Mercedes R107 rust repairs
Discussion
My SL has just failed the mot on rust around the jacking point. They also found a hole on the inner wing and I know there's another hole in the boot floor.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent repair shop within sensible distance of Basingstoke. Preferably one that's familiar with Mercedes and doesn't charge the earth!!
Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent repair shop within sensible distance of Basingstoke. Preferably one that's familiar with Mercedes and doesn't charge the earth!!
One of the best classic Mercedes experts is just up the road from you.
http://www.silchestercars.co.uk/index.php/en/about...
A cheaper but further away alternative is Wigmores Body shop at Bradfield South End. RG7 6EU call Jim 01189744670
http://www.silchestercars.co.uk/index.php/en/about...
A cheaper but further away alternative is Wigmores Body shop at Bradfield South End. RG7 6EU call Jim 01189744670
As with all rust concerns, especially with complex cars like the 107, you may find that the problem is worse than a first inspection may reveal.
I've read some complimentary reports about the SL Shop, who offer a bulkhead replacement service for about £4500. The car will certainly be worth investing money in.
I've read some complimentary reports about the SL Shop, who offer a bulkhead replacement service for about £4500. The car will certainly be worth investing money in.
As has been said, get the car very thoroughly inspected before spending too much. The sill/jacking points can be patched if not too bad, but the part alone for a full replacement sill is very significant.
Also the comments about bulkhead are very valid (although it does tend to announce itself with wet feet), but take the grills off in front of the windscreen and have a good poke about (you will also need to take the heater motor cover off)
Additionally, remove the headlights and look in the lip. They are double skinned and go for fun needing new wings. They have often been bodged on top, but looking without the lights in tends to reveal the real condition.
The boot bit is also common, but tends to be plateable by a good welder.... but does often mean the boot seal is knackered. A couple of hundred quid for a new seal and the aftermarket one is very poor.
Also remove the rear seats bases if it has them (or carpet if it does not) and look underneath often rotten there as well if unlucky.
BUT..... A well sorted R107 is a dream to drive and use as a long distance tourer. So usually worth the ain and heartache, but start from a decent base.
Also the comments about bulkhead are very valid (although it does tend to announce itself with wet feet), but take the grills off in front of the windscreen and have a good poke about (you will also need to take the heater motor cover off)
Additionally, remove the headlights and look in the lip. They are double skinned and go for fun needing new wings. They have often been bodged on top, but looking without the lights in tends to reveal the real condition.
The boot bit is also common, but tends to be plateable by a good welder.... but does often mean the boot seal is knackered. A couple of hundred quid for a new seal and the aftermarket one is very poor.
Also remove the rear seats bases if it has them (or carpet if it does not) and look underneath often rotten there as well if unlucky.
BUT..... A well sorted R107 is a dream to drive and use as a long distance tourer. So usually worth the ain and heartache, but start from a decent base.
the pips said:
My SL has just failed the mot on rust around the jacking point. They also found a hole on the inner wing and I know there's another hole in the boot floor.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent repair shop within sensible distance of Basingstoke. Preferably one that's familiar with Mercedes and doesn't charge the earth!!
SL Shop - best, but not cheapest.Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent repair shop within sensible distance of Basingstoke. Preferably one that's familiar with Mercedes and doesn't charge the earth!!
I've owned my SL for 5 years and it's been great. I spent ages looking at them including Silchester and the SL Shop! I was lucky enough to find mine through family links just before the advert was to appear in the club mag. It's got a couple of downsides. He bought it as a bereavement sale without history and it's had 6 previous owners so it's never going to be worth a fortune or a concours winner.
So far, I've not had much to do on it. The rear suspension bushes needed replacing, I've renewed the under bonnet insulation and that's about it. I took it into a local Merc indy (he doesn't do welding) who used an endoscope to check the bulkhead and gave it a clean bill of health. I'd like to replace the carpets next and the hood doesn't fit particularly well on the passenger side.
I don't want a cheap fix but I do want a quality job. I'm going to get in touch with Silchester and I've also heard good things about classics by jswl in Waterlooville.
So lots of options and I appreciate all of the help and advice.
So far, I've not had much to do on it. The rear suspension bushes needed replacing, I've renewed the under bonnet insulation and that's about it. I took it into a local Merc indy (he doesn't do welding) who used an endoscope to check the bulkhead and gave it a clean bill of health. I'd like to replace the carpets next and the hood doesn't fit particularly well on the passenger side.
I don't want a cheap fix but I do want a quality job. I'm going to get in touch with Silchester and I've also heard good things about classics by jswl in Waterlooville.
So lots of options and I appreciate all of the help and advice.
If you have a suspect bulkhead it would be worth calling SL Shop. I recall being sent an email about a new replacement panel they have developed which I believe reduces the cost of the job from The £3.5k quoted above. I am sure there will be more info on the website.
I will never sell my R107. Prefer it to my old F355.
I will never sell my R107. Prefer it to my old F355.
If you have rust in those areas there is likely to be more.. My 107 started out looking pristine and the deeper i delved and the more rust I found. Jacking points, check the drains that run through the sills (idiotic design, if they rust out the water is just dumped in the sills..), wheelarch skins... etch. Definitely get a thorough inspection before doing any work. Make sure you know what you're in for. These cars are much more susseptible to rust tahn people realise.
Thanks all,
I've taken it to a reasonably local car restoration company to repair the jacking point. At least then I can get it MOTd. I've also booked an inspection at the SL Shop. 11 pages, 5 hours and £395! At least at the end of it I'll know the full gory details and be able to plan any and all of the remediation.
I've taken it to a reasonably local car restoration company to repair the jacking point. At least then I can get it MOTd. I've also booked an inspection at the SL Shop. 11 pages, 5 hours and £395! At least at the end of it I'll know the full gory details and be able to plan any and all of the remediation.
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