Hi, everyone, greetings from scorching hot Chico, California.

I've just been lucky enough to find and purchase my first Mercedes Benz. A 1974 240D and I'm falling in love already. My main intent is to run this on Veggie oil. But I don't want to do anything to hurt this beautiful machine now that I'm falling in love with it. I've heard from many people that it's not a problem if you do it right, though I've heard from some that it's not a good idea. I read that the original diesel engine was designed to run on peanut oil... so that must mean something. Frankly, the reason I want to run it on veggie is because I am sick of being a contributor to the petroleum market. I'm sick of worrying about gas prices and I want nothing to do with foreign oil or polluting the environment any longer. I also have the time and energy to find and recycle veggie oil, as well as I think it's pretty cool to not have to pay for gas. And driving around a car that smells like french fries would be kinda cool.

I believe that electric cars are ultimately going to be the way to go. Especially when you see the ones coming out built by Tesla, and the one that Lotus is working on with Zap. (An electric car that goes 0-60 in 3 seconds and a top speed of 150mph... and 300 miles per charge....yeah, thats hot.)

Anyways, back to the Benz. This is my first MB and only the 2nd car I've ever owned. The other was a Ford Ranger. It has a rebuilt engine in it with 30K miles on it. 4 speed manual. Has a good amount of power, I am surprised because I have heard that these old diesels don't accelerate well, but I dunno what those people were expecting because this baby can haul ass. Shifts pretty smoothly, a little rough in 1st when it starts up though, I haven't given it much time to warm up yet, I will start doing that, have only driven it 2 times now.

Original paint job is in great condition considering its over 30 years old. Car must have been garaged for a long time, I will be keeping it under a carport or covered, since the hot Chico sun is devastating to car paint jobs. The interior is in pretty good condition as well. The speedometer doesnt work, and I don't think the rest of the instrument cluster does as well. Will be trying to fix that myself with the help of the articles here. Also, I'd like to re-upholster the interior (anything on that?). The seats are in good condition, no rips, not really any wear either, just need to be cleaned off and put some armorall or something on them. Rug is dirty but will clean up nice. No holes or rips in it, no big stains either. Dash is in perfect condition, clean it off and armorall and it will be shiny again, same with door panels. Inside really has been kept in good condition.

Basically, this car is in prime condition for fully restoring as far as the body and interior go. The engine is on the dirty side but not too bad and I will be polishing it off, so long as thats not a bad idea. I fully intend on keeping this car for a long time and fully restoring it as its truly a classic. I would like to use it for veggie and traveling around, but I know that I'm eventually going to buy a brand new car in the future. I just hope I have a good time with this one.

The only bad things about it (that were disclosed to me) is, 1- the brakes vibrated a little at first but they stopped, I was told that the cylinders can get rusty if it's sat for a while, which this one had and that all you need to do is drive it and break it while accelerating a little to get that off.

2- ball bearings need to be replaced. 3- the windshield is cracked and will need to be replaced as well. Really seems like it's in great overall shape. I will be taking it to an MB specialist in the next week or two (and not driving it much till then) to have them give it a full inspection.

I have never owned a diesel before, especially a 74' MB. Can you guys give me tips on starting, running it, caring for it? As well as the quirks of a diesel and what I can expect? (or point me to threads that have this) I think I know how to start it correctly with the glow plug warmer or whatever it's called, and oh yeah, it starts up like a champ too. Also, I will be purchasing some mainenence/repair manuals off ebay (or anywhere available) to guide me.

All told, the total cost was $2200. I figure even if I put in $2000 in repairs over the next year or two, its worth it. I know I will be plunking about $600 right away just to get the things already mentioned fixed.

I am glad to have found this place, and looking forward to hearing your stories with your MB's as I begin a new age with mine. Thanks for listening and I hope to hear from you all.

Tony

Ok, here it is. I shot these at 8:30 in low light (should have done them earlier but I forgot)