So there's this 4-speed '81 240D for sale locally that I looked at today.

I'm thinking about getting it as a small restoration project. The intention is mostly to learn how to do body work and mechanical jobs somewhat more complicated than a break job. Plus of course I love those old clunker W123diesels so it would be nice to end up with a pristine example in the end.

What I'd like to get here is some help with is figuring out if the stuff that's not right with it is doable for a rookie mechanic that I am.

The car allegedly has 130Kmi on it. That and the owner being a nice honest guy are two things that really go for it.

But there's very little evidence that the milage is actual. Carfax records only go back to 2001 when the current owner got it (at 117Kmi), and it's listed as a Florida "dealer vehicle" before that. Looks like it was a Florida car and it shows (see below). Pedals are not worn. Blow-by, at least according to descriptions I've found of how it should be, is normal. Just a steady stream of slightly smoky air coming out, something like a hairdryer on "medium" or "low" setting.

There are quite a few things that's been fixed by the current owner and the car seems to be in a very good running condition. Power steering works well, tires are close to new, tracks straight, stops well, etc.


So now to the bad part, where I need some help assessing the damage in terms of how hard it is to DIY fix.

- Tweaked driver side rear quater panel and the side of the rear bumper. It's been in a light accident and the panel will have to be replaced. The bumper didn't suffer much damage, just needs the plastic side replaced. Looks like this will have to be cut and a new panel welded in.

- Dash is pretty ugly - cracked in multiple places (which makes me believe it was a Florida car).

- Weather stripping on all glass is quite rotten, will definitely need to be replaced

- AC doesn't work, there's a leak somewhere. Compressor is good though.

- Driver's door is slighly kinked, looks like it got slammed into a pole by the wind when opened. Will probably straighten out with a rubber hammer

- Passenger side door lock is crooked - the stalk that is supposed to go up and down the upper part of the door is missing and it doesn't lock with the key

- Some trim pieces are a tad ugly - for example, the trim around center sill on the driver's door is worn out from people getting in and out of the car

- Temp sender is disconnected/not working

- It will probably need valve adjustment, nobody knows when it had one (if at all) last time


Other than that the car drives really nice, shifter works surprisingly well, clutch has been recently replaced.


Asking price is $1500, but I can probably get it for less. It's been sitting outside, next to the water and in the rain for 3 months and doesn't look very presentable, although it's obvious that all it needs is a good wash to look pristine (except for the quarter panel, of course).


So, is it a good resto project candidate?