W108/W109 cross member

[SickFinga]

Anyone here ever repaired a rusted out cross member on their w108/109?
Part #55 and #65


Are they welded to each other and then welded to the chassis?
Any idea where I can find a good one beside a dealer?
Maybe someone made their own? Any tips?

[werminghausen]

You need to buy 2 halves and spot weld them together first... then weld them in the main frame. I have done this 2 years ago n my 109. My old cross member was rusted out entirely to a point were it could not be repaired.
It is not that bad as it might seem.
You want new MB parts. Or you can repair your old one if it is still kind of repairable.
Let me know if you need more information.

[SickFinga]

Originally Posted by werminghausen

You need to buy 2 halves and spot weld them together first... then weld them in the main frame. I have done this 2 years ago n my 109. My old cross member was rusted out entirely to a point were it could not be repaired.
It is not that bad as it might seem.
You want new MB parts. Or you can repair your old one if it is still kind of repairable.
Let me know if you need more information.

Did you buy yours from a dealer? Do you remember how much you paid for them?

[werminghausen]

I bought my parts in Germany, but look around. I'd buy MB parts just to be sure it will fit. I had to weld the tow hook bracket to one side from my old cross member. Classic Center e.g.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

I have the center portion around here somewhere that I'd be willing to sell. It's the portion that runs between the two bumper mounts. I bought it used to repair some accident damage, but it doesn't look like I'm ever going to get around to fixing it.

Best Regards,

David

[SickFinga]

Originally Posted by werminghausen

I bought my parts in Germany, but look around. I'd buy MB parts just to be sure it will fit. I had to weld the tow hook bracket to one side from my old cross member. Classic Center e.g.

Thanks, I'll keep looking.

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

I have the center portion around here somewhere that I'd be willing to sell. It's the portion that runs between the two bumper mounts.

David, by "bumper mounts" do you mean part #59 on the image I posted?

[werminghausen]

The 2 haves #65 and #52 were enough for me...#52 had the brackets #59 already on. Only thing I was taking over from the old crossmember was #120, the tow hook.
I'd really try and get original parts...I paid like $150. If you count your time this is only a small portion of the costs.
You should count probably at least 10 hours to cut the old piece out...should be done very carefully, don't cut in the connecting plates of the main members.
You also need to mark the position of the old piece and try and get the new one exactly to the same location. I can send you some pics how it looks.

[SickFinga]

Originally Posted by werminghausen

The 2 haves #65 and #52 were enough for me...#52 had the brackets #59 already on.

Yeah, this is exactly what I'm looking for right now.

Originally Posted by werminghausen

I'd really try and get original parts...I paid like $150.

Wow, that's a really good deal. I haven't call dealer yet, but EPCnet lists part #52 for 203EUR and part #65 for 46EUR.

Where did you buy yours? Was it a store or some private person who got a bunch of NOS parts?
How did you ship it from Germany? I was told it's too long to ship through their mail.

Originally Posted by werminghausen

If you count your time this is only a small portion of the costs.
You should count probably at least 10 hours to cut the old piece out...should be done very carefully, don't cut in the connecting plates of the main members.
You also need to mark the position of the old piece and try and get the new one exactly to the same location. I can send you some pics how it looks.

If you have additional photos can you please email them to me sickfinga-at-gmail.com
It would definitely save me time when I'll finally get to it.

Thanks.

P.S. In the last photo your car looks like a Rolls Royce Phantom

[werminghausen]

Hi

I don't have much more pictures. The store I bought it was a smaller outfit.
I was lucky that a friend brought me the parts to the US. Was pure luck.
Let me know if you have specific questions.
The tricky part is to cut the old sheet metal out. Be very careful, no rush. You need to understand/feel how the old spot welds are done. only points of maybe 1/4" dia are welded (the spot weld) and all other areas are not connected.
I was using black Miracle paint for conservation...and Por 15. These 2 are the best. I was welding with a MIG welder with gas.
Martin