Lets fix my rusty rear end - Mercedes W123 wing repairs begin

The rear wind and wheel arch on may 1983 Mercedes W123 are very, very rusty...its time to make a start on getting that fixed!
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[@iandennis7836]

if you're going to weld that replacement wing I personally would use the entire panel. You'll get a better look at what needs doing behind it, no brainer.

[@X-Typewoes]

Definitely

[@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24]

Nah just use filla

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Fully agree 👍

[@jtothew4201]

Was going to say the exact same thing.

[@fhwolthuis]

Your persistence and welding skills are growing every episode about this car 😀👍🏻👍🏻

[@habsom1406]

I agree, he looks to be improving, less Frankensteinesque patching and quite shapely fabrication, he seems more confident too and less befuddled.

[@ScrotalCuppage2469]

I nearly fell out of my seat when you said that the Merc is 40. I still think a 40 year old car is from the 60’s😂. I don’t think it’s scrap, but may be better off with someone that would have it as their only project. You have so many other cool cars waiting for some love.

[@princepugh7683]

It's a bit like doing an old house up, you never know what you'll find when you get into it but one day it turns the corner and the vibe will change. Good to see you taking it a step at a time and thinking it all through. Defo not one to rush. Makes good content for us armchair enthusiasts! 🙂👍

[@RichieRouge206]

These people who moan about fixing the W123 are more than likely the same people who get a new financed car every three years. They don't get it - period. To us true petrol heads, we don't buy cars for their economic value or worth. Some of us like to preserve older cars and drive those instead. Also it's worth working on a well engineered and solid car like this. I wouldn't do this sort of work on a car from say after 2010 as they simply aren't special or definitely not made to the same standard. This is a great and worthwhile project, you are doing a great job Matt

[@furiousdriving]

Exactly, its not about the financial value but the journey, the experience and bringing a car back

[@phillynch6295]

Great work, definitely worth continuing. Ear defenders and a dust mask would be useful additions to your toolbox.

[@benjones1917]

Fantastic stuff. Great to see the Merc coming back to life. Also, love the positivity, I think I'd cry if I found that kind of rot 😂

[@habsom1406]

The journey of a thousand miles.... I think he may just crack it!

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Love your optimism, wish it was for sale in your shop!

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

I'm in that camp of really wanted to see the fruition of this. Your definitely the only person who would take this one given the work required so keep on going, small success to make one big success!

[@huwdavies6650]

It's an old story. Patch panel welded on top of old rusty panel. Result original keeps rusting and takes the repair panel and everything around it. Great video as always. Keep at it and your welding skills will improve, after all that's how a lot of car restorers start out.

[@beardsandbangers]

Love the W123! The vast majority of cars deserve to be saved.

[@tristanpage6805]

Love your enthusiasm. That’s a lot of welding needed. Look forward to the next video.

[@darrenhillman8396]

All progress is good progress, Matt, despite any setbacks which may turn up along the way! Your enthusiasm in the face of such apparent rot is to be commended. One step at a time! It might take a while to get the old girl back to full fettle, but you are doing just fine! Best wishes from Wirral!

[@Zeem4]

Great stuff! Having that inner wheel arch repair available must be a godsend. One technique I've just discovered for my project, as it's in a workshop a couple of miles away from my house, is to take a few photos of the area I'm currently working on at the end of a session. This means I can stare at them for as long as I like while I'm at home (or at work - don't tell anyone), so I can come up with a plan of attack for the next session.

[@habsom1406]

That's actually a great idea Alex Taylor, don't worry I won't tell anyone. Must surely aid motivation to keep in mind progress of jobs ticked off the list rather than out of sight out of mind!

[@mickles1975]

That's nowhere near too far gone and I for one enjoy seeing these Merc videos. It does help that I'm quite partial to Mercs from that era though.

