt on wings before on the 190e. It was very straight forward. 2nd hand wings might not be a perfect match. If that's not a problem there used to be one guy on ebay that would supply new bumpers and wings ready sprayed in your colour with a choice of pattern or original panels. The cost might not be too much more than 2nd hand and you get to lavish them with the anti-rust treatment of your choice before fitting. Again colour match might not be perfect but the one I bought was very close and well finished.

 

[C32Graham]

any idea of a way to find him on ebay? I've had a look but nothing stood out.

 

[190]

Here's one although it was some years ago so I've no idea if this is the same seller. Also do a search on Google for "ready to fit panels" and you'll find several suppliers.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Pre-Painted-Car-Parts-0844-357-8159

 

[a111r]

The problem here is that aftermarket pattern wings don't fit that well, compared to OE.
They usually need 'fettling'. Before they are painted.

 

[C32Graham]

Just bit the bullet and bought 2 OEM wings from a breakers yard. Fingers crossed they are the same shade of black!!! For £30 each its not the end of the world if I have the re-sell.

 

[C32Graham]

arrived. All is well. Colour match is good. I've given them a good clean, rust proofed as much as I can and just getting quotes to fit them now. appears a bit of a PITA!