JDMills,

The best rust proofing is a garage with the car parked in it all winter. MY '80 300SD is virtually rust free because that is what I do. My '79 300SD is the sacrifical lamb and is practically destroyed by the ravages of road salt, so bad that I have to junk it within a year before it breaks in half.

Its getting harder to find mint condition '80s MBs, so its best to keep the one you have in top condition, you might not find another. Use a junker in the winter.

P E H