On my 240DL the panel that covers the right wheel well was all sorts of warped out of shape. Looking at the panel I couldn't tell if it was made out of a fiber reinforced plastic or was some sort of fiber reinforced "paper" type material. I did find that you can purchase a new panel made out of fiberglass for $39.00, but I wanted to see if I could save mine first.

 

I conducted a simple test under the kitchen facet and found that whatever this is made out of it absorbs water.

I soaked the entire cover in hot water and it actually because pretty pliable. I was worried about the material "swelling" like fiber board will do when it gets wet, but that didn't happen.

After giving it a good soaking I sat it on the floor on a towel and put some weight on it with the hope that as the panel dries it would hold a flatter shape.

 

After letting it sit overnight I removed the weight and the panel stayed flat. It still needs a bit longer with the weight to fully dry, but it seems I have removed the warps and twists that were in the panel.

Once fully dry I plan on coating the panel with probably a fiberglass resin or something similar to stop moisture from getting back in and causing it to warp like it did in the first place.

 

Good as new!! Good job, thanks for sharing .

 

I figured if water getting into the fibers caused the warp then keeping water out after straightening it can't hurt.