1977 450 SL rusted out rocker panels advice appreciated

[abe g]

My 450 SL is running well, BUT rocker panels are pretty rusted out. It seems complete replacement is only answer. Rest of body is decent, engine runs well, other items interior good. mileage is 132,000 miles, uses no oil. Cost of repair slightly less than value of car. Question : What would you do, run until it quits, ? Sell for parts? repair rockers at body shop? I was advised that door gaps show growing separation due to lack of stiffness of rocker panels. I realize that this is a personal decision,but appreciate your input. Regards, Abe G

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by abe g

My 450 SL is running well, BUT rocker panels are pretty rusted out. It seems complete replacement is only answer. Rest of body is decent, engine runs well, other items interior good. mileage is 132,000 miles, uses no oil. Cost of repair slightly less than value of car. Question : What would you do, run until it quits, ? Sell for parts? repair rockers at body shop? I was advised that door gaps show growing separation due to lack of stiffness of rocker panels. I realize that this is a personal decision,but appreciate your input. Regards, Abe G

Chances are if the rockers are that bad, the rust you can't visibly see like the floors, the fender wells, and under the chassis is just as bad. I'd part it out and buy another one from out west. No sense dumping big money on a rust bucket unless you can fix the car it yourself.

[meltedpanda]

450 is right, these cars are tough to deal with when rust shows up , especially there. The market is low for these cars right now, and guessing what you have been quoted, could near buy you a nice example .
Another option is parting yours out and buying another