Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Hollson on June 29, 2019, 20:16:13
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Hi
Does anyone now if I can get an aluminum hood repaired. It has front crash damage not too heavy , has come apart at the seems a bit
Cost for new one is $5 k. Also want to try to keep original hood
Any ideas ?
Thx
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You might be able to use the front, inner hood frame member repair section (available from Authentic Classics?). Next find an expert metal forming person to straighten the outer skin then combine the two.
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After all the work involved, you may want to simply buy one. ????
https://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/pts/d/owings-mills-mercedes-pagoda-hood-280sl/6922149887.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/d/mercedes-280sl-aluminun-hood-fits-230sl/6916066678.html
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-230-250-280-SL-113-HOOD-PANEL-BONNET/192889065339?hash=item2ce9158f7b:g:VFkAAOSw0~Rcsl14
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Did you “not” have insurance on this car? Hagerty, Taylor, State Farm Classic, etc all re-built with orig MB parts, no questions asked.
Bob
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Each hood was hand fit to the fender by filing the edges. That is why it is numbered to fit only your car. A used hood may not fit and your repaired hood may not ever fit again either. Tough spot.
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Yes all insured it wasn’t my fault.
Another reason I wanted to keep the hood is it should fit better than any replacement hood.
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Any good body shop should be able to do it. There are a lot of cars out there currently with aluminum body parts and panels and they work on it all the time. Some are better than others. it pays to talk to the owner or manager, as high up as you can get. I have two shops in my area that I would absolutely trust with work like that.
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If insurance will cover it, might then just get a new one for $5k and have the body shop finish it to perfection. Find one that can work aluminum
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There is part of the manufacturing number on it. Better to fix it and keep original, I think.
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Damage to the hood can be fixed, keep the original.
Also check the frame at the hood catch area.
Choose a shop that works with aluminum extensively, like a custom bike shop, hot rod shop, etc..
You will be best to be with them side by side and work through the repair with the expert.
I've repaired a 1965 230SL with the exact same damage, but the headlights were gone as well.
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that damage is pretty severe. I wouldn't want a wrinkled hood, w/a ton of bondo on it.
I'd get a new one, and keep the original around if you have storage room. WHen you go to sell the car, you can show the hood and pictures.
Stuff happens all the time. I think the new buyer would appreciate a brand new spanking hood instead of a worked one, unless the body shop can work miracles.
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A new hood will be oversize and will need to be filed to fit. Much better to have a new hood than a used one.
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Hoods are made from two separate pieces that are bonded together. Any attempt to weld along the seams will result in failure because oil, grease, dirt, and bonding material will mess with your welding.
Two different hoods are much closer in dimensions than you might think. This is how MB gets you to buy a new hood.
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Trying to get the insurance to buy you a new hood may be more difficult than you think. Their adjusters work with the body shops and will make them buy a used part. Be careful if you go that way.
You may get stuck with a significant bill yourself.
Looking at the picture, I can't see why a skilled fabricator couldn't make a new piece of aluminum and weld it in. It's just a matter of finding the right guy who wants to work with you. Some places don't even work on vintage cars anymore. ( Sorry, BenzDr, for using the term loosely)
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I know a guy who can make a complete new skin for the hood out of aluminum - I've seen him make all sorts of body panels. We will be visiting his shop on Sunday afternoon as part of the Meeting of the Clans weekend.
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Mr. Hollson, any happy ending to this accident?
Have you decided on the repairs, found a qualified repair shop.
And is the offenders insurance company doing the right thing by you?
jz
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I found a company in Naples who work with aluminum
They said it can be fixed. Will find out tomorrow
My insurance company have been good to deal with so far.
I’m using my insurance for the car. Then they will claim back through the at faults insurance company.
I’ve purchased all the other parts already So once the hood gets the green light the car will be repaired pretty quickly
Thx everyone appreciate the advice
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While you are getting the hood repaired, have them closely examine the hinge support areas since this is a common fatigue point. SLtech used to and may still offer a special “floating nut” to fit inside the frame to make alignment easier when bolting the hinge bracket to the hood.
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Just curious how your hood issue was resolved. Were you able to get it repaired or did you replace it?