The Achilles heel of W126 coupes - rust below rear window

[br1anstorm]

Yes.... every actual or prospective SEC owner knows about this one. Sooner or later rust inevitably gets a hold along a panel seam below the rear window seal. Eventual result - damp patches in the boot, crumbly metal below the window, and large bills for removing/replacing glass and doing some cutting and welding.

I've just detected the first tiny signs in my otherwise rust-free car: a hint of rust showing if I peer up under the parcel shelf from inside the boot (torch, and gymnastic contortions, optional..)

Seems a bit drastic to ask a window shop or dealer to take out the rear window at this early stage to take a closer look. So here's the question: how (and how easily) can one remove the rear parcel shelf and/or rear seatbacks in order to get a better look at the rust-prone panel? I reckon that if one can get decent access, from both sides, to the vulnerable area, then some hard work sanding and cleaning, then rust inhibitor/converter (Kurust/Jenolite/Hammerite etc) and maybe some Waxoyl or Seek n' Seal might prevent a minor problem becoming a major one.

Advice on exactly how to take the seatbacks and parcel shelf out without breaking or losing clips, plastic bits and other fixings would be appreciated.

br1anstorm

 

[Howard]

Hi Br!an ...

KLP is the man to talk to about SEC's.... you could try a PM ..... he has just restored one to incredible condition ..... see these threads ...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=31584

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=34417

He had to have the rear shelf and bits and bobs cut away and a new one installed because of the problem you describe ....

Good luck

EDIT :- See this too http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=19738

 

[GrahamC230K]

I didn't read any blatant advice about bootleg CDs did I? No. Good.

 

[Howard]

I didn't read any blatant advice about bootleg CDs did I? No. Good.

Huh ?

 

[br1anstorm]

I didn't read any blatant advice about bootleg CDs did I? No. Good.

No, and I didn't pick up any suggestions, and I'm definitely not going to look for things that don't exist and can't be found.

Must have blinked at the crucial moment.

I'm told there's no monster in Loch Ness, either...

br1anstorm

 

[Howard]

Sorry guys .....

Have I missed something because I haven't got a scooby what you are talking about ?

 

[br1anstorm]

Hi Br!an ...

KLP is the man to talk to about SEC's.... you could try a PM ..... he has just restored one to incredible condition ..... see these threads ...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=31584

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=34417

He had to have the rear shelf and bits and bobs cut away and a new one installed because of the problem you describe ....

Good luck

EDIT :- See this too http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=19738

Thanks, Howard. Had a look at those other threads. I think the phrase is ... shock and awe. Shock at how nasty that rusty rear window seam looks when exposed; and awe at the amount of work, time and money that KLP has put into that SEC.

I'm not sure whether I feel encouraged or demoralised!

 

[br1anstorm]

Sorry guys .....

Have I missed something because I haven't got a scooby what you are talking about ?

Well, someone (nameless) put in a post that might (not) have been interpreted as suggesting where some useful tech info might (not) be found. And to avoid the risk that anyone might (not) see it, forum moderators have quite rightly taken appropriate precautions...

So thankfully that's all sorted now... on to the next topic!

 

[KLP 92]

You won't be able to see much by removing the panels inside the car.

The reason they all rot from there is due to a very poor rear window seal design which allow water to slowly seep through. The only way you can get to this panel is by removing the rear screen. If the panel is rotted then i would suggest having it cut out and have a new panel welded in. The panel is £60 + approx £200-300 labour.

You will also have to treat/waxoyl the underneath of the parcel shelf in the boot as this also rots but no replacement is available from MB.

 

[br1anstorm]

You won't be able to see much by removing the panels inside the car.

The reason they all rot from there is due to a very poor rear window seal design which allow water to slowly seep through. The only way you can get to this panel is by removing the rear screen. If the panel is rotted then i would suggest having it cut out and have a new panel welded in. The panel is £60 + approx £200-300 labour.

You will also have to treat/waxoyl the underneath of the parcel shelf in the boot as this also rots but no replacement is available from MB.

Thanks KLP92. Having looked throught the whole story of your SEC, I respect your expertise! And I have to say, your rusty rear window frame looked horrible...

I reckon that the problem on mine is only just beginning. Panel isn't rotted - in fact rust is scarcely visible (seen from the boot, a couple of mm along the seam). So I wanted to look as carefully as I could without taking the glass out (which is an expert job). I'm hoping that I might be able to check, and maybe prevent or delay any more rusting by treating the tiny (and I do mean tiny) area affected. If it spreads anyway, than the car will eventually have to go in for the major surgery yours had. But I'd like to do what I can to postpone that day!

Since not every bodyshop will have had experience of this work, any recommendations for specialists who have done this job and so know exactly how to tackle it would be welcome.

 

[C43AMG]

Not in Scotland i'm afraid, only south of Marble Arch.

 

[br1anstorm]

Not in Scotland i'm afraid, only south of Marble Arch.

I have been known to venture across the border... and not just for duty visits to the inlaws in Newcastle!

Since neither the rear window frame rust spot nor the drooping roof lining is critical/urgent, I don't have to go local. I'm ready to make a list of possible specialist bodyshops for the SEC in places south of Watford or Marble Arch. And it would give an excuse for a quick 600 mile run each way, which would be good for the car after a winter mostly in the garage.

Anywhere good in Norfolk area (where I have relatives) or near Woking (friends live there) would be especially convenient.

 

[KLP 92]

And I have to say, your rusty rear window frame looked horrible...

I reckon that the problem on mine is only just beginning. Panel isn't rotted - in fact rust is scarcely visible (seen from the boot, a couple of mm along the seam). So I wanted to look as carefully as I could without taking the glass out (which is an expert job). I'm hoping that I might be able to check, and maybe prevent or delay any more rusting by treating the tiny (and I do mean tiny) area affected. If it spreads anyway, than the car will eventually have to go in for the major surgery yours had. But I'd like to do what I can to postpone that day!

The panel at the rear screen didn't look rusty on mine at all! I just used to have damp patches in the boot, thought there must be a small hole in there. I was shocked when i saw the extent of rust when the screen was removed!

Well the problem is that if you remove the rear screen now, there are very high chances of the rust crumbling on that panel and making it virtually impossible to reseat the windscreen without replacing that panel.

If its minimal rust then i would suggest having the rear screen replaced through your insurance company, £50 excess on most policies following a small crack developing . Then supply a new seal and have them refit the new screen, and ask them to use extra silicone at the bottom ledge to reseal.

 

[C43AMG]

Yes Vanleigh in West Molesey which is near Woking. Ron did my rear screen on the 560 and is an expert on SEC's. A few on the forum have used Vanleigh. If you ever get past Marble Arch give him a ring. Tel No 020 8783 1212.