Stencil for Hubcaps on 230 & 250 (small dogdish type)

[dnierle]

I am done using the loaner stencil for painting the dog dish type hubcaps on the 230 & 250SL.  Does anybody know who is next in line to borrow this stencil and I will be happy to send it.  BTW it does not work that well and my painter ended up masking the entire hubcap.
Dave
dnierle@triad.rr.com

[perry113]

I do watch the forum and see the need for such but also agree that the stencil is about as useful as breasts on a bull.
Masking has been the way to go for me. I have seen pictures at Mercedes Classic and they are masking caps.
Just my perspective.

[Tyler S]

Masking works much better. I have found using electrical tape works wonderful. It stretches around the curves and leaves a crisp line. Put 3 full pieces over the star and trim it with an exacto knife.
Tyler

[Jonny B]

I think the masking set-up has been typed about before. Check the search function (the main one to the right of the "Home" button). I have done this a couple of times, and as Tyler states, the lines are nice and crisp. Just don't let the paint fully dry, or you can get cracks when you pull off the tape.

[114015]

You guys are right about the hubcap stencil.
Using masking tape may create a nice and sharp line - looks good (or so) if done properly.

However nice you might like that; factory original was the use of a stencil, not (a special) tape.
This gives you then the absolutely original faded-out shape/edge/spray pattern that the original hubcaps had !

However, I understand very well that the today available reproductions made from rubber or silicone are too bulky and too wobbly to provide a good (or authentic) paint result. The original tool was made of steel, much thiner and stiff. That's why the paint result was much better than with the today's stencils.

Ask me how I know .... 

Achim
(dogdishhubcapcollector)