I have a 1983 240D. The rocker panels have rusted after 19 years. I order new ones at the MBZ dealer. The body man said to buy the entire rocker panels ($146) because the skins are to hard to line up with the jack mounts. So now that I have them how do I install them? I took it to the local body shop to get an estimate and they look confused on what needs to be done to remove the old and replace the new.

It's good that repair panels seem to be available at quite good prices from ADSITCO and other sources.

Think the replacement of the rocker panels should be a fairly straightforward task for any body man, but I don't think you should plan on being able to actually use the original jacking points...I'd have the rockers done, and invest in a good floor jack to replace the one that came with the car.

Good luck...last summer did the front fenders and a rust spot on the driver's door. This spring I'll have the rear quarter panels and some other rust in that area replaced.

Dlduchon,

I get from your description you got more than the quarter arc segment of metal that is visible from the outside by your description (something more than the skin). What exactly did you get? Does it include new, positioned jacking tubes? I would agree that if the old ones are rusted, putting a new outer skin on is not going to make the old jacking tubes structurally sound enough to use. But if you got an assembly with the tubes supported at both ends, well, that may be different.

Please give a better description of what you have for a replacement part. I am curious as my (now my daughter's) 240D has some rust around the jacking tubes, and it might be worth the money to get a new assembly welded in if they are "only" $146 each. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)