Hey! I fixed that!

[DC Josh]

I am a 'Shade Tree Mechanic". I don't have a garage or a ton of tools, or even a ton of background in repairing cars. But I'm learning and I have a passion for all cars that I have owned (even the 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan that I used as a Home Depot Hauler).

Since I have owned my 123, I have fixed (cleaned) the fuel sending unit, repaired the squeaky rear breaks by adding some copper grease to the rear pads and changed out the grill and headlights.

Last night, I repaired the faulty locks by fixing a vacuum hose.

I was pretty happy with what I was able to do and I look forward to tackling some bigger projects this weekend, namely the rear shocks and rear sway bar end links.

With the help of this and other forums, I am feeling pretty confident in this hobby.

What are some of your proud moments in repairing your own car?

- DC Josh

[Stretch]

Originally Posted by DC Josh

...
What are some of your proud moments in repairing your own car?

- DC Josh

For me - probably re-greasing a rear wheel bearing on a W123 trailing arm with only one special tool (the socket for one of those stoopid slotted nuts) => with the trailing arm removed from the car (try it - no reaction forces makes it more interesting!)

[jay_bob]

Fixing the gear range switch in my wife's E300D. The reverse light contacts were dirty and out of adjustment causing intermittent reverse light operation. Saved $150.

[Bronze]

Nice dude!! I can totally relate--no garage, limited tools, but plenty of enthusiasm!

I think replacing the exhaust manifold on my Jeep was the most satisfying repair I've made, because it involved a lot of removal/disassembly of engine hardware, and thus felt the most like I was a mechanic. Plus it allowed me to clean 25 years of grime off the engine block so it looked really nice in the end! It did NOT however, help me pass the smog check, which was my main objective

[toomany MBZ]

Well done.

Your next project/s are straightforward.

[connerm]

Stuck glow plugs on my 95 e300d
Oil Cooler lines on my 85 300td
Waterpump and lower coolant pipe on my Ford.

[fender_bender]

The last thing I repair is usually my favorite, lol. In about 2 hours (after work) I will start reassembly of the front end. So far this month I have (or will have by tomorrow morning) replaced UCAs, LCAs bushings and ball joints, tie rods left right and the center link, guide rod mounts and the GR bushings on the LCA, eccentric (camber) bolt on pass lca, painted all the important front end parts, repacked front wheel bearings, trans fluid and filter, rear diff fluid, broken driver inside door handle, flex disc (after front end re-assembly).

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by DC Josh

I am a 'Shade Tree Mechanic". I don't have a garage or a ton of tools, or even a ton of background in repairing cars. But I'm learning and I have a passion for all cars that I have owned (even the 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan that I used as a Home Depot Hauler).

Since I have owned my 123, I have fixed (cleaned) the fuel sendeing unit, repaired the squeeky rear breaks by adding some copper grease to the rear pads and changed out the grill and headlights.

Last night, I repaired the faulty locks by fixing a vacuum hose.

I was pretty happy with what I was able to do and I look forward to tackleing some bigger projects this weekend, namely the rear shocks and rear swaybar endlinks.

With the help of this and other forums, I am feeling pretty confident in this hobby.

What are some of your proud moments in repairing your own car?

- DC Josh

What has given Me the most satisfaction is making some of the Special Tools to use on the Car.
Valve Adjustment Wrenches
Glow Plug Reamer
Prechamber Ring Removal Tool and Puller
Upper Ball Joint Press
2 types of front Spring Compressors

After that would be the Fuel Filter Mod and Air Filter Mod I did; plus adding a Bypass Oil Filter.

Perhaps because I am Older I don't get much joy out the actual fixing of the Car; it is another Chore that has to be done so I can get on with the other parts of My life. Done to save Money, to be sure how the Job comes out and because I have never trusted anyone to work on My Vehicles.

I think you might find Yourself acquiring a lot more Tools in the Future.

[jaybutter]

Replacing a cracked exhaust valve on my '73 220D.

[54dan]

I am still smiling over the manual transmission conversion in my 300TD... one of the most satisfying projects I have ever undertaken. Reckon I liked it so much that I am gathering parts to do the same thing to my w115 300D...