[@kevinnye5132]

Hmmm 🤔 Matt think your gonna need a BIGGER WIRE BRUSH 😂 , think of the rust like Jaws and your the boat 😉

[@lucasp3894]

I was longing to see the follow up on this w123 and here it is ! I really admire your dedication to this car, keep up the good work, you're doing great !

[@maxidyne]

I see that your W123 has the fancy luggage ventilation option! All kidding aside: great job Matt, love this series with this car. Hope she will shine again in the future. Keep it up!

[@furiousdriving]

Yes, keeps you suitcases fresh!

[@richardoconnell7958]

It’s refreshing to see someone tackling a project that most would see as not worth it or not economically viable. Tackling it one step at a time is entertaining and motivating at the same time, and the end result (whenever that is….) will be a car that you’ve put heart and soul into saving and gives you added pride and pleasure because of it. Great job!!

[@MarkieC1990]

You’re doing some great work on the Merc Matt, don’t listen to the trolls. Stick at it, it will be a magnificent barge once it’s finished 👌🏻

[@isecore]

French press coffee while working on an old Merc. That's classy!

[@hondamonkeyboy]

Sorry Matt but every time your head went anywhere near that jagged metal I started to wince. You're doing a great job.

[@davidm3225]

You're getting good at this welding malarkey 👍

[@jaspal666]

I believe I’m spoiled to be in the southern US. But catch Harry’s Garage with his restoration of the Lancia… amazing what the shop has done.

[@furiousdriving]

I wish I had his budget!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great little tinkering video Matt, the W123 is taking shape, defo going to be worth the blood, sweat and tears you will have suffered to get it in the road.

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks, looking forward to having this rolling soon

[@davidnorth3411]

I might be the Mid 80s Mercedes Texas bandit . Usually cheap ones are the best ones . Rust is present on Texas cars , just pleasantly sheetmetal thin and in the common areas. Finding a lightly repairing the interiors with wrecking yard goodies . That yards are drying up , slim pickings bags for those hard to find trinkets .Im at 8 currently with 2 builders on stand by , it’s a hobbie that I’ll know within 10 years may need remedy . I’m getting older and to bend down is easy , it’s the getting back up that wears on the joints as they are , like your channel , looking forward to spending the feedback touchstone , cheers from Dave in Houston .

[@noexpensespentstudios]

Great to see fresh metal going into this. It really is daunting when you make that first cut and step back to see how big a hole you've got to fill, and then it gets easier once the patches and panels start going in. Best of luck with it, having done a similar job on the Maestro on both sides I know just what sort of frustrations lay ahead for you and don't envy you it one bit!

[@davidhayes4814]

It looks such hard work. It reminds me of an old Morris Minor (split screen) that my Mum and Dad “inherited” from my Grandad. Everything had rotted out underneath and my Dad fibre glassed it up with glass matting and resin for years and years. He never welded but I guess you would only have called it “an honest bodge”.

[@neilwalsh4058]

Videos like this are the reason your channel is a must watch. Hands on every time for you, getting stuck in and always staying positive, unlike similar channels videoing other people working. Your determination is admirable Matt👍

[@furiousdriving]

Sometimes I have to get help as there are things I cant do but like to get stuck in where I can

[@danielrussell446]

Well done Matt a great video and so happy to see you are persevering with the w123 they are great cars used to work on them and the w124 and other mercs of this era in my opinion the best mercedes made looking forward to future videos coming on!

[@markf4720]

Wow, I've just tuned into Furious Driving Pro Edition! Very thorough job and your welding has improved no end. I agree with others who say to use the whole panel otherwise you'll be putting in loads of filler again. Also, personally I would leave the original rubberised underseal in place where it's fully intact. Just clean it up very well, once it's clean you should spot any places it could have been breached. It's very tough stuff and has been there 40 years... You should be able to paint over it once it's cleaned up.

[@SimpsonsClassics]

Oh wow you could see how heavy that arch panel looked, glad your getting some time on this one you never really see w123's about anymore.

[@TD-xe9np]

I respect this work, I look forward to the next episodes, greetings from Poland!

