Rust and Rot found after inspection

[ventureman]

Hello,

I am new the channel and pleased to be a new member!

I have had an inspection carried out on a 1965 230SL and there was a large amount of rust and rot found. The condition is reflected in the price (to an extent) however I wanted to get some idea on if this is worth undertaking. Is it best to stay away from a car that has been exposed like this or is it salvageable (understand it will never be a show car) without doing a full body off/nut and bolt restoration.

Thanks for looking!
Chris

[Cees Klumper]

The photos you posted don't show that much, at least not to me. But if your inspector says there's "a large amount of rust and rot" and you trust him (or her) to be capable, then I would resist this particular temptation as more will inevitably emerge and is very costly to have put right.

By the way, since these are unibody cars, it is not possible to do a 'body off' restoration - that can only be done with cars that have a frame that is separate from the body (usually much older cars, less old American cars, and trucks)

[Leester]

Agree with Cees in that your photos don't show that much rust. That said, the problem is what you can't see. I spent a bundle on rust repair. It began with a line of rust between the inner and outer fender (wing) on the left side. The rest of the car appeared solid but once the body guys got into it, they showed me rust in a variety of different places. Best to have someone put the car on a lift and have someone familiar with these cars check it out. The "bundle" of money mentioned above was not insignificant! Good luck. Lee

[BobH]

You may not want to, but if you care to share the asking price, someone on here will be able to advise whether it might be a worthwhile buy, or whether you should walk away before you spend any more money on it

[ventureman]

Thanks for all the comments and advice so far.

Seems the car has not been in a dry climate and there is a lot of filler in the rocker panels and a large amount of underseal. The price is in the mid 30-40's USD.
I just worry that to maintain the car it will become a money pit. Or at that price, it is worth maintaining and fixing over time?

[teahead]

Dont walk...RUN!  AWAY!

I know, UK probably don't have a ton of dry, rust-free Pagodas, but you'll be better off in the long run by paying more for a better specimen. 

Who wants to spend tens of thousands of pounds on a rust bucket that will be in a body shop for a year or more?

And what you see is like 10% of the rust (tip of the iceberg).  There's another 90% hiding.

Unless the car is like less than £10,000, be done with it.

Otherwise, you'll probably needing this

https://vintageeuroparts.com/complete-sheet-metal-panel-rust-repair-restoration-kit-for-mercedes-w113-113.html

and another £40,000 to put it all together and paint it.

[BobH]

Agree, unless you've got the time and expertise to restore these cars yourself, if you need a restorer to do the work expect to remortgage the house and spend your pension

There are drivable cars for sale in the UK, that may need some cosmetic work, 230's and 250's are cheaper than 280's.  You should be able to get a reasonable driver quality car for £ 60K to £ 70K.  If any car is for sale much cheaper than that, then expect to have to spend a ton of money on it.  Auction sites are obviously cheaper than dealers, but make sure you know what you're buying, most look great on the website

Here's one for auction at the moment, tatty, maybe a wreck up close

https://themarket.bonhams.com/en/listings/mercedes-benz/250sl/92d7c2f3-9b6b-4519-9960-3250172d5a25?status=live&utm_source=Market+Users&utm_campaign=fb9c3bce6d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_10_10_04_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e4aec8535c-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

[teahead]

Agree, unless you've got the time and expertise to restore these cars yourself, if you need a restorer to do the work expect to remortgage the house and spend your pension

There are drivable cars for sale in the UK, that may need some cosmetic work, 230's and 250's are cheaper than 280's.  You should be able to get a reasonable driver quality car for £ 60K to £ 70K.  If any car is for sale much cheaper than that, then expect to have to spend a ton of money on it.  Auction sites are obviously cheaper than dealers, but make sure you know what you're buying, most look great on the website

Here's one for auction at the moment, tatty, maybe a wreck up close

https://themarket.bonhams.com/en/listings/mercedes-benz/250sl/92d7c2f3-9b6b-4519-9960-3250172d5a25?status=live&utm_source=Market+Users&utm_campaign=fb9c3bce6d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_10_10_04_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e4aec8535c-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

That interior shot does not exhibit confidence

[BobH]

What do we think the string is for, to hold the floor up, ejector seat, emergency fuel tank, pull the string when the engine starts to splutter?

[Garry]

By the look of the door panel and misty gauge, the car has had a lot of water in it and will be full of rust.  Unless you have lots of money to burn and a few years to do it then a definitely walk away.

[ventureman]

Thanks to everyone for the help here. I will stay away from this one albeit a shame given the rest of the car was it nice condition! Hope to keep looking and post again soon.

[AndrewB]

In the UK, expect around 2 years for a full restoration done by an experienced professional, and that you could buy 2 new G400d’s for the money once you are done….don’t ask me how I know 

[Davek1]

I looked for 2 yrs for a rust free, unwielded UK car, but in the end gave up. Not even sure one exists with our climate. In the end purchased a totally rust free ex Us car. Left hand drive does not worry me as one day will have a greater market to sell to, and I intend driving it abroad. Good luck with your search.

[JamesL]

If you’re buying a US import (the car park in which that car is pictured is in the US), you can do better than that on the rust side.

[alpina]

https://www.classicautomall.com/vehicles/4520/1965-mercedes-benz-230sl-roadster

[Peter h]

The bottom of this pagoda has black rot, it is supposed to have no rust?
No matter how cheap the selling price is, it will always end up being too expensive.
Peter

[BobH]

I have for once used my head instead of my heart and passed on this one! For those interested here is picture of the car, such a shame!

I think that's the right decision, after repairs, shipping and import costs you'll be in for at least £ 80K and have to wait an age before you get to drive it, for that money i'm sure you'll get a good driver quality car you can drive straight away

Don't be afraid to post any other cars you're considering, you'll get good advice, everyone on here will only have your best interest at heart and could save you a costly mistake

[Garry]

I am sure you will not regret that decision.  As others have said post your proposals and i am sure you will get good constructive comments.