Wow, this is such a shame. I actually have this on my list as a potential daily driver. I thought the cars were dipped for corrosion prevention while in production. Actually, I know the answer to part of it. The "beadings." I recently discovered that there were small issues behind the horrible fender trim mouldings on my SL. I had the body shop remove them. UGHHHH! The short moulding before the wheel passenger side wheel had been disturbed when they jammed the corner of the moulding down behind it. The front clip is corroded, the center hole is is fine, but the third one near the door shutline has a 2" spot. I am taking it next week to get it corrected. If anyone is considering adding these on their vehicle, I recommend you NOT do it. It is the perfect set up for problems later on. While I am there, I will have the body shop remove ALL of the mouldings to see if there are any issues, as well as putting it on the lift so I can see the underside in person. My local shop inspected it before I bought it and didn't see anything on the underside. I am also checking for front subframe for any cracks, which the 380SL and 450SL/SLC is known to have. I enjoy your videos, they are very helpful.
Would have thought SA cars would endure better than those in Blighty. Reminds me of Lancia Fulvia, that the front end could literally break away from rest of car. Great video
Thanks, I'm looking at a 230 6 tomorrow in Sydney, Australia. Now I have an idea on where I need to be looking.
Other than rust check that it starts and runs well, the biggest "problem" on them is probably the Zeniths in terms of hard to find parts.
@@oldmercguy Thank you!
@@oldmercguy There was rust in the firewall and other places, the floor had been badly repaired. I did a Craig David.
My w123 every week it’s a happy I found this rust spot and prevented it from destroying my car moment
I follow you on Facebook but had no idea that you had a RUclips channel, awesome.
Thank you! I love these cars, but they also scare me.
Wow, this is such a shame. I actually have this on my list as a potential daily driver. I thought the cars were dipped for corrosion prevention while in production. Actually, I know the answer to part of it. The "beadings." I recently discovered that there were small issues behind the horrible fender trim mouldings on my SL.
I had the body shop remove them. UGHHHH! The short moulding before the wheel passenger side wheel had been disturbed when they jammed the corner of the moulding down behind it. The front clip is corroded, the center hole is is fine, but the third one near the door shutline has a 2" spot. I am taking it next week to get it corrected. If anyone is considering adding these on their vehicle, I recommend you NOT do it. It is the perfect set up for problems later on.
While I am there, I will have the body shop remove ALL of the mouldings to see if there are any issues, as well as putting it on the lift so I can see the underside in person.
My local shop inspected it before I bought it and didn't see anything on the underside. I am also checking for front subframe for any cracks, which the 380SL and 450SL/SLC is known to have.
I enjoy your videos, they are very helpful.
Excellent informative video for preparing me to check out W114 Coupe’s. Top video .
Thank you! Glad you found it useful.
Great information.👍
Would have thought SA cars would endure better than those in Blighty. Reminds me of Lancia Fulvia, that the front end could literally break away from rest of car. Great video
A lot of rust along the SA coastal areas.
Thanks for the video. Is a W114/5 worth rebuilding if one can find a complete and rustfree example?
Yes absolutely. Even those with a bit of rust are worth restoring.
Ok so how do u restore these vehicles ? Where r u based ?
The Old Merc Guy (pty) Ltd is based in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
First!