The patient is my beloved w124. I've known this day was coming, and attempted to slow it down with por 15, but when I noted water in my storage compartment on the passenger side, I knew it was the rust.

The pictures aren't great, but you can see its rusted through. The car has 166K on the clock, and runs like a dream. I'm going to stop by a few body shops to see what they have to say. I'm guessing to fix it "right" will be cost prohibitive relative to the value of the car. I'm open to creative solutions as I was hoping to pass this on to my oldest son who will start driving in 18 months.

So let me have it. Thanks in advance.

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1993 300E
1999 E320 Estate

That's not too bad, as long as the damage (rust) hasn't really penetrated the upper quarter panel... but instead localized on the lower half (hidden behind the bumper). Proper job would involve removing the rusted lower compartment sections, sanding down the rear quarter (just near the edge), fix areas, and finally paint the quarter (just the lower portion and blending it in).

But have a few places take a look at it, discuss what they think is necessary, and get a quote. You'll save some money by having the surrounding trim/bumper/taillights removed and anything inside the trunk in that area.

dthorton,

you have rust running through the horizontal seam.

temporary fix is to use a POR15 product like you are using, patch holes with fiberglass and fill/paint the other side

permanent fix is to cut it out, weld in new metal, treat remaining rust, and fill/paint

bob

Yep, the rust is running horizontal, and has penetrated the upper quarter panel, but not to a major degree (yet).

The plan is to have a cut and weld job. I stopped by one shop this morning and they weren't interested. I've got another shop to see tomorrow, one that does a fair amount of old Benzes, so I'm hopeful.

What do you guys think I'll be looking at cost wise?

Thanks for the replies.

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1993 300E
1999 E320 Estate

thorton,

you can take a cup brush to the rust, treat it with POR15's *system* (not just the end product), and then do a fiberglass job on the inside of the trunk. i would use a good putty like rage gold or some other type of body filler (notice i didnt say "Bondo", which is a brand name of a body filler) that has small fiberglass strands. this type of filler is non-hydroscopic and won't absorb water. then do a rattle can job with a color matched paint. i used paintscratch.com. if you lightly sand the rust where you see the paint bubbles, you may minimize what you spray on the exterior surfaces above the bumper if you feather the paint very lightly.

bob

With over 20 years in the Autobody field the only way to stop rust is to cut it out and weld or glue a new piece in.Yes glue there are great adhesives out now that are better than welding and is a better fix because if glued right leaves no holes to trap moisture and this can be done by anybody no welder needed.

Went with the cut out and weld. For $500 it looks brand new.

Thanks for all the advice.

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1993 300E
1999 E320 Estate