Keep on having fun!

-Dan

[Dan Stokes]

I've been doing this for 61 years! (I'm 66 - yep, started "helping" a neighbor at age 5). I was bit HARD by the bug. So over the years I've gathered the tools (and made plenty as needed), built the shop, and have done work on the side as a money-maker, mostly rebuilding repairable totals.

You might find it interesting to take a look at my thread on my current project - "I'm Back - OM617 in an S-10 (or something like that - I usually look it up by entering my name). None of this is rocket surgery - er - something like that.

All that said, I STILL get a kick with the completion of a new task. The first fire-up of a new engine project is especially satisfying whether it's a full rebuild or just a repair. Admiring a new repaint is also a kick whether I did it or I did the prep and had someone shoot it (I don't have a booth). I just put shocks and struts on my wife's HHR and the first test drive was a smile-inducing event.

You're on the path to a satisfying and rewarding hobby which can also save you a ton of money over the years. Carry On!

Dan

[Dan Stokes]

Oh, almost forgot.

If you are or become a married guy take note. You don't EVER have a "garage"! Thru what I can only assume is improper parenting, women think a "garage" is a place where you park a car. Learn now to refer to it as a "Shop" (capitol "S"). They seem to understand that a "Shop" is where work is accomplished. It took me two wives to learn this and I'm passing it along to you for free. Heed my wisdom!

Dan

[charmalu]

There have been soooo many proud and memorable moments of accomplishments I don`t know where to start.

As far as the MB`s go, it was removing the whole rear suspention out form under the 85 300D to replace the Trailing Arms and Bushings, Sub Frame Bushings, Diff and Diff mount and new Axles. then sliding it all back in and button it up.

Replacing the Auto Trans for a 4-spd manual from a 82 240D, Peddle assy, Drive Line work, Clutch and finally getting the damn thing bled and working.

Dragging the car home 800 miles after the Timing Chain took a hike. then removing the engine and driving 400 miles and back for the new one.

Just finishing up on the front end rebuild on this same 85, upper Control Arms, Lower Ball Joints and the Tortion bar from a 85 300TD and related Bushings. Used Steering Knuckle assy from a 90 SEL. (yes they are a direct fit) just need to reinstall the engine.


Now if I can pull off rebuilding a 5-spd Nissan manual trans for my 82 Datsun PU. have 3 trans apart. have to replace the 5th gear in a fairly low milage one that has a much lower OD 5th. have a junk one that has the proper gears for the swap. hope this comes together this afternoon.

This will be my latest proud moment.

Tools? I have a bunch of them, but never the right one when I need it. so always buying another one.

Garage? No, wish I did would make life much easier. But I would probably have it full of MB parts and would still be working under the Shade tree.

Before I install the Hubs and Rotors on the 85, I want to up grade to the W126 Vented Rotors. 2nd Gen is larger (I have those) than the 1st Gen Rotor which uses a 14" wheel. I go to 2nd gen then have to upgrade to a 15" wheel or larger. I need tires for sure, but no wheels. what to do?

Iam 69 and keeping at it and see no end to it.

Charlie

[ngarover]

Originally Posted by Dan Stokes

Oh, almost forgot.

If you are or become a married guy take note. You don't EVER have a "garage"! Thru what I can only assume is improper parenting, women think a "garage" is a place where you park a car. Learn now to refer to it as a "Shop" (capitol "S"). They seem to understand that a "Shop" is where work is accomplished. It took me two wives to learn this and I'm passing it along to you for free. Heed my wisdom!

Dan

Truer words were never written.....

[DC Josh]

Originally Posted by Dan Stokes

Oh, almost forgot.

If you are or become a married guy take note. You don't EVER have a "garage"! Thru what I can only assume is improper parenting, women think a "garage" is a place where you park a car. Learn now to refer to it as a "Shop" (capitol "S"). They seem to understand that a "Shop" is where work is accomplished. It took me two wives to learn this and I'm passing it along to you for free. Heed my wisdom!

Dan

Awesome advise. I will be sure to refer to it as my "shop" when my wife and I buy a new house!