The 1972 500L I recently acquired is really rough and will require a lot of rust repair. It will need both floors and the right side inner and outer sills replaced for sure. Then replacement or repair of the other usual suspects, wing patch panels, wheel arch repair, etc. My question: Is there a particular order in which the panels should be replaced for ease or to retain structural rigidity during the process. I don't have much bodywork experience and am not sure where to start. Thank you for your help.

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Sounds like a major project there.

Sorry I don't have the expertise to advise you, but I am sure someone else will be along who can.

Please keep us posted, and if you could post some photos also that would be great!

Good luck!

Hi Kalsig,

If I was doing the repairs, what it may be worth doing is add some 'brace bars' on the shell before taking the floors and sills out, get some cheap tubing or small box section and tack weld them in place in the door shuts, and side to side within the body shell so it retains its shape.
Id do the floors and sills first then do any outer body panels after to ensure you get decent panel gaps on ones that show.

Jen.