hood hinge pocket seam rust w123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 08-10-2007, 11:11 AM

Hi,

the D/S hood hinge pocket on my 85 w123 has a small amount of rust in the seam, just to the rear of the drain (it is actually the seam that makes up the rear part of the drain from the hinge pocket).

The problem is that the metal in the hinge pocket is all fresh and strong, no problems. However, the water has sat below that, making a small spot that has opened to the inside of the car. Thus, when it rains and water goes through the drain, some dribbles out the rust bubble and into the D/S front floorboard.

I need to fix this ASAP. I have prodded around a LOT after removing everything I could from under the dash, and have noted that the bubble and soft areas are small.

What I would like to know is, how can I best seal the seam up top in the hinge pocket, so that water does not get in? I was thinking of using JB Weld or JB Stick, since the paint is 100%, the metal is strong and has no signs of crumbling or rust, etc. Would that work, or what would you reccomend?

For the inside, Since it will then be sealed from water ingress from the seam, I will plan to grind/wear away all of the metal that has the rust bubble, down to fresh metal, and then patch it. Since it is on the inside and all the metal around is sturdy, I thought that perhaps a POR patch with fiberglass would be OK. Not that Id use such a thing on more structural elements, but a 2" bubble near the hood release cable, with strong metal all around seems to be a good candidate, especially since it would be super hard to weld in metal in such a small piece in such a tight area.

Of course if after grinding and removing, I see to the outside, then Ill have to think twice, and would likely pay to have the fender removed and the metal welded in from the outside, to which I can finish it, rustproof, POR-15 it, etc.

Any comments on this task? I want it to be done right, and fortunately I have found it early enough it seems, that the metal around is still strong, but Id love any advice you can give, especially about sealing the seam in the hinge pocket, and an internal, over metal POR-15/fiberglass patch.

Thanks!

JMH

P.S. If the hood hinge pockets are tight and in good condition, would it be prudent (provided none of the drain holes are plugged up in the process) to spray these areas with either spray-in bedliner or spray undrcoating? These spots get a LOT of water, and not the best airflow or drying, plus they do get dirty, which doesnt help... I figure with a really good cleanup, paint and then coating with a protective substance, it could really help to protect and seal them better... Your thoughts???