How hard is it to replace a w123 rear quarter panel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chetwesley · #1 08-15-2008, 12:24 AM

I have only ever done mechanically related repairs (and am a novice at that, for that matter), so I have no idea about body repairs on these cars. Is this something diy-able for an idiot like me?

bgkast · #2 08-15-2008, 12:53 AM

It will require some welding, it is not a bolt-on affair. Probably best to leave it to a pro.

#3 08-15-2008, 02:57 AM

The rear panels are part of the unibody structure.

t walgamuth · #4 08-15-2008, 05:56 AM

I have not done this on a benz but I have on other vehicles and I think it will work if you get one of the patch panels that cover the entire fender from wheel well to taillight and from bottom up to the trim.

I would cut out whatever I didn't want, leaving parts around the edges. Then I would apply the new panel over the existing edges, using bondo with fiberglass and a few pop rivits, of course taking my time to get a good fit. Some trimming is necessary. Put the rivits on the bottom and inside the wheel well and under the trim. Sand the lap areas clear of rust and paint and treat with rust binder, then high quality paint before apply ing the panel.

If you are careful it will be nearly impossible to find the places it is matched up when you are done.

Or you can have a body shop do it but then you don't know how they prepped the metal before application.

Tom W

chilcutt · #5 08-15-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have not done this on a benz but I have on other vehicles and I think it will work if you get one of the patch panels that cover the entire fender from wheel well to taillight and from bottom up to the trim.

I would cut out whatever I didn't want, leaving parts around the edges. Then I would apply the new panel over the existing edges, using bondo with fiberglass and a few pop rivits, of course taking my time to get a good fit. Some trimming is necessary. Put the rivits on the bottom and inside the wheel well and under the trim. Sand the lap areas clear of rust and paint and treat with rust binder, then high quality paint before apply ing the panel.

If you are careful it will be nearly impossible to find the places it is matched up when you are done.

Or you can have a body shop do it but then you don't know how they prepped the metal before application.

Tom W

Go to a auto /body paint store and get evercaot z-grip,or ever-coat rage body filler and cream .I have found this to be superior to reg bondo in terms of sandability and feathering.

bgkast · #6 08-15-2008, 11:00 AM

If you overlap the edges you will have to "step" the edge of the existing metal to allow the patch to sit flush. The lap will also provide a breeding ground for rust.