IS this 300d's rust repairable? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

777funk · #1 07-08-2008, 10:38 AM

Check out these pics. Is this a repairable item? Fiberglass? Welding?

I'm very much a novice on bodywork.

thanks for any opinions!

vstech · #2 07-08-2008, 10:41 AM

novice? um, no.
it's minor stuff, but it's likely not the worst of it. just the visible stuff. if you just wanna patch it, you can do it, but don't expect it to look good, or last.
rust is a killer on these unibodies...no frame just panels connected together. once rust gets in, it will destroy the car.

JimmyL · #3 07-08-2008, 10:42 AM

It wouldn't matter to me if it was repairable or not! That much surface rust comes with much more structural rust.

Jetmugg · #4 07-08-2008, 10:44 AM

It's possible to repair almost anything. The rust you can see in the pics is just the tip of the iceberg. There is almost certainly structural damage under the seats, along the jack points, and at various parts of the unibody structure. That body shell is probably not "worth" repairing, in terms of dollars and cents (in my opinion).

There is nothing like the joy of owning a rust-free Benz. There are few things more frustrating than trying to repair rust damage on an already rusty body shell.

My 2 cents,

SteveM.

vstech · #5 07-08-2008, 10:45 AM

I think at this point, everybody else can just say "ditto"...
that type of rust is from driving in wet dirty conditions and not cleaning it out. plugged up drains backed up with leaves and debris typical southern wet climate car. a never washed car will not be an easy or even recommended repair. if it's already yours, I am sorry, if we can talk you out of owning it in time I hope we have. if it is less than 500.00 AND it runs VERY VERY well and shifts perfect, AND it came with a full tank of diesel, AND new tires. then it's worth picking up.
if, which is more typical, the seller wants $2K or more for it... just politely walk away.

Chad300tdt · #6 07-08-2008, 10:47 AM

Run away!! IMO a little rust isn't the end of the world, but I'd steer clear of that one.

EDIT: Sorry ... DITTO!!

kerry · #7 07-08-2008, 10:53 AM

That's a $500 salt-on-the-road-state winter beater. Trying to fix that would be as hopeless as GW Bush in a speech class.

777funk · #8 07-08-2008, 10:55 AM

LOL! Thanks. I think I could get it for $500 but like everyone else said Ditto I think everyone agreed it's not worth messing with.

Thanks for the opinions.

It's probably easier to do an engine swap on a good body vehicle than mess with this thing. Just my guess.

vstech · #9 07-08-2008, 11:02 AM

http://springfield.craigslist.org/car/746277865.html
here's a steal not too far from you I bet.
and this if an SD works for you.
http://springfield.craigslist.org/car/696097897.html

kerry · #10 07-08-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

http://springfield.craigslist.org/car/746277865.html
here's a steal not too far from you I bet.
and this if an SD works for you.
http://springfield.craigslist.org/car/696097897.html

With 543k miles? Seems a little high to me even for a coupe. Sold my 77 na with 77k miles for $4500.

compu_85 · #11 07-08-2008, 11:05 AM

I just found a rust hole at the base of my very clean looking SDL... no telling what other rust that car has.

-Jason

vstech · #12 07-08-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

With 543k miles? Seems a little high to me even for a coupe. Sold my 77 na with 77k miles for $4500.

OUCH! I don't know why I thought 43K... I missed the 5 in quickreading... still a clean rust free CD is hard to find. turbo would be better... and a FULL visual inspection is a prerequisite... "light rust spot" could mean scratch on fender, or rotted out jack points...
that SD looks nice though!

bgkast · #13 07-08-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

With 543k miles? Seems a little high to me even for a coupe. Sold my 77 na with 77k miles for $4500.

545K is a badge of honor. Don't '77s only have a 5 digit ODO?

kerry · #14 07-08-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Don't '77s only have a 5 digit ODO?

No.

DieselClack · #15 07-08-2008, 06:13 PM

If this one has a good running engine and drives well, it would be a good parts car! That much rust usually has structural issues. I would only get this if it had a good powertrain and you were willing to swap it into a good body, which I have been known to do!

Engines that run well are are in good condition and getting harder to find. Your not going to get a good engine for $500.