PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

rjz5400 · #1 01-22-2016, 11:49 AM

My wife wanted to buy this wagon even though it had some indicators of rust. So we got it because it looks GREAT with a unique paint color and drives well with recent repairs and we have driven it for a year with a few long road trips and as a DD for her.

SO I am doing regular maintenance and fixing some leaks and while I have it I decide to investigate the wet floor mats we have noticed on a few rainy drives. I was Expecting windshield seals or hood hinge rot or similar.

Turns out the water is coming UP from the rotten rocker/floorpan seam weld. It is mostly gone. there is a bit of material around the seat mounts left but for the most part it is a 2" rusted out hole from footwell to seat, then another section from behind the seat to the rear bulkhead of the passenger seats.

This is both drivers and passenger sides. I am sure MANY people are familiar with this scenario.

I am hoping for some opinions/inspiration/recomendations

I have a flux core welder and am not terrible at using it.

I have a pop rivet gun and a big bag of aluminum rivets.

I also have the funds available to spend a bit of money on it to get it in safe condition, either on parts, or paying a professional.

The problems I have getting started on fixing the car are many.

How long will any repair I do on my own last?
How much is this car worth "as is" ?
How much do we really want to keep it?
Who the heck does this type of unibody welding and fabrication rust repair?
Who is right about the safety of various methods of repair which range from (suicide, to "can't see it from my house" )?

Any experience or opinions appreciated.

PS I am in eastern NC and can drive the car if need be if there is anywhere in my area <150 miles that could do the work for a reasonable price or to pull clean parts from.