Newbie - Advice Please

[running-snail]

This is a long post, if you’re in a hurry skip on by.

I need some advice or a reality check on keeping this car. (84 300D, 237,000 miles)

It was originally driven by my mother-in-law from 84 to 91, then purchased by our neighbor, who always wanted a Mercedes diesel. My son, 4 years old at the time, asked our neighbor: “Ed, when you’re finished with grandma’s car, can I have it?” I don’t remember Ed’s response. Ed drove the car for about eight years then parked it in a garage (dirt floor) and it sat for the better part of the next six years. Ed passed away last summer, his son and daughter called to confirm my son was home and came over and signed the title over. “Ed always said this car was to go to you,” they said to my son. Very tearful. In November 1994 this vehicle had 26,000 fewer miles on it then it does today.

We parked the car in my in-laws barn (cement floor this time) for the winter and finally got it out about a month ago. I studied this forum carefully over this past winter and spring and have taken much away to utilize on the vehicle. Thank you to all frequent posting participants!

Here’s the good:

I have all service records since new, along with window sticker.
Vacuum system seems to be great, door locks & ducts working fine.
Engine not smoking (for a diesel of this vintage).
Engine starts quickly and reliably (with it’s new battery).
Glow plugs test OK.
Alternator & VR test OK.
Block heater tests OK.
No fluid leaks (so far).


Here’s what we’ve fixed (with the help of this forum):
Battery replacement.
Replaced brake hoses.
Replaced LR & RF calipers.
New pads and brake fluid change.
Oil & Filter change.
Fuel filter(s) changed.
Differential fluid change.
Re-attached wood trim at center console and glove box.
Re-attached vinyl to pillar and pillar to frame at drivers seat belt (not sure why this was off).
Replaced hood pad – most rested on engine.
Replaced air filter and filter housing bushings.
Repacked front wheel bearings.
Four new tires from Sam’s Club – Goodrich Touring T/A – I am still waiting to hear back from their general manager about restoring my exhaust system.

Here are pending issues:
Still need to troubleshoot vacuum regulator to attempt cure of 2nd to 1st “clunk” on downshift.
Engine Mounts.
Subframe mounts?
Ball joints?
A/C doesn’t work – maybe just a charge?
Rust – this car has been in Michigan all of its years. Nowhere near the WHUNTER pics but still has rustthrough at LF jackpoint, rust at remaining jackpoints, rustthrough below front bumper at seams in front of horns, rust and/or rustthrough at wheel wells. Rust beginning at RF door weatherstrip, rust beginning in trunk wells. Imagine what the engine compartment looks like with eight years of heat/cold cycles stored in a garage without a floor! We’ve treated quite a bit with Eastwood’s rust encapsulator and brushed over with a close match from Finishmasters. I’m certain this car’s mechanicals will still be functional long after the body is shot.

What am I hoping for?

Reliable transportation. My son will take his Jeep Cherokee to Houghton during the college term. My daughter might drive this vehicle unless there’s snow flying, then she’ll drive the family van and I would drive the 300 (rear drive + snow). Use it until it dies? Will it be unreliable and a constant pocketbook drain?

Or – My son has a few buddies from high school that are interested in it. Do we sell it in the hopes of getting our money back + a few $?

What do you think? Any suggestions?