Hi S-Class, you're really doing things 'in style', aren't you ? I mean, zink plated clips etc. - I guess it's really the proper way to go. I have used paint stripper, and "strip and clean pads" that are attached to a power tool, but it would not be as successful and thorough as your method.
I doubt that there would be many owners that would be prepared to fork out the folding cash in this country - not many 116 owners anyway - as I estimate that to refurbish the complete unit you'd have to allow about $350.00 for the job, what with the hot bath, clips and the powdercoating. Regards Styria