Parting out 83 300D (feeler): what to expect?
 

So I'm still trying to grasp that my car is probably not realistically reparable in a safe manner.

If I sell it as a parts car or part it out, what should I expect? What is a good running 176K mi OM617 w/a good turbo from an 85 worth? With working transmission/diff/subframe with rust free trailing arms?

I'm trying to figure out whether I should just sell it as-is and move on or take the many months to part it out. I don't like the thought of that as I'm just too busy as it is.

Thanks in advance for opinions/advice/criticisms/etc.

Depending the amount of rust the body has is a big factor on what body parts would be worth selling. I have seen parts cars going from $400 to $1000.

Depending on the compression figures of the engine, and if good , you could get $800 for the engine. I have seen some dismantlers selling them for as high as $1500. though that would be a hard to get that much for one.

Are you selling the long block complete, or stripping it down? IE removing starter, alternator turbo, power steering pump etc.... then you have those to sell seperate.

Maybe $150 for the trans and the 2:88 Diff $100 to $150.

I pulled 2 trailing Arms from PNP for $42 plus tax etc...

All depends on how far you want to part it out. there is a ton of small parts people are always looking for.

Oil cooler
Radiator
Trans oil cooler lines
Fuel tank (pnp alway pokes them full of holes.)
Blower motor
GP Relay
Wind shield wiper motor and arms.
Glass
Window regulators
Door panels
Seats
Dash
Instrument cluster
Evaporater
Heater Core
Switches
Rear Axles

etc...etc....


Charlie

A salvage yard will give you ~ $250 perhaps more. If you don't have time, run it for $1,000 & take 1st decent offer $500 or above.

You may want to keep good parts for your next car. You will need the parts.

I'm working of fixing my new acquisition now. It is basically good but needs a lot of little things.

Vacuum pods are almost done and I found out why the door locks don't work - someone took the control unit that bolts next to the spare tire. All lines and door mechanisms work.

I have some good wood here & there that will swap as the dash comes apart. Carpets & dash will be cleaned. Floors will be checked for rust. Then valve adjust, a couple of oil leaks, trans filter, bowden cable adjust.

Finally shocks, rear seat & I'll be driving with AC and everything. My friend will get it for a few days to take care of rust holes in trunk and anything else I find. Then I'll really be riding.

I need some Palomino parts send me a pm if you have a 126 interior.

I picked up a rusty 83 300d for $350. It was a runner but the starter had quit so I had it trailered home.
After taking everything I needed for my cars I parted out the rest and then scrapped the body.
I cleared about $1000 after expenses.
It is definitely worth the work and time to part it out

I actually got a last minute call from a local guy with a 83 240D that spun the main bearing. He said 'come get it for $300 before PNP gets it'. So I did!

Illinois car, apparently, but garage kept. I poked around [hard] with my screwdriver in the known places for rust and I'll be darned if it's not 85% better than my rust bucket!

So I'll be making the transfer over of the good bits from my 300D to the 240!

I was very leery of another rust belt W123, but the rust I was worried about in the structural places was nearly non-existent, especially compared to my 300.

And for $300 I couldn't be more pleased with the deal!

Congratulations. With that sort of luck running just now, might I suggest you look into some lottery tickets too :D?

I usually have the same thing happen... about six months too late....

Thanks man! Now I just need to find some time on sale somewhere so I can do this swap. At least I have another vehicle, a work truck, to get me by during the transition.