Hi,

I have an 83 300D with 172K miles on it. I will be taking it on a longer drive (NJ-FL) at the end of march, and want to ensure that it is safe. The issues I have are a rub mark on one of the struts in front and a lot of play on the steering wheel.
The rub on the strut I assume cannot be due to the tire, but there must be something, and I will get the dealer to check it out. I have looked at past threads regarding the sloppy steering due to the play. What Id like to know is an idea of how much it would cost to get the common major components of the front end replaced(so I can set aside the money). Additionally, what common things in the front end that arent steering related(are there such things?) go bad, so I can know what to expect when I take it in. I dont want to encounter any problems with it on this drive.

Secondly, I got new tires and it hadsnt been alligned for a while, so Im going to get that done since Im having the suspension and steering looked at anyway. Are there certain components that could be so bad that it wouldnt be possible to get the allignment done without their replacement? Since I am almost expecting things to be done, I just want to be as informed as possible so I dont get taken if they want to make a few extra $$$.

The third question is that I have noticed a few spots of rust under the paint, and on one seam by the back bumper, it seems that the seam between two pieces has cracked a bit, causing the paint to crack too, and rust to come in. How difficult/expensive of a job is it to get sopts where rust has develloped under the paint fixed? What about that seam? It must be a weld of some sort or something like that, Im not completely sure though.

The next question is regarding the power antenna. It doesnt work at all, and whats worse, it wont stay in a completely out position, the topmost pieces slide back down. It also seems a bit crooked, and I doubt it gives me the best reception possible(although it is good). Is it possible to take the mast off and just attach a regular wire-wrapped whip antenna onto the base? It would look better, and probably give bnetter reception. Otherwise, any idea how much it would cost me to get that replaced?

The final question is regarding the cell phone antenna on the rear window. It is one that somehow transmits through the glass to an external antenna. It has a wire that goes into the headliner, but I havent been able to locate the end of it, nor is there a mount for a cell phone or anything. I almost think this antenna is a factory option, as I have seen a lot of 123s with the exact same thing on them. Is it an option? If so, where is the other end of the wire? And, what kind of wire is it? If it is a coaxial type, That would be great as I could attach my CB radio onto it, and if I get a little longer mast, I could get pretty good reception. Id love that.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of things on my mind... Id appreciate any help I can get. Thanks very much,

John