125 - Bad lacquer peel - What to do?

[Nemophilist]

I've had my 125 for 5 years now. Its coming up for 95k miles and is mechanically really good. The cream leather interior is also a really lovely place to be.

However, it has terrible lacquer peel. Attached is just the worst area but there are other not so bad patches meaning if I got it resprayed it may as well be a full respray.

After putting the price into wbac it looks to be worth about £5k if it was in good condition externally, or most likely £3k at its current state and I assume that no private buyer would want to touch it as is.

The wheels could all do with a refurb too but as the rear ones have been welded a few times they might just need replacing.

I am starting to look at replacing it as I cant see the cost of replacing wheels and a decent respray being worth it on such an old car. However, I am struggling to find a newer model that excites me that I would feel is worth spending the extra money on. (Looking at 235, M135),

Would I regret getting rid of it?

[Nemophilist]

i think you're right that its been poorly repaired previously.
Looking at the areas that have lacquer peel its all down the one side.

Although I have used a spray gun in a booth to prime some mdf in the past, I didn't do a great job of that so I wouldn't risk me making a terrible mess here. I

I have just spoke to a guy locally who seems to have good reviews and will take a look whenever I can drop it down to him.

[Nemophilist]

Court_S said:

I guess the first question is how much do you like the car? If you like it, I’d be tempted to chuck some cash at it and take it to a few body shops to get quotes to get it sorted.

Where are you based?

Hertfordshire, near Berkhamsted.

I think if I could get it looking good again for around £2k I’d be happy with it. I love it otherwise but the mess of the bodywork has made me lose the love a little bit. Even more so now it’s summer and I want to be out there with it gleaming.

[Nemophilist]

Rockets7 said:

GTEYE said:

Le Mans blue

That car has definitely had paintwork at some point.

And a lot of it!

A detailer took a paint thickness reading on it last year and confirmed it has indeed had one side sprayed - this is the same side that has the peeling lacquer. Its been sprayed from the door back, so 2 panels worth along with the door frame. Roof, boot, bonnet, wings and sills all original.

Unfortunately some of the original paintwork which would otherwise be perfect needs work too due to a bad bush scratch along the other side.

[Nemophilist]

i have found a guy locally who specialises in classic car restoration.

His quote includes for flatting down, priming, prep, paint, then lacquer and baking. Then polishing once cooled.

Should hopefully be as good as new after .