OK... this isn't really a hard question, but I'm not used to this kind of repair.

I just noticed My 79 300D is completely rusted out under the drivers seat. If it wasn't for the undercoating just hanging there I'd have a real good breeze on my fanny. How my seat has not collapse is a miracle.

I'm wondering exactly how I repair this. I know I get sheet metal... but what gauge and is this a home depot repair. I figure I'd epoxy it to the good metal after cutting out all the bad, sanding it back and priming it.

Or do I get diamond plate aluminum? Also someone told me they've heard of a repair panel made just for 123's.

My problem is this isn't just a 4" whole I'm talking about the entire area under the seat. So bending the metal would be a challenge for me.

Thoughts?

Bill

I would do it right and get a replacement floor pan...there are places that sell these...and weld it in place....

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Yeah, WELD for sure! Find someone familiar with this kind of work or you will a) find the rust coming back in short order, and/or b) wind up with burned/melted components around the weld area. You'll need to cut out ALL the rust... cut clean back to good, bare metal, and weld from that point. I have never done this, but I am sure plenty of forum members have and can offer more advice. Good luck!

__________________
1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

I priced a floor pan for the '65 here not too long ago at the dealer and it was in the $160 range which in my opinion, is not too bad. Get a price on one from the dealer and go back with oem.

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Jim

Dealer price was $425. Anyone know of any alternate sources?

Try a google on autobody supply or autobody panels.....

I know there are other places, but none come to mind right now.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

damn - hard to believe that they are cheaper for a W110 than a 123.

__________________
Jim

Did you try FastLane (the link is at top of the page) or contacting Phil (philip@peachparts.com)?

They are the sponsors of this forum, and everyone's heroes

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

The W114 floor pans are available at www.rustrepair.com I am not sure if they can be adapted to fit the W123 chasis. An expert may be able to help in that matter.

__________________
With best regards

Al

[QUOTE=Lebenz]Did you try FastLane (the link is at top of the page) or contacting Phil (philip@peachparts.com)?

Didn't think to e-mail him... Hopefully he'll get back to me Monday. The site was the first place I looked... without luck.

Thanks guys.

Bill