Author Topic: Rust repair  (Read 1928 times)

Bossjoe

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Rust repair
« on: March 12, 2021, 04:35:07 »
Hello, I'm restoring a 1968 250 SL. It has a lot of rust. The frame is in pretty good shape. There is rust around the wheel wells and rocker panels. The worst is by the firewall behind the accelerator pedal (It's a RHD). I'm attaching a picture. The rust is clean through. So, do I cut out and weld in new metal panels, or use a POR-type repair?

Thanks!

Tycoon

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  • ‘68 Euro 280
Re: Rust repair
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2021, 05:12:53 »
Bossjoe,
Don’t waste you time and money with minor patching.... cut and weld new floor panels.

kampala

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Re: Rust repair
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2021, 06:41:22 »
POR is only for pitted and surface type of rust.   This needs welding.
250sl - later - manual
280sl - 1971 - Auto - LSD

Cees Klumper

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Re: Rust repair
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2021, 13:09:39 »
What they said, plus: dig deep and hope there's not a LOT more hiding in dark corners. And take it from someone who is currently restoring a seventies Italian car, if you have the facilities, learn how to do it and do it yourself (metalworking, welding and such). It's tremendous fun, rewarding and affordable (as opposed to the $20-50K to have it all done). Three excellent sources on Youtube are Fitzee's Fabrications (Newfoundland), Lakeside Autobody (US someplace) and Trev's Blog (UK). They teach you all you need to know.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

doitwright

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Re: Rust repair
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2021, 16:13:04 »
To follow up on Cees' recommendation, if you find you do not have a passion for it, don't go any further. You will only screw it up. Repairing a rusted car can turn into a very deep rabbit hole.
Frank Koronkiewicz
Willowbrook, Illinois

1970 280SL Originally Light Ivory - Now Anthracite Gray Metallic

doitwright

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Re: Rust repair
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2021, 16:41:51 »
Here is a little taste of what you could be in for.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=28670.0;all
Frank Koronkiewicz
Willowbrook, Illinois

1970 280SL Originally Light Ivory - Now Anthracite Gray Metallic