I have a 1990 300te that has the dreaded rust near the seal on the back driver side rear window. I just plan on replacing both sides while I'm at it.

Does anybody have a source for MB window rubber seals or do I have to go to the dealer?

I just did that repair. Reused old window gaskets they were fine.
300 TE: Warning about rust in side windows of loading space

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Ron,
I remember seeing your post a little while ago, but I couldn't find it when I did a search. Thanks for the pics. I discovered the problem when the rust spot started creeping out at about the same place as yours. It has now come out into the painted fender in 2 spots. I went to my body shop guy and he gave me a quote of about $600 to repair, repaint, re-stripe and completly buff out the car.

I would like to pull out the windows before just to see if there are any hidden surprises first. I also thought about re-sealing the other side while I was at it. Any suggestions or things to watch out before I begin?

Mark

The rust on my car is completely hidden and does not go into the fender area at all. It is covered by the gasket. The rust is in the metal part that the gasket goes over. I happen to pull a window because I had water leaking in and figured that was the most likely source.

I suggest pulling the windows and repairing any rust damage first, then paint with the windows and gaskets out.

I use plastic trim tools for all kinds of stuff and they are quite necessary for working with the gaskets, with them you damage nothing.

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thanks ron,

Now I will do research on rust repair. I will pull both windows and inspect. I will likley have body shop guy do rust repair since he will be doing paint match anyway.

Tried to post a thumbnail below of damage. Hope it comes out.

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If the rust is kinda bad and the area is going to be repainted anyway I'd consider getting the body shop to tig weld some new metal in the area where it's rusted. Also the piece of metal that the gasket fits into is quite thin and will have to be dealt with in some manner, that is the area where mine had some surface rust.

Body shop guy did indicate to me that if there ended up being a hole that he would be doing some welding. So that's a good call on your part.

I am the second owner of this car and it's always been on the west coast. Can't imagine what it would look like in lousy weather.