Well, there are some things that can be done with delegation, and all they require is research. For instance . . . that driver's seat that has 200K of someone else's "arse" pounding down the foam? Or a spring coming up through the horsehair??? You can hunt for the horsehair at antiquie shops and have a car interior shop simply restuff the seat. No need to do it yourself . . . something best left to the pros. Another thing . . . might help your attitude and spirits if you have the car completely detailed . . . inside and out, including the carpets. Look for the coupons for the discount . . . you will suddenly get more motivated to scour the junkyards for those odd-n-end parts to upgrade it to "perfect." At our age (am also an old lady), I don't want to change the oil, let alone do the dent-removal, bondo and prep for a paint job or paint touch-up. Another thing left to the pros. Another good idea . . . take it to a mechanic for a bumper-to-bumper inspection and write down everything they say is wearing or needs attention. This way you can set up a schedule for repairs, or order the parts, make the arrangements for installation and be motivated to do the junkyard runs.

Good luck.

__________________
1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002