Dan2k7
New Member
<div class="bbWrapper">Hi guys rear arches are getting a bit scabby on the ml270. I was thinking of grinding them back and treating them to stop them getting worse. Any thoughts?</div>
<div class="bbWrapper">Rust protection on early noughties / mid to late 90s MBs is non-existent.<br />
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You could do the work but it will more than likely return.<br />
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Personally I wouldn't bother assuming there is nothing protruding and nothing structural.<br />
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I've rebuilt rear arches on a MK4 Escort once and I did quite a good job EIISSM. On subsequent cars I didn't bother except until my previous E55 - except that was galvanised so it was a case of rubbing back to shiny and using Hammerite. They weren't rusty per se - more a surface rust.<br />
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If the prospect of it returning doesn't worry you and they bother you that much, you've nothing to lose except a bit of time and money!</div>
Dan2k7
New Member
<div class="bbWrapper">Thanks for reply. I have all the stuff to do it except for paint so I suppose it's worth a go. Didn't realise merc used galvanised panels later am surprised they have still managed to rust a bit!</div>
rf065
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2007
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- SLC300 - C250d Estate 4 Matic & Z900rs
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Didn't realise merc used galvanised panels later am surprised they have still managed to rust a bit!
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I had mine since new, front & rear wheel arches starting rusting between 4 and 5 years old. Mercedes warranty repair only lasted 18 months before the rust was back and repaired again. Car is now 11 years old and the rust is back again. So much for Mercedes galvanising their cars, the rust doesn't care if it's galvanised or not.<br />
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Russ</div>
Jane270ML
Active Member
<div class="bbWrapper">I did this job on our ML 270 in May last year (nice weather & outside).<br />
Removed all the crud from under the wheel arch lip, scraped & hosed down.<br />
Grind/rub down the rust to bare metal.<br />
Fill holes if req, sand & flat back, mask up.<br />
2-3 coats zinc primer, flat back, 2-3 coats of grey primer, flat back.<br />
2-3 coats top colour.<br />
2 coats lacquer.<br />
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I found some rubber trim on fleabay, think it was for Mini guttering, stuck it with Evostick Sticks Like S**t to the inner lip.<br />
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Masked up again, sprayed Hammerite/Waxoyl Underbody Seal on the upper inner wheel arch lip.<br />
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Fortunately, our car is Black, so the rubber trim & Underbody seal can't really be seen.<br />
5K miles later, car parked outside - no garage - all okay, fingers crossed.</div>
Dan2k7
New Member
<div class="bbWrapper">Such a shame they don't build the bodies to last. That is sort of what I was planning on doing but without the rubber trim. I will give it a go when the weather gets a bit warmer.</div>