[@andrewmusisi7147]

Thank you Mr. furious, the body by the looks of it is actually structurally sound, despite the surface rust, brilliant somebody still sales skins and body structures for this car

[@furiousdriving]

yes, its surprisingly good despite appearances - 2 decades abandoned in a barn saved it

[@paulb4uk]

Your doing great with the Mercedes some nice welding as you progress through it is more and more looking like a great car ,

[@GentilsGarage]

Flashbacks of my E39 resto. Did the same thing on the same side. However, it was done in one panel to reduce any chances of distortion. Took us ages to do. Good job!

[@classicjalopy]

Great to see the progress on the W123! keep it up!

[@vbstein]

Good to see progress on the W123.

[@skyll4141]

coming along well. hope you have a c02 fire extinguisher handy. good work.

[@thedeadstig123]

Because of you doing this Merc I bought myself a welder, been enjoying using it and learning, can do some really useful jobs like welding nuts on seized up brake adjusters and things

[@EmilysDadd]

Good luck .... you're very brave man taking this amount of welding on, especially while doing it on your drive.

[@SJR-eb2wi]

Good progress Matt, I recently did similar work on my SD1 and after watching many YT vids from NitroSilvia & PeteC I purchased an Evolution powerfile to dress welds and expose rusty areas & after using it I wouldnt be without it... Might be worth getting one & putting it to work on the Benz

[@Phiyedough]

I would recommend you get a diamond wheel for the angle grinder as the ordinary ones do wear out fast. It also means you always have the maximum depth of cut available.

[@albertbraid7117]

Those are the best quality wheelarch panels available, that’s what I got when I got my wheelarches done on my 230E.

[@trippy_boxer_dog2170]

lovely bit of welding buddy! very neat indeed

[@domenicogaldo6065]

carry on Matt. it´s upto you. if you enjoy or have the patience to do the welding that´s fine. I for one will enjoy your endevours and continue watching..

[@rodhili3946]

Anyone else would probably give up on this project but having witnessed your persistence with Quinten I've got full confidence you'll see it through to the end 👍

[@rasmushenriksen2623]

I just got the same car whit lots of rust. Its my 1 projeket sow it is a big help seieng you working on the same car.

[@habsom1406]

Matt, the Great Rust Warrior! 😎

[@sarahmerritt7607]

Brilliant Enthusiasm!, your an inspiration for anyone going thru this as well, keep @ it, the outer wheel tub panel will really help, take your time and make it all fit well👍

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks, and yes that will make life so much easier - Id wondered how to measure a home made inner arch with nothing to measure!

[@richardbartholomew7924]

Love watching your videos love this car can't wait to see it up and running again it is going to look the best when done where u getting these new parts for this car when people say this is a basket this mint compare to some cars I have long live old benz

[@grayfool]

Simple repair, easy as W123!

[@furiousdriving]

Boom Boom!

[@chrismaguire719]

Glad your cracking on with the merc 👍 I’m half way through getting a w140 back on the road

[@richardbartholomew7924]

I love these w140

[@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854]

Not that bad at all matt I welded a campervan few years ago I had to make the floor fit the sills to attach well done donny

[@100SteveB]

You are so lucky that the inner arch panel is available! I have just done pretty much the same job on my MK2 mondeo - with about the same amount of rot on the inner arch, but was not able to find a replacement patch panel for the inner. So i had to fabricate my own. And your so right, it may look like a simple shape, but it's far from an easy job unless you have the right tools for the job, along with the know how on how to use them. I got there in the end, but it was a right pain of a job. So you struck lucky with that repair panel being available - going to make it so much easier for you. And lol, I know what you mean about the postage time on some ebay stuff - I think some ebay sellers must have a special 3rd class service available to them with the Royal Mail! But anyway, great to see the work get underway. The old Merc is certainly crying out for it.

