Trunk floor replacement

[clunker]

Couple of questions (I did try searching the forums carefully first):

My 1969 4-speed 280SL is solid throughout except for the trunk floor (left side) which has succumbed to the usual under mat surface rust that has eaten through. That panel need replacing, and of course replacement panels are readily available. I did check with a local classic restoration shop, but they are clearly not W113 or even MB specialists and were up front about not having done this repair before. They estimated $3000 to drop the tank, replace the panel and respray the trunk area. (Q.1) I am looking for your opinions as to whether that seems reasonable. My initial thought is its a bit high and I am paying for their learning curve. (Note I am not shy to pay the right price to get it done properly.)

Which brings me to my second question: (Q.2) can anyone recommend an experienced W113 shop (body and mechanical) in north/central NJ (Summit/Morristown area)? There are going to be a few I things needing to be addressed on the car over time I am sure, so looking for recommendation of someone reliable. (In the past I have had general service issues done a decent classic shop, but they are strictly mechanicals.)

Thanks.

[Richard Madison]

Sent you an email with some names.

Richard M, NYC

[Rick007]

Hi Clunker ,

Did this job several weeks ago . Don't know about your skills and if you want to do things yourself , but I can tell you it is doable.
Mainly because if your trunk bottom is still original it is not attached to the rear fender . $ 3000,- seams a lot to me since it is straightforward And only one side . Maybe you can do the removal yourself and if that's done find somebody who can tack weld it into place . This is something every carbody shop can tackle . Al you need is angle grinder and a spot weld drill .

if you need more info drop a mail and I'll send you some pictures .

Good luck

[dseretakis]

I'm doing that job on my 73 220D. It's a time consuming job. Also, I'm very meticulous about removing any traces of rust or rust pitting and using the proper coatings prior to reassembly to curb any further corrosion. Oftentimes there are some small areas of rot that have to be cut out and fabricated which are not part of the replacement trunk panel. A proper job done to concours quality by a real restoration shop- not Joe Blow Autobody can easily run $3000 and upwards.

[clunker]

Thanks I appreciate the responses. I am not looking for a concourse result (which may be $3000 of work), but not sure that is what I would have got from that shop.

[ljg]

Bob Platt in the Camden, NJ area is highly skilled with the 113.
ljg

[scoot]

Couple of questions (I did try searching the forums carefully first):

My 1969 4-speed 280SL is solid throughout except for the trunk floor (left side) which has succumbed to the usual under mat surface rust that has eaten through. That panel need replacing, and of course replacement panels are readily available. I did check with a local classic restoration shop, but they are clearly not W113 or even MB specialists and were up front about not having done this repair before. They estimated $3000 to drop the tank, replace the panel and respray the trunk area. (Q.1) I am looking for your opinions as to whether that seems reasonable. My initial thought is its a bit high and I am paying for their learning curve. (Note I am not shy to pay the right price to get it done properly.)

To me it sounds insanely high.  We had to do this with our car so we removed the gas tank ourselves (which was not difficult in the least) and we created a little temporary gas take (intake and return line) out of a plastic gas can.  Then we drove the car to the body shop.  I think we paid $600 to have the left piece done, we provided the panel from Mercedes.    Granted, we did a bunch of the prep work ourselves, but we aren't in the economic status where we can spend $3000 to have a trunk pan replaced....

[Rick007]

I agree 3000 is way over the top , even for a Concours job