I dont have a job right now.... that is what is making it difficult. I would love to be able to fix everything that is wrong with it and know that Ive got a great car that I can drive cross country. But money is the issue right now. There are things that need to be done that I dont have the tools or knoledge to do, like a valve adjustment.

I might let the car sit for a while and decide what im gonna do with it. Im just frustrated with the whole thing.....

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1983 Mercedes 300D
Atlanta, GA

If you ask nicely, I might know a little mouse that has a set of mercedes source's crappy(but useable) homemade valve adjusting wrenches that could be bought on credit.

These things are a lot like VWs find the right friends and you'll be surprised what you can get done with a case of beer and some brats on the BBQ!

Also-- U-Pull-It has about a bazillion w123s in your area, talk to the counter person-- I've found that if you build a relationship with the staff... they'll shoo you through the line without taking any money. This really isn't good for engines, axles, seats or anything that doesnt fit in a hand-- but I've gotten free dome lights, screws, switches, nameplates, small trims etc etc.

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http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...Untitled-1.jpg

Sell the wood trim on eBay, if it's as nice as you say, you'll get a couple hundred bucks for it. Use that money for the front end repairs.

Start burning WVO and RUG (Put the $40 a week that you'd spend on diesel in the bank)

After 5 weeks and saving $200 think about what you wanna put that money into.

You can buy cheap diesel parts, such as throttle linkage and even IP's sometimes sell for little to nothing, on eBay. It's the one-of-a-kind items such as your beloved wood trim that gets a good dollar.

Now next year at this time, you'll have saved enough to buy a car outright.

Just my 2 ¢ worth.

Marty

Oh BTW my '83 300SD has been the MOST ECONOMICAL vehicle I have ever owned. It's just how you go about it.

I'm in Atlanta too. I do almost all of my own maintenence and get most of my parts used from the Pull A Part Junkyards. I do occasionally have to spring for some new rubber and suspension items though. Shoot me a PM if you want to meet up. I'd like to look at your car and meet a fellow w123 owner in the area.

Jon

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1984 Astral Grey 300TDT - The French Fry
1979 Yellow 300SD - The Pomme - SOLD
1985 Light Ivory 300DT - Fritz
1987 Anthracite Grey 300SDL - ?

Hey iNeon.....

I am not familiar enough with the process of adjusting the valves to be confident enough to do it. I dont want to jump into it and potentially mess something up in the head..... I know the very basics of the process, but Ive never done it oe seen it done.... lol......

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1983 Mercedes 300D
Atlanta, GA

Sounds good to me..... I will send you a PM when I get time in the next couple of days here..... Im in the process of looking for a job, and have a few interviews to go to....

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1983 Mercedes 300D
Atlanta, GA