126 SEC - Inquiry about rust removal and repainting

[Motoman]

Greetings, everyone.

The colour of my SEC is Smoke Silver, with a paint code of 702.

Since I have had it, the vehicle has obtained a few insignificant little dings and there is some corrosion forming around the wheel arches.

I would want to know whether the hue Smoke Silver would be difficult to match if I were to bring it to a body shop. Considering the age of the current paint, will it be challenging to achieve a colour match during a partial respray?

Frankly, I am uncertain of the typical procedure for repairing these specific areas of the vehicle's exterior. I would very appreciate any guidance or suggestions you may provide.

If anybody could suggest a reputable establishment in the London/Kent region, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you very much!

[bvlenci]

An excellent auto body repair business should possess the capability to scan the current paint and create a colour match by blending new and old paint during the spraying process. However, achieving a seamless match between old and new paint is particularly challenging when dealing with silver, since it is one of the most difficult hues to match accurately.

I would recommend engaging in conversations with many nearby automotive repair establishments to gauge their responsiveness and get insights on their recommendations.

[Motoman]

Oh, I find it intriguing that I was not previously aware of the usual difficulty in matching silver. It is beneficial to have this information, thank you!

[developer]

It would be challenging to find someone who can match any shade of silver hue.I own three automobiles that are silver in colour. Some time ago, I made inquiries about the rust problems and other imperfections on my 'Iridium silver' C55 AMG. However, none of the individuals I talked to were willing to guarantee a satisfactory colour match for a 17-year-old silver vehicle.

[AMG33D]

From my understanding, the primary issue is in the parcel shelf located at the bottom of the back screen. Prior to proceeding with any painting, I strongly advise thoroughly inspecting the area both within and externally. It is crucial to be vigilant for any concealed decay, since the repair required might be rather extensive.

I have been informed that finding a perfect match for silver paint on older automobiles is quite difficult (specifically, for my silver SL).

[Motoman]

Indeed, it is another potential location where rust may be present - the back screen is exhibiting fogging and delamination around its borders, which is cause for concern.

I am considering the financial implications of resolving all the issues vs tolerating the unpleasant aspects.

[keithmerc220]

Nowadays, any reputable auto repair shop should have the capability to accurately replicate any paint colour, even those that have faded over time. An exceptional work was performed on my wife's silver 99 SLK, resulting in a flawless match. An excellent establishment will use the paint mixing code just as a foundation..... the ultimate blend will be validated by a costly paint matching scanner known as a spectrophotometer.

[developer]

keithmerc220- Your perspective is valid and well articulated.

Many 'paint companies' would prefer to just accept payment for routine accident repair paint jobs rather than engage in a complex and iterative spray job on a meticulous individual's 20-year-old cherished possession.

[Ortsmatt]

If you are interested in taking a vacation to Essex, I recommend trying out these options. Car Body Repair services are provided by Kraftwork Vehicle Refinishing in Chelmsford. The work they performed on our son's silver 1999 V70 was exceptional. It is impossible to see any evidence of mending.

[badgx]

By just perusing the advertisements for automobiles being sold, one may easily see a multitude of vehicles with panels that do not match. Among these, the light metallics exhibit the most pronounced inconsistencies, ranging from subtle variations in hue to wholly distinct colours. In my estimation, dark hues provide an equivalent level of difficulty, but our eyes are less sensitive to subtle fluctuations in dark colours compared to lighter ones. This is just speculative on my part.

[Chrishazle]

It is possible that my previous dark red Cavalier was involved in a rear-end collision and subsequently repaired. The paint work was flawless, rendering the difference indiscernible under natural light.
However, in the illumination of street lights, it was readily apparent where the fresh paint had been applied.

[keithmerc220]

The bumpers, even when new, never achieve a perfect match with the body of the vehicle due to the contrasting silver and shiny red hues.

[ML350_Colin]

I seem to remember that smoke silver has a colour that is more akin to gold rather than silver. Does gold provide as many challenges for mixing as silver?

[KissezFun]

If the SEC paint is authentic, it will be solvent-based, while modern paint is water-based. Unless the rust is quite noticeable and widespread, it may be advisable to tolerate it and do temporary, improvised repairs to prevent further deterioration. Permanently eliminating wheel arch rust, particularly in the rear wheel arches which have double skin, is an uncommon occurrence. It is important to remove any secondary causes that may cause the rust to resurface before spending a significant amount of money. Paint supply stores may provide a similar shade in aerosol cans for do-it-yourself wheel arch repairs using colour match swatches. It is important to inspect and compare the colours in adequate outside lighting. The first coating would have been GLASURIT.

[KissezFun]

https://www.glasurit.com/en-int/classic-car-colors