[@furiousdriving]

You really need to english wheel that panel but who has one of those? I was thinking cut a panel, cut strips most of the way through and trim narrower at the point then bend to shape and weld, hours of faffing! Lucky there are lots of these still around and people love them so lots of parts support, Mondeos havnt hit that point yet but they are brilliant cars

[@100SteveB]

@@furiousdriving I do have a small english wheel - but knowing how to use it properly is an art in itself - sadly an art i have yet to come anywhere near mastering!

[@VeyronBD]

Thats a daunting task for sure. I did a very similar job on my car although mine was only rusted up to the top of bumper height on the front and rear of the back arch. Nothing more terriftying than cutting it out then thinking "wtf have I just done". You'll get there in the end though and having the inner arch panel available is a mega win. Just needs a bit of patience and alot of working out how to join bits together, best of luck with it

[@MINIMOTOMADNESS]

level 10 in braveness matt,well done,

[@willwelch5700]

Great work, Matt! If anyone says it's a basket case then it's only their opinion. it's what it means to you and the sense of accomplishment you will have when it's done and in road going condition. Keep up the awesome work 👍🏻👍🏻

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks!

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Another enjoyable video & interesting also well done great content 👍👍👍

[@melvsbodgeshop4125]

I'd find a straight edge to use to fit the panel. And fit the entire thing from the taillight to the door shut, the more reference points the better it will fit. Also go to a decent motor factors and buy some max 1mm cutting discs, you'll find they cut so much neater and quicker. Keep up the good work, The Merc is my favourite of your fleet.

[@MarkInLA]

I've an '82 with 304,000 Mi. !!! Still runs near perfect. Was rear ended in freeway hit and run, 9/11/21, 20th anniversary of 9/11 !!! Left rear corner bashed in. I sure wish I knew you !!! But I'm in Los Angeles !! I MAY be getting an '85, same model for $2,500 which, on the outside, is perfect.. But it's not running yet at the shop where it sits.. If I can get the moolah I'll likely buy it as I do not want ANY other car but a Benz diesel.. PS. These cars have drain pipes in several places, where putting a stick or screwdriver up in them opens a rubber flap and if there's water it will pour out. I'm sure you know this. Just telling your viewers..

[@furiousdriving]

damn, thats unlucky after driving that far to get wrecked by someone else's carelessness! The great thing about an old Benz diesel is as long as it's solid (and LA should be rust free) the mechanics are simple an tough enough to fix pretty easily

[@andysalter4473]

This reminds me of an XJ12 me and a mate bought at auction!

[@terryatkinson3182]

Super video with quality tinkering and welding 🤗👍🇮🇪

[@zambotv8150]

I thought I was the king of the hopeless causes, great stuff buddy, you have big cahoonas

[@MarcD404]

Another great video Matt. That W123 is certainly proving to be challenging but it’s nice to see you’re determined to see it through 👍 On another note, I’m still amazed that you’re still not sponsored by Draper given the amount of advertising you give their products 😂

[@furiousdriving]

I sell a lot of their products on Amazon so in a way I am!

[@richardhaywoodh]

Great job, your welding is looking good

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks 👍

[@dudleycollyer3181]

personally I'd join the whole panel just under the strip, leaving the mounting holes, that way you would have a straight line to fill and use the swage line as a guide when sanding the filler flat and the strip would take your eye off the area of the join. if you joddle the edge the welding is easier but many professionals butt weld using the tacks every 2-3 inches and keep going until you have a complete weld made up of tacks, this keeps the heat down and the panel flat. if you join in the middle of that large panel (and do not distort the panel) it will be really difficult to get the panel flat even if a body shop does the painting. but I suggest you have a chat with the man at Whiteland's restorations. also you look to be holding the torch a long way out, too far out effectively lowers the amps which reduces penetration. makes it easier to weld as you can see what is going on and you tend not to burn through. if your going to use a series of tacks to weld the panel I suggest you practice first on some steel off cuts, with the joint you choose. they always say to determine the initial welder settings work on 1 amp per thou, merc panels are thick (so 0.035") so if your below 30amp then the tack will not be good but you need to test that because there are so many variable. you also need to be comfortable, which is really hard with a car on axle stands, try using your second gloved hand to steady the torch at the shroud (obviously this will get very hot but it will help you find a nice method) and about 3-5 mm stand off. then look at how long each tack takes to fuse the metal properly with good penetration, if you get comfortable making tacks like this then you should be able tack weld with your eyes closed. on a side note you can get 1mm thick cut off discs, they are great for slicing through sheet steel I do not even bother getting my shears to cut flat sheet.

