The Progress So Far (Filthy CLK320).

[Hawkwind]

Well I've been scrubbing polishing and deodorising the interior and exterior of my CLK, trying to get it in a condition that I'm happy with.

After many hours of work, it's on it's way and the years of accumulated filth are being stripped away, layer by filthy layer.

So far on the carpets I've tried steam cleaning and also a good old fashioned soaking, scrubbing and wet vac. Once I've managed to get all the filth off, I intend to renovate the seats, so I'll save befor and after pictures until then.

But the nice weather today encouraged my to tackle the weathered and faded headlights. I'd considered buying one of the renovation kits on the market, but to be honest, I had emery paper and an old aluminium polishing kit with a buffing wheel, so a bit of 'T' cut would do the rest

Before



During





After



Grand total in cost, nothing, just some time invested with a bit of elbow grease. Took less time than I thought, maybe 20 minutes per light.

Afterwards, gave her a wash and a quick rub over with wax and the exterior doesn't look too bad now for a car that is 15 years old

 

[J LAD]

Looking good for 15 years old!!!! Keep it up, little by little each week then you dont get bored.
I tend to have a tick list, starting with the dirtiest jobs first.
Wheels off - inner arches, springs, control arms, calipers, hubs etc.
Wheels - will they clean up or better to refurb, £200 will see em looking nice, will set the car off nicely.
Engine bay - good soak with an APC then dress to suit.
Now the hard work - polishing the paintwork. One week do a full decontamination, citrus soak, Iron X and clay. Bang a bit of Collinite on inbetween times for protection.
Next week polish the bonnet, next week wings and so on, like I said this way you dont get bored.
Onced polished spend the day waxing her.
Last and no means least turn your attention to the interior, If fabric, wet vac the seats and carpets, pick a nice warm day for this, or use a small portable heater to dry the fabric out.
If seats are leather will they clean or as per wheels do they need to be re painted?
Once complete sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour and watch the admiring glances when you take the wife out for a drink on a warm summers eve.

 

[Hawkwind]

Thanks for the encouragement J Lad.

The car is basically sound, but it will take many hours of work yet to get her cosmetically as good as she can be.

I didn't pay a lot for here, but it was love at first sight and I couldn't say no at the price

The car has been maintained, but she's not been loved for a long time, so I'll take her under my wing

 

[kwk]

Mine on a muggy day. That was love at first sight too.

 

[Hawkwind]

Looks to be in very good shape kwk

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Good work

 

[kwk]

Looks to be in very good shape kwk

Took a while to find one with only minor rust. Now it's staying.

 

[Dave Richardson]

Congratulations on your hard work, it 's looking good

 

[flango]

Top job and same colour as mine I think, Azurite blue? I fell in love with mine at first sight. She' now 18 years old and still in fine fettle.

 

[richiemcfc]

Stunning cars - love to see pics like these.

 

[Ted]

Top job and same colour as mine I think, Azurite blue? I fell in love with mine at first sight. She' now 18 years old and still in fine fettle.

WOW!!
Looking good!

 

[flango]

WOW!! Looking good!

Thanks need to give the interior a good fettle in Spring and touch in some scuffs on the leather that's bugging me.

It's a labour of love and although I will shortly get a new daily driver and new weekend toy I couldn't bear to part with my W208 had her 7 years now

 

[Ted]

My old one View attachment 49377


View attachment 49378

 

[Hawkwind]

I just love the curves of the W208, the grill and the four headlights.

Reminds me a little of the old XJ6 Coupe I had in my 20's. That had a full length Webasto sunroof, so with that open it was almost a convertible and also had four headlights a big grill and nice curves.

Can anyone see a pattern emerging here

 

[zipdip]

With regard the headlights,there is another way to clean them up and that is toothpaste,it is far cheaper than the kits you can buy and it works

 

[dozypillock]

I just love the curves of the W208, the grill and the four headlights.

Reminds me a little of the old XJ6 Coupe I had in my 20's. That had a full length Webasto sunroof, so with that open it was almost a convertible and also had four headlights a big grill and nice curves.

Can anyone see a pattern emerging here

I am a bit like you, but with the C209. A neighbor had one years ago and I always fancied one myself. Eventually found one, with everything and more than I was looking for. Had a few issues but slowly sorting them. Rear trunions next, then it is almost perfect. Come the warmer weather, will start paying more attention to the cosmetics.
Only up the road from you in Lancing, so if you fancy a meet up, and swap of ideas and experiences, let me know.

Neil

 

[Lenny63]

Top job and same colour as mine I think, Azurite blue? I fell in love with mine at first sight. She' now 18 years old and still in fine fettle.

Love those rims flango - what are they ?

Is it lowered

I am unsure if I should start fettling with mine or not - it's the daily and I always have the 43 to bathe and pamper...

 

[Lenny63]

My top tip for leather - unscented baby wipes and then a leather balm to nourish/protect

 

[flango]

Love those rims flango - what are they ? Is it lowered I am unsure if I should start fettling with mine or not - it's the daily and I always have the 43 to bathe and pamper...

Brabus Monobloc VI rims and lowered a further 35mm from the standard sport settings

Mines normally a weekender or summer car but currently in use as a daily as I'm selling my Volvo V70 which has been my trusty daily the last 4 years