Hole near the back seat floor - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MVK · #1 10-03-2002, 10:03 AM

Hi Folks:
I had a water leak behind the driver seat floor in my car. Tried to investigate. All drains are fine, all seals are fine but found a hole and corrosion on the flooring behind the drivers seat. Its at where the rear seat meats the floor. Looks bad. I am really upset, the car is otherwise good. Dont want to spend too much money. Whats my best option to fix the corrosion on the floor and prevent the water from coming in.

Thanks

MVK

franklyspeaking · #2 10-03-2002, 01:05 PM

Search the forum for water leaks. 123's have some quirks that can cause this problem....water intrusion results in a puddle in the rear floor, because it is the lowest area. It's probably coming in through the engine compartment or a leaking windshield.

As far as repair, if it's not a big hole you could patch it with sheet metal or some have replaced the entire floor pan. It kind of depends on whether you want your car to be pristine...even under the carpet where you can't see. If it were mine, I'd use sheet metal, pop rivets, and fiberglass resin to repair and then seal the bottom with undercoat and keep on truckin.

Good luck!

The Warden · #3 10-03-2002, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MVK
Whats my best option to fix the corrosion on the floor and prevent the water from coming in.

Simple: DUCT TAPE!!!

j/k

Seriously, as aforementioned, a patch of sheet metal or even epoxy ought to work.

WIsh I could offer more...Good luck!

leathermang · #4 10-03-2002, 03:16 PM

The POR15 folks now have a product which they claim will fix your problem... I have not used it.. but in 20 years I have never heard anything except rave reviews concerning the por15 stuff...before this came out I always planned on putting the regular por15 inbetween the sheet metal I was going to rivet into place...as a bullet proof sealer....

#5 10-03-2002, 05:35 PM

Rust Mort+ Heavy fiberglass patches are here! Get a product called SEM rust Mort to connvert the rusted areas per directions on the bottle, and then lay layers of fiberglass (use the thick matting) over the hole. Its what I call the "Permament patch" (lasting for approximately 8 years or so...) I have about 5 of these patches on my floor, and are in fact extremely strong. Marine grade fiberglass resin is extremely strong. Rust developed at the welds all around the areas connecting the rocker panels to the frame next to the doors. Also a couple of holes in floor. Six total, all patched with fiberglass. In my own opinion, their is no use in welding in sheet metal or pop riveting because the metal will eventually rust again if not treated, so might as well use something that is strong and will not rust for patching, fiberglass! Good luck, and with these methods rust will have a hard time recurring (especially when covered with 1 inch and a half thick layer of fiberglass, and Rust Morted)

psfred · #6 10-03-2002, 08:16 PM

Find the water leak (this is why you had rust to start with), then either patch with fiberglass or get someone to weld in a patch.

Welded in patch is by far the best, but will be more expensive. If the corrosion is well advanced, a replacement floorpan is the correct route -- you can cut out what you need and will retain factory profile and beads, etc.

This is a classic W123 rust spot. Check the other side, and front fenders just above the wheel. Also, check drains in the trunk, and look for water spots on the rear wheel wells -- this means a leaking gasket, replace if necessary.

Peter

kerry · #7 10-03-2002, 10:10 PM

Fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. S-glass (structural glass) is much stronger than E-glass (electrical glass). Epoxy resin is much stickier than polyester resin.

MVK · #8 10-04-2002, 05:41 PM

Hi Folks:
Thanks you all for making me so confident. When I saw the hole in the bottom, I was just so sad cose the car is otherwise fine and I just finished the lower ball joint job. This completed the whole front end. I dont see any water leak now. Nothing in the sparetire well, all drains are clear. The PO had neglected the sunroof drains. But I cleaned them all since I got the car 3 years back. The hole could have been there from 3 years back( I never removed the bottom mat.
Ok I will consider various options you guys have suggested and work something out.

Thanks again.

MVK