Thanks for all the info provided on this forum.

I recently(today) replaced my AC compressor and had the 1st opportunity to look under my car. I was quite dissapointed as I noticed several rust spots. Particularly the chassis. Nothing is falling off nor will it anytime soon. However, I wanted to keep this car forever, cause it's only got 175,000 miles and runs like a champ. Interior is good , no dents, original paint, tires are new, suspension is great.


Is this chassis rust repairable? Worth it? You can't see it unless you get it up on a lift.

Particular ares are the frame close to power steering pump, left rear whell well and it sort of gave in when on the lift where they placed the foot of the lift.

I;m just venting because I should have had it up on a lift before I bought it.

For all those considering buying an old Benz, please get it checked out and see for yourself. :(

Any suggetions on rusty chassis?

If you're serious about keeping the car, you'll have to either cut out the rusty metal and replace it or have it done. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done. Only you can see the damage. It's a judgement call. I wouldn't get stressed out about it or feel like you got burned on your deal. If you thought this car would be around forever - it won't. I wish they would be, but they won't. Do the best you can to take care of it the way it should be taken care of and it will serve you well. If I were you, I'd repair the rust damage as soon as I was able.

I wasn't planning on forever. I figured all had to to was take care of the mechanical stuff that popped up. The repairing of a rust problem was a little disheartening. I'll put it up on the lift again and post some pics. Maybe I got a little carried away.

I used to paint cars about 10 years ago, maybe I can gather up some steel and electric weld some reinforcement on the chassis before it gets too bad.

Thanks

One thing I have learned is that a Mercedes can look 100% rust free on the body, but the underside can be a different story. I think the 86 newer models are OK, but anything 1985 or older needs to be checked for floor and frame rust, especially, if it is a northern car, or originally came from the north. Rust not a problem here in Tennessee, but I have seen northern Mercedes on E-Bay, many with floor rust. I would say your rust is repairable if it is not rusted through. I would take it in to a body shop and get a estimate to repair the rust. Do the floor panels have any rust? Good luck.

Some folks on this forum may not like my answer, but I just got finished rebuilding a 65 Mustang with my son. Rust is of course common.
When you say rust is it surface rust or ROT. Its falling apart is flakes of iron oxide, rust???
If its just surface rust. You'll have to poke at it with a pick to really know. then you can seal the metal.
Go to this company for info on there POR-15 product

http://www.por15.com/index.html

Its a multi step process that cleans, nuetralizes, and seals the rust that you have. It works fine on surface rust, not rot. That may have to be cut out and new sheetmetal welded in.

I used this on the entire car. It is now sealed. We also had some welding to do also.

WARNING whatever it touches, IE your skin, it will have to wear off, it's polyurathane and when it dries it only wears off. If its wet you can use their solvent , or 3M weatherstrip adhesive remover to do the job.

Dave