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#1
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W126 frame failure
Had my front end up to inspect things before winter hits. I think most are aware of the support braces that can fail on a W126.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/body-repair-restoration/293938-cracked-frame-w126-owner-alert.html Just a heads up for the new guys. Today I found that while the supports are still sound, my frame has developed a nasty hole and or crack about 3 inches behind the support. This was not visible this summer. I will be removing as much of the undercoating as I can and see how bad it really is. Luckily I have a friend that can repair the frame. Scary stuff!
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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles 1992 750il / 17k miles - project car |
#2
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Got the car into today at the local Studebaker shop. Find out the "frame" is not really a frame at all. Instead really just a design to stiffen the body up. Its a thinner metal and 3 sided. A true frame would not really look like this.
Anyway, cleaned it all up and did some welding of the hole. Turned out pretty well. I will get a few pics up when I can. Overall I feel safer driving.
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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles 1992 750il / 17k miles - project car |
#3
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That's the time! If metal around your weld is not solid, you can fabricate a sheet metal patch that will tightly go over the boxed area far enough to reach solid metal and MIG(or whatever you have for welding sheet metal) that in place.
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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual 2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution |
#4
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Take some pics too! If you can.
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Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out. Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability! (4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!) 82 300SD 145k 89 420SEL 210k 89 560SEL 118k 90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010 90 560SEL 154k 91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k 93 190E 3.0 235k 93 300E 195k |
#5
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I did take pic and a plate was indeed welded in place after removing all the rust and bad metal. I will get pics up in a bit.
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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles 1992 750il / 17k miles - project car |
#6
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Pics of the work. When grinding I did find a lot of orange "filler". Something they spread on the joints, etc. Above my upper control arm is visible and uncoated. Clearly something that is brushed on.
At the end it was ground and coated well. New undercoating always looks so nice! Someday I will do the entire car after some spot grinding, etc.
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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles 1992 750il / 17k miles - project car |
#7
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If this is on the left side (which it appears to be) check your battery tray for acid leakage. This appears to be a weak point in the design of the W-126's. You'll probably find the trail of corrosion leading down the firewall.
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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.” ― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now |
#8
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Also check your wiper hose check valve. Those are prone to cracking and then all the wiper fluid just leaks down into the battery tray area.
__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out. Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability! (4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!) 82 300SD 145k 89 420SEL 210k 89 560SEL 118k 90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010 90 560SEL 154k 91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k 93 190E 3.0 235k 93 300E 195k |
#9
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They battery tray is toast. No leaks from the tank or hoses for washer fluid. But both are new. Tank replaced by PO and battery by me, although the OEM battery before did not appear to leak.
So at one time, I suspect maybe some issues. I will probably pull the battery soon anyway, time to de-leaf the car.
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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles 1992 750il / 17k miles - project car |
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