87 300sdl rocker plastic cladding
 

Still looking for 86-87 sdl

Question is should I be concerned with rust under that Plastic rocker cladding?

was that an issue on these cars? I have seen several 79-85 sd's w tons of rust on the rockers.

Is this going to be same case (albeit- hidden w/ 87sdl plastic cladding)???

looking for advice

Not a fan of cladding due to the possibility of hiding rust. That being said, the post facelift w126 86-92 received much better rust proofing than the earlier models. Of the 3 w126 cars that I had, the 2 86 300sdls were far better and more rust free parked outside for years than the 85 300sd garage queen.

A close inspection at the top of the cladding might help you, if you see any signs there, then the cladding is hiding more. My 2 cents

The cladding isn't sealed against the bodywork, so if the car has been maintained and isn't being driven in the salt belt, it shouldn't be an issue. Water can easily get out from behind the cladding and because it isn't tight fitting, it dries out well enough. My SDL sat abandoned in a field for 10 years before I got it and that car still had zero rust, not even bubbles around the rear window. My 350SD came from West Virginia and it has some surface rust underneath the car, but zero body rust and certainly nothing behind the cladding (I've had it off to replace clips). You haven't bothered to fill out your location in your profile, so nobody knows where you're from. If you're in an area that doesn't salt the roads or is next to the ocean, you shouldn't have to worry about rust on an '86+ 126.

Appreciate the wisdom on the SDL's cladding/rust proofing.

If I did go with what I know ( 84 300sd) - are the rockers part of the "strength" of the car? In other words- if they are starting to rust- will the integrity of the entire car be an issue... I tried looking up if these 126's are unibody or not.

can someone help there

W126 is a unibody, I would definitely not buy one with visible rocker rust, that's why I sold the 1983 that I had. The worst place I have seen for rust (I have seen several rotten ones just recently) is at the lower corners of the rear window.

If I send u private message... will u email me back- so I can forward some photos via email- or text to show rockers... also-- 5/6 tiny bubbles w/ clear coat on a 300sdl

and get your advice- on the "rust"
the Rocker/photos are from a very reasonably priced 300sd

I can't figure out how to post photos here???

thx