Quote:
Originally Posted by buckstersdad
While I have no evidence to prove this other than my own findings, I just purchased a 98 E300D with substantial undercarriage rust. Of course the car had no panels when I got it. 177K, and a NJ car. I would like to believe that the panels if in place would keep the splashing of road salt off of all the engine compartment fittings. A/C connections rusted, oil cooler lines rusted, brackets for intercooler tube rusted, brake line holder brackets rusted, etc.
No way for me to know for sure as I don't have anything to compare with, but I have my work cut out for me stop the corrosion and then prevent it from recurring.
Just my thoughts about the panels' value.
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doubtfull... more likely, the tiny bolts that hold the panels on disintegrated from the salted roads, and such... enough passages around the panels near the wheels where the salt would splash from to COMPLETELY cover the vehicle through the panels...
the panels are NOT air tight or anything, they just have a flat cover to aid airflow under the car...
I've seen PLENTY of cars from that area just as you describe... many with underpanels in place...