I am looking to purchase an older l.70s Benz 300D or 240D. I was thinking I would like to put a roof rack on for my surfboards, whatever else. Only thing I wonder, am I going to be doing permanent damage to the car? Or at least enough to cause rust at the mount points? I would much rather the car stay in excellent shape.

If anyone could recommend a good, 'safe' rack for the W123 let me know.

Are you looking to go with an OEM looking type (don't know if they offered one or not) or will an aftermarket one do? The Thule and Yakima types grip at the gutter so you wouldn't need to drill any holes at all. If you were going more for the TD style where you'd need to drill holes in the roof, I would think the rubber gaskets at the mounting point and plenty of silicone around the bolt holes should keep things rust-free.

My TD was neglected cosmetically for more than a decade and there are no signs of rust at the roof rack mounts.

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1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)

I've had Thule and Yakima gutter racks on my 123 wagon. No more damage than on any other car where a foot goes into the gutter and might scratch the paint.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I use the Quick 'n' Easy racks that you can take on and off. Hasn't done any damage that I can see. They make a bit of noise though...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=1005

I would probably just get a Thule or Yakima rack. That seems easiest.

Although a nice, wood-slat VW style rack would be nice. No idea if they make these for W123, but could be a nice touch.

Here's a link from a while back also:

anyone interested in a roof rack

wow, that is great. thanks for the link. doesn't look too difficult actually. i think i've found a summer project. if i can get it done, i will definitely post pics and measurements.

The Don was working on making a wood slat rack for these cars....How is that project going?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Been mentioned many times....do NOT use silicone. Use that black tar type substance found in glass shops. Silicone promotes rust.

Cheers,

Bill

I second the Yakima rack solution. Found mine on ebay for $100, Got the longest poles, the 4 uprights and two bike mounts. Works great and can be put on or off in just a few minutes without tools. I did have to buy a wind deflector to cut down on the noise. There should be a supply of good used ones out there, as many people no longer have real gutters on cars. No experience with Thule, but they should be equal to Yak in quality.

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Mercury is a boxer

1984 300d
1999 Prelude
Medici road bike
Klein touring bike
Klein mtn bike

The one advantage of the Yakima racks is that 1/2" galvanized pipe fits inside their round bar. This means you can quickly make inexpensive rack extenders. I've had a set up like that for 20 yrs and it's still working well. The Thule rack extenders are not as strong.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13