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  #1  
Old 11-11-2013, 10:50 PM
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Should I restore the 84 300D?

Ok, so I gotta 84 300D that needs some MAJOR TLC. I bought it a few years ago from a shop in NJ that got their hands on it from some teen who starved it of oil and they said it "seized". Well me, I bought it for $600 because the body was really nice except the paint and the interior is excellent MB tex. I got the car to run a few times and eventually it stopped running which I expected. The tranny is in good shape as I took it up and down the Street with no delays in reverse. At this point anything could happen to the car as it's been 4 years since she's been moved, but I'll just keeping fixing it if it does see resto or car heaven. I got access to a 1980 240D with an EXCELLENT motor except the body rot (MA car never taken care of except engine). This car runs and starts like no tomorrow after a year. I took a battery after a full year of sitting in the ground and in the cold and she started right up. I know the legalities of the swap with a 240D in a 300D, but I could use a 2nd toy right now! Think this thing sounds like I'm too long of a project? Or restore the 240D with the good motor and fix both and rebuild the engine in 300D? Opinions... I got all the time in the world!

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2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #2  
Old 11-12-2013, 06:40 AM
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It depends. What are your goals? How much time and money do you want to devote to this project. Restoring a rustbucket with a good motor will take a lot more time and money then putting a fresh motor in an otherwise good condition car. Or you can buy a fairly recent car in good running condition and have basic transportation for not much money.
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83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
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  #3  
Old 11-12-2013, 09:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skippy View Post
It depends. What are your goals? How much time and money do you want to devote to this project. Restoring a rustbucket with a good motor will take a lot more time and money then putting a fresh motor in an otherwise good condition car. Or you can buy a fairly recent car in good running condition and have basic transportation for not much money.
Just the fact I inherited these and I don't think I can let them go. Hence I'll never drive anything but a Mercedes, so I just sink my money into these and keep driving them. I know I'll never get anything out of the cars. I decided I'm gonna restore both starting with the 1980 240D. I love the 240D's 4-speed!

Short To-Do list on both cars so far
1980 240D:
1): Remove all carpeting and seats and start cutting the floor board sections that need attention and welding in new metal in the drivers side front & rear
2): Cut surrounding areas of quarter panel arch(s) and use good rust-free arches (I'm glad I cut those a few years ago from another 123 knowing I'd need them )
3): Cut and weld in the new metal inside the trunk that needs lovin'
4): Acquire replacement fenders, doors, trunk and hood
5): Rebuild front & rear suspension and brake system

1984 300D:
1): Pull engine and get a used good motor
2): Install motor
3): Acquire used good rear bumper
4): Rebuild front and rear suspension + brake system
5): Fix the taillight wiring
6): Drive it till the wheels fall off!

Probably sounds expensive and I know it will be and I think I've lost my sanity trying to resurrect the 80 240D, but I know I can do it and what else do I have to do?
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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #4  
Old 11-12-2013, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jake12tech View Post
Short To-Do list on both cars so far
1980 240D:
1): Remove all carpeting and seats and start cutting the floor board sections that need attention and welding in new metal in the drivers side front & rear
2): Cut surrounding areas of quarter panel arch(s) and use good rust-free arches (I'm glad I cut those a few years ago from another 123 knowing I'd need them )
3): Cut and weld in the new metal inside the trunk that needs lovin'
4): Acquire replacement fenders, doors, trunk and hood
5): Rebuild front & rear suspension and brake system
If your time is worth anything to you, then pick up a southern 240D body and transplant your drivetrain. VStech probably has one.
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  #5  
Old 11-12-2013, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Walkenvol View Post
If your time is worth anything to you, then pick up a southern 240D body and transplant your drivetrain. VStech probably has one.
I'm home all day every day, my health isn't great but good enough to do this so I figure why not? I'll get an excellent deal on metal with some friends from nearby. Think I got my hands on the body parts I need too. Gonna work on getting the battery back in the 240D and driving it back (10 minute drive). Plus the shop where right near where I store the 1984 and 1980 is selling a 81 240D that is in pretty good shape for real cheap ($500) so I might pick that up as well and scavenge it to bits and pieces for both cars.
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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #6  
Old 11-12-2013, 11:46 AM
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Awesome. Got over there right after I made my previous post in about 7 minutes. I brought over two batteries (one working, one unknown I have), got over to the Brown 240D and put in the known working battery, threw it in let it glow 2 times for good measure and she started and ran like a champ. Performed well. A 20 second walk over to the other shop and asked about the 81 240D there and why it's there... It's been overheated, but still runs ok so I checked around for rust and it's got some, but I can get all the body parts for the Brown 240D from that (doors, hood and trunk and two fenders) and fuel lines aren't rusty so I have spares for the 240D. I'm gonna come back for the 81 240D and MY brown 80 240D is getting driven back tonight. I'll get the 84 300D tomorrow then start tearing the 81 down. Got back quick. Oh and the CD changer just stopped working in my 99 E300. Lovely! But I got another system in mind so no biggie. But it'd be nice to hear some CDs too until I gather the cash after I fix my 123s...
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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #7  
Old 11-12-2013, 12:16 PM
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Jake, why part out any W123? I mean, is the 1981 really that bad? Sounds like with your skills you could get her sorted and make a few dollars to go for the other two.

