ADVICE NEEDED: Should I junk this car?
 

About 10 months ago, I bought a 76 300d. It was in rough shape- rusted and such- from the time I got it for $750. I did a lot of engine repair- vacuum pump rebuild, valve adjustment, new glow plugs, new starter, new thermostat, all new fuel lines, new rear shocks, put new tires on it. It still looks like ...you know...but it was running great. Compression isn't the best, but it was good. It has about 222,000 miles on it now.

Last night I was driving it home from San Diego and the brackets that hold the idler arm (??I think??) to the drivers front of the car (this, in case I've got it wrong, is the the big piece that the shocks fasten into on the bottom) fell off, rusted off, the bottom of the car. I had to drive it maybe 1/16th of a mile to get it out of traffic and into a parking lot with that huge piece of metal dragging on the ground. The drivers front wheel is tilted inward at an awful angle.

So today the car is just sitting there, about an hour from my house. I have to decide if I'm going to get it towed to a wrecker or a repair shop. Money is definitely an issue. I also have an 82 240d in my garage, awaiting rear axle repair.

What should I do guys?

thanks..deanna

Junk it. It sounds like it is unsafe.
If you repair this problem, who knows when a another piece will fail from hidden rust.

I agree, junk it. Sounds unsafe to drive.

Don't just send it to the crusher. Find a pull-a-part junk yard that wants it so that it's good parts can still be of use.

Pull all the good stuff beforehand. Offer parts to local forum members for cheap if they help remove them.
Or, trade for the needed parts/help for your 240. You could use the new tires on the 240.

Cut your losses as much as possible.

options are low when you have a disabled car parked on someone elses property. If you can get the tow company to let you strip it after they tow that might be your best option, if you have a place to strip it at your house have them tow it home and take/sell what you can. then get a local to take it for free from your place for scrap. even if it just a lower bushing on the front arm youll have 1K fixing it, most likely theres a ton other things wrong too.

$$$
 

About how much should I expect a parts yard to give me for this? I won't wreck it, I promise!

That's a good question.....probably varies per your local yard. I've become nothing less of a fantatical cheerleader of this site www.junkyarding.com , I'd start by calling a local pick and pull?

I agree with the above advice though - if you can, strip off the good stuff (especially the rebuilds/new parts you just put on) and sell it on here......

Good luck - killing these noble beasts off doesn't sound like fun.....although my rusting 240d will eventually follow your path too.

Just don't take a chance on your safety...or others on the road..
if your description is correct then the steering is not safe...
so whatever you do have it towed to wherever....

here in Memphis
 

You would be lucky to get $150 for it. I kid you not.

If you find a place to park it....and start pulling the good stuff, you can be $$$ ahead. There might be a forum member near you that would let you park it there for say 3 months in exchange for some parts. If I were closer, we could work something out. I know.

Deanna , you should have your location listed ... that can really help in situations like this...

I just sold a 300D to the U-Pull-It for $300

i've got a 78 300d in need of a servo....

My Location: Mountain Center CA, Near Anza, and hour and 45 minutes from San Diego. The car is currently in Fallbrook CA, just off the Interstate 15.

Start a new thread with the request in the title about finding someone close to that location .... get more attention that way...
or use the search to see if someone says they live near...
Are you able to get it back to your house and pull /ship parts yourself / boyfriend ?
That $150 is probably right on the money selling to junkyard... unfortunately...
there is lots of worthwhile stuff if you can pull it yourself... or the local teenage boy...

The closest pick and pull is Ecology Auto in oceanside. Does anyone know what exactly fell of this car?