[@furiousdriving]

That was my original thought, and looking at all the filler to hide warping Im going back to that

[@dombooth86]

The Merc has an epic tea shelve boot lid

[@shauntvr4312]

Your doing a good job 👏 👍

[@Lot76CARS]

Matt, fair play for keeping going with this. The like of W123s, over engineered and well built is definitely in the past so get that you preserving not one but two.

[@jameskyle380]

I wish I had access to power to weld my 1996 Volvo 940 rear jacking point. Needs a 4 inch by 2 inch piece welding in that's gone crusty. Garage doing it for me and then MOT. I enjoy watching you welding. As others have said hide the weld join by the trim. Presume weld a bit at a time to avoid heat distortion. What's the nearside like?

[@broomad]

Matt - try a strip and clean disc rather than wire. Much quicker and removes rust more effectively. Wire discs tends to polish the surface and leaves rust in the micro-crevices. Great video

[@furiousdriving]

Ive got plenty of chance to try both!

[@broomad]

@@furiousdriving Good point !! Lol 😂

[@autodiyfix7462]

Nice video!

[@Bratfalken]

Any nick in a spring steel like a anti rollbar will make it break at that spot when loaded, be careful or remove it before risking another expense.

[@profrumpo]

Love watching this project though I'm glad I'm not attempting it, this Merc really is a rotbox though. If it was me I'd be concentrating on getting that lovely V8 P6 up and running a much nicer car anyway but then I'm not a Mercedes fan. Still I can see that this makes great content, more power to your grinder and welder!

[@williamwales6619]

Wow, that is major {Termite Damage}. Ever the optimist. From a pennies point of view i would struggle to make this happen. However i don't have to . Good luck with your project. Thanks for the vid. 👍

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Nice to see panels are still available Mat. This car is nowhere near scrap. Pete from Cortina City restored 3 Cortinas in much worse state than this.

[@Zeem4]

Project Bramble was epic. Another one is Scott Newstead's 1960 Plymouth Fury from the Cold War Motors channel.

[@ryanbird5419]

Nice to see some progress on the Merc,will we see it make an appearance at the NEC?

[@furiousdriving]

not this year!

[@kins749]

A long hard job still ahead, but definitely worth restoring.

[@jonathanthorpe1653]

You can get the boot corner panels from eBay also. They cast around £40 each side

[@furiousdriving]

Its amazing how much is available for these

[@jonathanthorpe1653]

@@furiousdriving yes definitely a good selection available. It saves so much time over trying to fabricate your own parts. For the last year I have been welding up the sun newspapers giveaway Trabant. Am almost finished now thank goodness. Panels are very easy to obtain also.

[@TheUlrikkaul]

The last of the real solid built Mercedes Benz

[@chrisb00k]

keep an eye on lidl special buys, they do a parkside plasma cutter that's very good and actually used by pros (get the one with the built in compressor for ease) you'll have all the rot chopped out in minutes then!

[@furiousdriving]

I always miss the lidl deals!

[@chrisb00k]

@@furiousdriving they do pop up on eBay as well...but I can always give you an email if I see them coming up in Lidl. There about £150

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

It's a straightforward repair, compared too that Aston Martin Lagonda, which was dust on the garage floor, I cannot understand the logic behind that project.

[@d.c.Jones70]

Might be an idea to get it somewhere drier if doing lots of welding over an extended period of time.

