Rust concerns on a W115
 

I am looking at a Mercedes W115 for sale that has some needs, but generally is a good car and runs well. It does have some small spots of rust. The trunk area looks good, as well as the floors, but it seems in could be developing rust under the front rockers, there is surface rust on the rear fender, plus a rust hole in the inner passenger wheel well. The latter concerns me the most. Is this a structural area? Is it a big concern for a weekend driver?

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

In my opinion, there is more rust than you see. This probably is a lot of work.

I would also tend to agree with jmk - based on the pictures, likely more rust than the eye can see. I would be cautious; but should be fixable. Best of luck!


-Dmitry

Answer
 

If you are making it a 100 point Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance show car there is a huge amount of work 2000+ hours and a minimum of $128,000.00 USD. :eek:

As you desire a weekend pleasure vehicle = a few hours welding, some POR15, then paint to your color.
I could have this car (body/mechanical) up to very nice daily driver in two or three weeks, interior upholstery might take a month. :D

Here are examples of rust that SCREAM "run away". :eek:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...pskm0jvdhe.png

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psbfwm1s7q.png

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psb9x1ynra.png

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psd8dqmygf.png

.

Thanks for the tips. The car is otherwise nice shape and runs very well. It need a few other things like door seals, front brakes and some other little things. The trunk and floors look good. I am just looking for a fun fair weather weekend car. I am still on the fence though.

For small, fixable patches of rust check out this product. Best of luck!


-Dmitry

Not disasterous but probably not really worth going for the rust repair. I think I saw a prior repair around the jack point.


This model really can rust. I have had a few of them. I still have a couple of 114/115 style coupes in fact.