Wing repair R171 SLK

[Gollom]

Have asked this before, but guessing with a lot more people reading at the moment I may find what I'm looking for

Both wings on Sue's 2004 R171 are bubbling badly at the leading pointed edge (a issue on these cars as crap gets trapped) New wings are well in excess of £300 each! I have searched and searched but cannot find pattern parts and the few at breakers are either suffering the same or prices are stupid

In the "good old days" there would be an old boy - usually working out of a railway arch! - who could cut out old metal and patch with new which has to be way cheaper than replacing wings (and better environmentally!)

I am based in Preston, Lancs

 

[Trickythemerc]

I would have a look at some of the classic car restoration people, they should be able to help you. With modern welding kit in skilled hands it is possible to repair the rusty bits.

 

[ChipChop]

For car body repairs it is often worth asking around local independent car dealers. They usually have a man who will be able to fix most body issues to a good standard and a fair price.

Trouble is they often only work for the trade but you never know if you ask nicely enough someone may be able to help you.

 

[optimusprime]

Search through the breakers yards on the web, to find a pair the same colour as yours pay extra for scratch free wings and fit them yourself .

 

[Gollom]

Search through the breakers yards on the web, to find a pair the same colour as yours pay extra for scratch free wings and fit them yourself .

Already done that - very, very few that are sound/free from rust and then the price is stupid

 

[Will]

Tbh £300/wing isn’t too bad for genuine parts.

You might find the time/effort spent on repairing the old ones could be a false economy, especially if you plan on keeping the car for a while

Maybe see if you can squeeze a little discount on the cost of the parts, and have them painted off the car to save the labour for fitting if you are able to DIY that?

Used wings would be unlikely to be dent/scratch/damage free, and then you’ve got to be able to find those in the right colour and hope they get to you undamaged of course, and if your ones are rusty already there’s got to be a fair chance that other used ones of a similar aged car wouldn’t be far behind?

 

[ChipChop]

MIght also be worth ringing around a few old school Mercedes main dealers. You never know they may have some genuine R171 wings gathering dust on a shelf in the parts dept.

I managed to get a brand new W210 facelift front wing from MB Teeside for £70 late last year. Original price was £400 + so you never know a main dealer somewhere may well have what you need and want rid to clear space.

 

[optimusprime]

May be, but if i can find both W124 wings that are 31 years old and in good condition .Then the search for yours will be easy .It wont happen over night, it took me years .One year to find replacment passengers side and 2 years to find the drivers side wing. I just managed with the old rust till the wings showed up .

 

[Nufcfan67]

Probably looking at false economy trying to repair as it wont last long and you will end up buying new anyway . The new genuine panels will be fully galvanized from the factory so will last for many years if painted and anti corrosion applied is properly will be worth every penny . Make sure not to use underseal on the inside of the panels as it traps the water and causes corrosion , wax oil is a much better solution and should be re-applied every couple of years

 

[Gollom]

Taking on board what some people have said, anybody able to get the part numbers for near and offside R171 wings please. WDB1714422F026392.

Been a while since I looked - maybe they have gone down!

I did have them, but can't find!....

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Taking on board what some people have said, anybody able to get the part numbers for near and offside R171 wings please. WDB1714422F026392.

Left A1718800106 replaced by A1718800306
Right A1718800206 replaced by A1718800406

I'd go with new too unless you have a mate that can do this at mates rates.
I've seen the guy I work with doing metal work on cars and the labour to get this right is very intense.

You'd also have the advantage of being able to get them painted off the car if you have someone that can do this.

 

[BlackC55]

Repair is often a waste of money as people have said. The rot WILL return.

For £300 per wing, I dont find that too bad. I have just called my suppliers for you. None available aftermarket at all.