[@furiousdriving]

Im hoping it wont be an extended period!

[@mancavehobbies6213]

Respect Matt

[@themancalledx1342]

Trim line DEFINITELY

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly Matt, totally ignore the pessimistic followers it's a great long term project and nice to see getting some more attention.

[@lesklower7281]

Matt as long as the engine and transmission are good in the nercedes Benz are good and work the rust repairs are worth doing a little bit at a time you will get there and you doing the work its a lot cheaper also your welding will get better the more you do and new oanels available makes it easier

[@furiousdriving]

Now Ive fixed the injection and fuel system it starts so easily its incredible, should driven well once its done

[@lesklower7281]

@@furiousdriving l was watching another you tube video on a slightly later Mercedes Benz had the same fuel injection as your W123 and it was running and the you tuber just made an adjustment to the mixter on it and made run a lot better but keep going with your W123 as long as it goes as a project its a good idea and you are getting better at your rust repairs

[@TheHorsebox2]

Car is very far from a basket case. Check out Soup, his W123 was probably worse, and turned out fine.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Matt I really don't mean to sound rude but is the Mercedes really worth spending so much time and money on? The rust and rot is absolutely astounding!!! I would of thought you were throwing good money after bad but then I don't know the car like you do? I hope it all goes how you want it to Matt? 👍🙂👍

[@furiousdriving]

Its not terrible compared to other cars Ive seen done and its not costing much to do as Im doing it myself, it wouldnt be worth paying someone to do it unless there was sentimental value

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

@@furiousdriving; Well I wish you nothing but the best of luck Matt I really do. I hope you manage to achieve your eventual goal my friend. Best wishes👍🙂👍

[@dainsmart6237]

What about doing the far side sill £75 eBay might be same place where you are getting your rear arch inner tub.better than messing about with bits of mettle 👍🏻🇬🇧. it's a shame Draper doesn't do bigger batteries 5-6 amp

[@furiousdriving]

The sill only needs the end, that will be easy to knock up

[@allanriches9381]

Love the Mercedes

[@organiccold]

If people think this is too gone they never been involved in car restorations. I grow up in a car body shop and sometimes we have to fabricate entire floor panels because the old ones are gone and new ones don't exist. I seen a Ford Cortina Lotus being full restored where 80% of the car had gone with holes you could put it your hands through, even door panels where fabricated. So this w123 is ok

[@furiousdriving]

Exactly! Ive not worked in one but have spent alot of time in them, and have seen some real horrors brought back to concours

[@markbrocklehurst6129]

You certainly like a challenge o how is the rover engine getting on

[@furiousdriving]

Ill look at that when it rains..

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Lovely job 🚗🚙🚘⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍

[@nicholasreason8379]

I feel the big question not if it has to much rust but is it financially worth it, that is not its resale value but will you be happy with the finish car no matter what the cost.

[@furiousdriving]

It was a free car and Im only paying for metal and gas so not a big outlay

[@classics144sportscarschannel]

you will have a bit of wait by ordering on ebay matt as way post is as mo strike situ?

[@furiousdriving]

it'll be courier

[@doctormengele961]

Whats the progress witth the P6 ROVER V8 ??? its been a while

[@jimmyk9523]

The fact you're running beads on these welds means they are not hot enough which means not penetrating enough. By the time you grind these welds off there will be little or nothing holding it on. For the arch panel I would suggest joggling it. You're going to have to be very careful with that long straight weld on that rear wing, if you continue with your welding technique it'll crumple like a coke can.

[@tonys1636]

Before cutting the replacement panel, go over the rest of the rear wing with a magnet to see what's metal and what's filler, may be better to fit the new one complete below the trim line. Filler can hide a multitude of sins yet to expose themselves. I'm going to be welded to this.

[@furiousdriving]

I think (from cutting into it) Its all solid apart from the bottom corners, but they warped it when welding that repair bodge so skimmed it all in loads of filler