The infamous Mercedes SL R107 bulkhead rust inspection (Part 1 of 2)

My 1980 450 SL project car has a serious case of bulkhead rust, it took me quite a lot of research and looking at pictures of cars in various states of disassembly to understand the issue, but having started to cut it open, this is my understanding so far.

[@user-kz4vx3pe7q]

I am new to R107 ownership, having recently purchased a 1972 350 SL. I don't think I have this issue, but am anxious to check it out, as I am still learning. Your video was a help to me. Thanks.

[@Gr3eGo]

This is proper nightmare to repair.

[@joshuaculley9695]

Next to the wing where the hinge meets the car there is a little area where water pools on both sides of my 450SL. People say there is a drain hole there but i have seen it dry and fully lit and no drain hole appears to be there. So I have to dry it out each time it rains a lot to keep the water from sitting there.

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

This an awesome tutorial to prevent rust

[@mericavids]

These cars should not be parked outside under a tree.
Good luck

[@Huzai9]

Very educational!

[@mercedesmaintenance.6339]

Thanks for the video Ed! I have a 380 sl that is at the mechanic getting a few electrical issues resolved. When I get it back I'll check those areas. I want to sell it soon to raise funds for the 6.3. You should join us on the Mercedes Maintenance and Mercedes Rescue groups on Facebook. We have lots of 107 owners that would enjoy your videos. Also where are you located in the UK? I use to live in Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire outside of London. Thanks again,
Cheers John 🍻

[@classiced1416]

Thank you John, glad you liked the video! I would hope a US car would be OK in the bulkhead, in the UK now it is very difficult to find an original one that doesn’t need some work in there. Maybe I should just move to the US! I’m down in Hampshire in the UK.

[@jamesscoging0612]

Hi Ed, cant tell you how many times ive watched this video! Im UK based too, essex specifically, but willing to travel > i wondered if you could perhaps recommend anyone who knows the cars well for welding a similar job on my R107? I have some rust that needs cutting out and replacing on the right plenum chamber on my vehicle. Thanks, James

[@classiced1416]

There is a chap called Steve Griffin who does these, easiest to find him on Facebook (he has R107s in his profile picture).

[@donjohnson4368]

Hi. Ed. Is the fuel distributor on an 1988 300sl easy to overhaul? Thanks

[@classiced1416]

Hi Don, I’ll admit I’m not so familiar with the 6 cylinder cars. For a V8 K-Jet though I would consider it to be quite a specialist job.

[@donjohnson4368]

Thanks for the prompt reply Ed, any more R107 uploads planned?

[@classiced1416]

@@donjohnson4368 so I’m doing some videos on this early D Jet ‘72 350 SL at the moment, but that should be gone end of September, then back on the welding on the 450.