bah humbug, I may be through here - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KarTek · #16 12-12-2010, 08:11 AM

Topanga, I'm very sorry for the loss of your dad. He sounds like a great guy and I can appreciate his non-descrimination philosophy when it came to discussing technical matters with you. It's one I share and I never assume any person to be knowledgeable or not so much on a particular subject just because of their sex.

I've seen some guys that are stunningly ignorant regarding mechanical things.

My father too, taught me the basis for all things mechanical, properties of materials, stresses, proper use of tools, electrical theory, etc... He also taught me to think of machines as a whole and how to understand how all the systems operate together.

Anyway, regarding the cars: I would continue to drive the "Asian sedan" for your every day car but keep the MB and honor your father's memory by learning about it, tackling one problem at a time and eventually it will be finished.

Then, you can use it for a weekend car or just something to go on a drive once in a while to have some fond memories of dad.

300dOwner · #17 12-12-2010, 08:23 AM

T -
So sorry to hear of your loss...nothing can (or should) take the place of your Dad so hold his memory tightly in your heart and remember he's laughing at you every time you get greasy under the hood...whatever car you decide on remember us back here at the "forum"

Oldwolf · #18 12-12-2010, 09:12 AM

Topanga-
It is a great skill and personality trait that your Dad taught you, the desire to DIY. I agree with what I think you are feeling, that sometimes the need to DIY can be overwhelming. The others have said it to you already, try to forget about the MB for awhile and take satisfaction in driving your Dad's car.

You will understandably grieve for a long time. Eventually, you may find working on your MB enjoyable once again.

In a way, you have a gift from your Father that you will enjoy every time you use pick up a tool.

Beastie · #19 12-12-2010, 09:48 AM

Topanga, My condolences on the loss of your Father he sounds like he was one hell of a guy ! I have 2 daughters and a son and the oldest girl love the "Cool" car that belonged to her Grandfather before me. She wants it to be her car when she learns to drive. Not the 500E, not the Porsche the 300SD. I hope she will think as well of me when I am no longer around. You do your Dad right by doing what you feel is correct because regardless of which way you go. It sounds as though he instilled some great values in you. As others here have stated take some time and if you can avoid it make a rushed decision that would be best.
Alan

strelnik · #20 12-12-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topanga

I may or may not be out of the driving-a-Mercedes business.

My father passed away this week. I am shattered and heartbroken. He was my buddy, the best thing that ever happened to me, the person who instilled in me my stubborn (and sometimes idiotic) DIY streak. He is the reason I drove the car I drove, my beloved 1980 300sd. He could not have been happier I drove that car, he got a real kick out of it.

I am very sorry for your loss, and understand it, since I was my dad's confidant.

However, not having an MB does not, in my opinion, prevent you from hanging out here with your buds.

Beastie · #21 12-12-2010, 10:55 AM

Yup!, When they pry my license from my hand I will still visit this site for wit,wisdom and general tom foolery.

280EZRider · #22 12-12-2010, 11:15 AM

Topanga, I'm sorry about the loss of your father. I lost my mom 2 years ago, so I think I have an idea of the pain you are going through and even though she didn't teach me about repairing cars, she was supportive of my tasks - such as allowing me to rebuild my brake calipers on her kitchen counter.

From what you say, your father would have wanted you to definitely keep the 300sd, but not at the risk of making your life difficult - your welfare was more important. He sounds like a great guy. It sounds like you have the car temporarily stashed away for the moment and that you don't need it for transportation. So why not give yourself the time necessary to handle your current situation and then when you feel up to it, determine if you really want to hang on to the 300sd.

The noise you mentioned doesn't sound like a driveline problem. These problems usually become apparent in the form of vibrations.

I wish you well.

chasinthesun · #23 12-12-2010, 12:27 PM

If all dads could keep their kids from feeling any pain ,that would be their one wish ,but this one they cant control.My deepest condoulences.

have mercy · #24 12-12-2010, 01:17 PM

Sorry for your loss of your father, I have been having some problem's , So I got my children [3boy-1girl] love them all . Ask them what car's they wanted. Started to show them how to work on car's. My children never liked getting they hand dirty and they never help me. Know they are coming by every weekend , and I love it.I would be so happy if when I am going they fell like you. So you are making your father happy. I helped a girl who's father had died ,A friends on this forum told me she need help went and worked on her car for free it was close to my house, she was trying to keep car together 69/280se , she had wiring problem's. I am sure if you need help somone on this fourm will help. I know I would glade to help all I can.

#25 12-12-2010, 01:26 PM

A couple of days ago, my 15 year old daughter commented that she plans on buying an older car when she buys her own car. After riding in the W211, she basically said that it would be impossible to keep it running when it's older. I suspect that she is correct.

topanga · #26 12-12-2010, 01:27 PM

You guys are so nice. Thanks a lot. I am sorry to hear of all the heartbreak and difficulty. It's so sad. But, selfishly, it helps me to know I'm not the only broken heart in town, and I do know that this stuff is temporary and what lasts is strength, love, knowledge, ability, the good things.

Very perceptive that I am being overwhelmed by DIY. That is so true. I can't bear the thought of having one more task. I just can't handle it. Thanks for noticing that. I think that will change. Right now I just want to get into a car without balky glow plugs and drive in a big protective bubble to whatever it is I am going to do.

The drive train -- it IS a vibrationy thing, a whiny rubbing thing. As I was tracing it, I kept thinking it was the PS pump pr belt, just something sawing not right. It's definitely more rotationy than RPMy. Not a belt squeal, but an odd belt tension, something I could sort of feel in turns, but not quite. Tension, vibration, whine. The first time I noticed it was after the driveshaft got put back together. I feel it's that. I could be wrong. I probably am. I'm happy to not be feeling it right now.

Thanks, everyone. You're even more awesome than I thought. I really appreciate it so much.

soothappens · #27 12-12-2010, 02:01 PM

Sorry for your loss especially the pain it brings with it.

I lost my mother this September so the feelings are fresh. I to lost all my ambition to work on anything and just recently have started to tinker again.

It makes you concentrate on what is important to you and other things seem to go by the wayside.

Give it some time and then make your decisions.
Until then drive what ever is easier. I found myself driving the wife's 4runner.
This gave me the least chance of adding more stress to the situation at the time. It was the only one I felt comfortable in.
I usually hate the thing. Go figure.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

Hang in there.

vstech · #28 12-12-2010, 08:34 PM

we are friends, all of us. some more than others, but we all lend some strength when we can. I Am so grateful to have found this site, and I show it when I can if any of can help, just ask. if you decide to let go, we are here to support, help and annoy

cjlipps · #29 12-13-2010, 11:55 AM

I don't know how you feel but I know how I felt and it's no fun.
Keep your head up and don't try to solve the whole situation at once. Treat it like a pizza and cut it into manageable slices, then start at the small end. When you are overcome with grief your emotions are hyper-sensitive in both directions and small victories will feel good.
Step away if you have to-the Benz will wait.
Probably most importantly, grieve all you need to and know that it will get to a point where you know it's gonna be alright, you just don't know quite when. That's a good feeling. There are several stages of grief and we must pass through them all at some point. You can postpone or avoid but for true healing you must complete the cycle.
Be glad you had a good Dad and carry the positive with you. Also take comfort in knowing that many of us have been there and those that haven't probably will.