Have you rung round the long established MB indys scattered about the country?, that would be my first choice, also have you perused the MB forums (i haven't been on the one i used for years, too cliquey) or posted the question there?

As for bodyshops, the one i use (literally 3 chaps) has moved away from insurance work and much of the local trade work too, and is finding it more interesting and cost effective to get into classics and general repairs for people like us who try to fix our own problems avoiding insurers and especially claims management sharks like the plague, plus he finds the clients more appreciative and understanding when jobs take longer than planned.

A typical bodyshop that does accident damage for insurers i could see not wanting this job at all, you are looking for someone who does the other sort of work.

Edited by gordonbennet on 05/07/2018 at 11:36

Have you looked round for car roof specialists? I had a soft-top replaced a few years ago with excellent results.

Could try car trimming specialists ... or sunroof specialists

https://www.webasto.com/gb/dealerlocator/