The rental store I bought in 1998 had a '63 C120 4X4 that was purchased new in 1963. It had the 266 V8 and a 3-speed HD transmission. By the early '80's, it was kind of tired. The local dealer had a new take-off 8'bed for $250, so the project was begun. The engine had developed a lot of blowby (still had a draft tube- no PCV), and the oil pressure was low at idle. However, it would still pass 1980 exhaust emission standards when tested. On disassembly, it had several broken rings, and some of the rod bearings were in pieces, but still in place. The crankshaft was still fine. I had a local diesel shop go over the heads, they didn't need any new valves or guides. I replaced original transmission with the 4-speed from my '74. All the original pistons were still OK, and the cylinders looked fine after a good honing. Needless to say, it ran great. That engine was so over-built it was amazing. The bearings were twice the size of a SB Chevy, and it had an inch of water jacket between cylinders.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.