Buying a welded G - would you?

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Mon, 19/10/2015 - 11:52
tase
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Location: Surrey
Need advice about a 31 year old G 300gd. My main issue of thought is that the car has been welded. And pros n cons to this? Would you buy a welded G? Or stay well clear? Many thanks in advance
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Mon, 19/10/2015 - 14:19
#1
Arnie
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Re: Buying a welded G - would you?

hello,

can you be more specific about being 'welded' ?  They are of-course hand-welded at the factory when they are made, so welding is not an issue in itself. The 460 series, which you are referring to was not so well protected under the wheel arches and other places as the later 463 series, so it's quite common that most of that age will have had some work on the repairing body panels or even chassis suspension mounts. All these parts and panels are available from Mercedes and so if properly repaired theres should be no issues. However, there are also some 'pattern parts' on the market , which may not be of original quality and fit.

All depends on what you are expecting and what your budget is, as there are some really nice 460's out there as well as those neglected for years in the middle of fields,  in need of serious repair.

 

 

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Mon, 19/10/2015 - 18:49
#2
Pistonhead
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Re: Buying a welded G - would you?

I agree with Arnie; given the older W460's in general and the newer W463's welding has become the norm. Body work welding is acceptable to me personally as the stress bearing element of the vehicle is the chassis.

Welding done on the chassis is another matter, in particular the rear coil spring mounts which are become apparent as area of corrosion of the W463s.

I would steer clear of those that have patched up or adapted repair of sorts. A good job would be the one with the old piece removed, be replaced with a new and the weld quality should be neat, good, consistent and broad enough for the job, finished suitably protected against future corrosion.

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Tue, 20/10/2015 - 18:03
#3
tase
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Re: Buying a welded G - would you?

Thank you very much for the reply guys

I am just awaiting the "welding info" plus should be receiving pictures of the work.

As soon as I receive these I will update this thread

Cheers

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