Fabricating 201 lower radiator core support
 

hey quick question,

My lower core support on my 190 2.6 rusted out, died [on the way to work yesterday] the radiator fell into the fan and was annihilated. Luckily I got to work before the engine could climb to any higher than 100C [its been there one before or two, before i replaced the clutch the fan]....

Mercedes wants $600 for a new lower core support. I havent had much luck at the user-searchs @ Potomac and Silver Star...I put in a parts request here with phil and roy...

If all else fails is it possible to fabricate the support? any special considerations? I find this kind of ironic since I work at a fabrication plant that stamps steel and makes car underbodies.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-BENZ-190-Radiator-Support-Upper-89-93_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQitemZ120206084934

Listing is for upper but shows lower also in the photo.

The upper is simple bolt on, but the lower is a welded in piece,,,,, a LOT harder to replace. We routinely repair lower rad supports, so it can be done. Whether you have the skills, isn't something I can answer.

yeah, i definately wont be doing the fabrication work. I took it this body shop that my mech recommended and he we're trying to exhaust all options on replacement. I was just wondering if there is anything special involved in it.. I'll drop an email to that guy on ebay, see if and what he wants for his and if its in good shape and cheaper than what the shop wants to fab one up ill get it.

how much do you usually charge to fab one up? I'm just looking for general ideas on costs, etc.

I still have to order up a radiator....they're pretty much the same price but Behr or Nissens? The Behr is $30 more than the Nissens...

I might also need a new fan and clutch for it....I just replaced the clutch not more than 6 months ago.

I still think this is revenge for driving a MB when I work at a GM facility in combination with revenge for driving a MB and not working at a MB facility lol.

Price to fix one can vary widely. Can you post some good pics of the damage ?

Normally I would do just that but its at the shop right now. I dont have access to it. I'm told the one side is not even connected to the chassis and that its rusted out underneath. I dont doubt it. I 100% sure my route to work did not help in the least. The streets are not really the smoothest thing you'll ever drive on. I've emailed several different places [Silver Star, Potomac German, some people on ebay] but I'm almost certain that its going to end up being fabricated by the shop.

well heres what i've got

$600 from Mercedes for a new support
$450 from another company

He wont fabricate it. Largely due to how close it is to the fan and whatnot. So looking for a source now...

Maybe a used one thats in decent condition that can be repaired to work?

I'm trying not to have to fork over my bank account lol...any options will be well appreciated.

I have several cars
 

I have a couple of W201 "parts cars". Feel free to contact me, and I should be able to cut a lower core support out of one of these cars for you. If you could send a pic showing how much of the support you need, it shouldn't be too tough to cut the part out.

Then you would be left with the need to weld in the "new" support to your existing chassis.

That car must be pretty rusty if the lower core support is falling out. Is there structural rust in other areas (jack points, rear subframe, door pillars?).

SteveM.

pm sent sir