 A: These three pictures (A-C) show advanced rust around the well nut holes |
 B |
 C: A plug in place |
 D |
 E: Area around the plug has been sand blasted |
 F: The result of blasting |
 G |
 H: The job is done, ready for the roof rack to be re-installed. |
This series of picture is very relative to
the life expectancy of the 240. It shows the process of reconditioning the
holes that are drilled in the roof of a 2340 to attach the roof rack. This
process was done at the dealership, as the roof rack was an add-on
accessory. Typically, we find the 12 holes crudely drilled with no rust
protection added to the raw, metal hole edges after drilling. Moisture
gets trapped under the rubber cushions, under the rack's 6 legs-the result
of trapped moisture and unprotected steel is rust and ultimately poor
rain-water sealing around the "well nuts" which hold the roof rack. Next,
water starts entering the vehicle at these points and contribute to the
floor rust-out. These pictures show, in detail, the process of reversing
the problem.
Note: Gutter-mounted racks are far stronger and offer no chance of water intrusion. |