So I noticed I have a number of scratches on the hood. I took it to a shop recommended by another Mercedes owner, and he said he'd have to paint the entire hood and he said something about blending the polish with the fenders. Something about the texture. I'm worried. The price was reasonable and for double that, he said he could do the bumper too, and polish the head lights. I'm confused if maybe he said they clear the lights.

Historically, how hard has it been to get a good job on black, just doing the hood and the bumper?

The roof might need a little touch up too. I think the price just not only went way up, but the chances of no one knowing are slim to none. I worry about orange peal, masking tape edges etc...

I'm horrified.

 

blending the new hood paint to the fenders is normal ... the hood paint would be new and the fenders are 18 years old ... they need to match ... Black is the hardest color to paint cause it will show any and every flaw in the body ... if you trust the guy that told you about the shop all should be good ... talk to other customers of the shop for their judgement of the service the shop provides

 

If it's a good body shop there should be no problems. Ask your friend that recommended him if he has work done by him on his car.
It sounds like he wants to blend the paint. In other words he will paint the hood and "feather" new paint onto the fenders so it looks the same. If he's doing the hood you might as well get the bumper done.
You do polish the headlights to get them clear. You can watch how it's done on youtube:

 

It's kinda a hole in the wall place. Not impressive to look at.

 

How long have they been doing body work ... ask who they have done for and ask them about the shop ... do your research and if you're not comfortable find a different place, don't pick them because they are the lowest priced ..

I've been looking at getting my Crossfire repainted ... hood, front bumper, both doors, both rear quarter panels, and trunk lid ... have a lot of small stone chips and some parking lot door dings ... the shop will do the blending where needed ... in the $3000+ range ... it's not a fancy shop but I know they turn out high quality work

do your research and ask questions of previous customers

 

Good price. I have a friend who does body work and he said about $6k for a respray.
I think I'm going to Home Depot and spending $100.00 on sand paper and black rattle cans! LOL

 

Fancy shops have more overhead costs and higher prices.

 

Esinclair
Since you can't trust the Mercedes owner with his referral, why don't you visit your local Mercedes Benz dealer and get the name of the body shop they use for all of their Mercedes Benz cars that require body shop repairs, such as painting. The clear coat used on the Crossfire is the same as used on the Mercedes models, much harder than the clear coat since it was manufactured in Germany.
Just my 2 cents.....
Dennis
DTMenace