Spot Welds & Pitting

[tanglefu]

Hello,

New member here.
Rookie as far as what to look for.

On the hunt for a 230SL. Considering a 1964 230SL for sale in San Antonio, Texas.

I would love people's opinions of the situations pictured.

Thanks,
Randy

[DaveB]

The spot weld photos suggest it's had a repaint with some body filler applied. That's not necessarily bad but you need to look deeper for rust, especially in the frame rails, sills,  wheel wells and scuttle. Also check all the gaps for consistency.
Have a look here if you haven't already: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Buying/PrepurchaseEvaluation

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Looks to me like the RHS Finder May bei Original, however the LHS has seen repairs. As for the pitting, have a closer look from behind (your last photo)you may find rust.

Dieter

[tanglefu]

Thank you both for your quick replies!

[Jonny B]

Take a close look at the rear panel, you may not see all that much from behind. It is a two piece part with an outer and inner layer, there should be a string of spot welds at the lower edge all across the rear.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Also...

I recommend you have a good read of this "pre purchase write up" in our Tech Manual

Here ----> http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Buying/PrepurchaseEvaluation

Good luck,

Dieter

[hkollan]

Hi,

Not to much more can be said about this car that hasn't already been mentioned based on the pictures provided. Other than that it appears to be a european version, which means a very high probabilty of rust, either present or repaired(or attempted)
The rear panel will definately need work.
As suggested, Reading the excellent prepurchase write up is helpful but NOT enough to avoid the many pitfalls.
As you see yourself as a rookie, I strongly suggest the following.

 Have someone (professional) who knows theese cars very well inspect the car for/with you. someone who works on theese cars on a regular basis.

Hans

[Shvegel]

turn the front wheels to one side and reach into the wheelwell above the tire.  On the inboard side is a rectangular section of steel which is a reinforcement.  Feel around on top of that.  This is a spot people usually miss when they try to cover up rust or they do a poor job and screw patches in with sheet metal screws.  It is a pretty good indicator of overall condition.

Notice the hole in the top of the reinforcement? A few spots like that turned into a 30K repair bill less paint.

[Shvegel]

Same area from below after repair and undercoating.

[tanglefu]

Thanks again for all you replies and great insights.
I have passed on the car and found a great 1969 280SL instead!

The 230SL, pictured above, is still able to be viewed on EBay. It's a little hard to find, but it's the 1964 one in San Antonio, Texas.

I found some pretty fraudulent claims in the auction description as well, so that was the final tipping point.

PM me if you want the details, I don't want to air anything out in public.

Thanks,
Randy