Good money after bad. To go after the body work with a tiny mig welder is easier said than done. With the vacumm servos and the tubing 29 years old, you will have to do some serious surgery or live without some features.

Not all bad - the 617 with the trany and drive should fetch a few dollars, especially with the hyp about bio-diesel.

Best bet is to start parting it out.

"Illegitmi non carborundum"

Unfortunately true. That's exactly what I found with my second Mercedes. A 79 280S. The jack points also failed, on both sides and I found rust beneath the undercoating that extended three quarters of the way down the lenghth of the car. It was completely invisible until I went looking for it.

I agree that it would be unfortunate for another 116 to bite the dust. They are great cars but the reality might be too overwhelming.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

get a different jack. drive until something bad happens- like the wheels fall off

__________________
1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.