Yesterday, I had the front and rear windshield gaskets replaced (and the front windshield glass also) on Lilly.

In an area about 18" long in the bottom center of the back window opening, the pinch weld that attaches the inner and outer body panels is about 50% missing because of corrosion. This is hidden from view by the rear window gasket.

As far as I've able to find, this is the only serious corrosion on SWMBO's ride. IMHO, it more than makes up for the lack of corrosion elsewhere.

The glass techs at Harmon Auto Glass are not unfamiliar with this problem on 'older' vehicles and claim that it is relatively straightforward to have a bodyshop cut back the dead steel and MIG in something to replace the lost material.

For the present, I've elected to treat the affected area with some conversion goop, reinstall the window with the new gasket and start on the quest for a local shop that can take on this project.

Has anyone ever replaced/repaired rusting pinch welds?

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I think this problem has been talked about in one or more Tech Service Bulletins.... I know you know about Alldata, etc....
But in general... how about some pics of it ?

I'll check AllData but I'm also looking for some case histories...experiences, references et al...


And, unfortunately, pictures aren't an option...I didn't have the camera with me. :-(

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I need to make you a holster for your digital camera... a computer graphics artist should never be without their digital camera....

OK, mybad.

But, do I still get credit for the turbo fire pic? I had my camera then.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Yes, that was a Great ( Northern) picture....
get it ?

Or maybe an International Great Northern pic...hehe!

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I'm sure Greg will get that holster made right after he finishes his 240D air conditioning project.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

I'm sure that you will be tempted to use a silicone sealant. I would advise against it as the sealant attracts moisture and will only accelerate the rusting. If you could find a good section from a rust free wreck I would have that welded into place. It might also be available from Mercedes. After the piece is in place I would have them give it several coats of a good epoxy primer before topcoating. The underside of the welded areas will have to be treated also as the welding process will burn off any sealers and primers. They can rust out from the inside as well.

I have successfully treated surface rust on Volvo windshield pinch welds with POR-15 after vigorous wire wheel and sanding.