Glad the 1983 240 isn't going to be parted, but rather see it parted than a better example...

Know what you mean about sentimental value. The Volkswagen is that way. It belonged to my Vater's college friend and so grew up with the wagen. So, one of the only good memories of my childhood, along with Vater's '64 Beetle that is rotting in the drive waiting for the '61 Chevy to be sold so the garage is available. Now that Oma has to clear out the driveway for medical transportation, looks like that will be happening sooner than later!

How about some pictures?
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Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.
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  #8  
Old 11-12-2013, 01:04 PM
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should be a good, fun project for both!

Rust work is time consuming, but quite gratifying as things start to come together slowly. Looking forward to pics!

I recommend doing one section completely at a time and moving around that way. Cutting everything out of the car and stepping back looking as the swiss cheese I have to completely rebuild always is an initiative killer for me.
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  #9  
Old 11-12-2013, 01:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adriel View Post
Jake, why part out any W123? I mean, is the 1981 really that bad? Sounds like with your skills you could get her sorted and make a few dollars to go for the other two.

Glad the 1983 240 isn't going to be parted, but rather see it parted than a better example...

Know what you mean about sentimental value. The Volkswagen is that way. It belonged to my Vater's college friend and so grew up with the wagen. So, one of the only good memories of my childhood, along with Vater's '64 Beetle that is rotting in the drive waiting for the '61 Chevy to be sold so the garage is available. Now that Oma has to clear out the driveway for medical transportation, looks like that will be happening sooner than later!

How about some pictures?
Piece-of-crap Kodak camera on order for this project.
The 81 240D interior is really trashed, smokers car. Carpets really stained from coffee and lip stick melted on the back carpet. It leaks oil, also overheats but body is good which is why I plan on getting it. I'm gonna have someone help me drive the the brown 240D (the 1980) and drive the 81 240D back to the place I'll be doing the resto at. I don't think the 81 240D should overheat on such a small trip. The 84 300D I'll load on the trailer tonight if I get ahold of my friend who has it and his truck.

I think I'm gonna take 4-speed out of the brown 240D and take the auto from the 81 and put it in the brown diesel because it gets so annoying in stop-n-go traffic in my area. I hate parting out the 81, but I can pick at it for a long time for the 1984 and 1980. I love this all 330,000 miles the brown 240D has seen I don't think it's ever missed an oil change from my records since new. I just wish they would've taken care of the body or I would've never put it away for these years now.
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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #10  
Old 11-12-2013, 02:27 PM
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I'm having success cleaning what I thought was a really trashed 126 Palomino carpet. I took it to the pressure car wash and blasted the dirt out. SEM Palomino is a good match.

Next time I'll remove the backing and clean carpet only. It is not warm enough to get a complete dry & I'll have to hit the parts car for the backing. The Interior Man suggested using contact cement to glue the carpet.

For now, I'll do all carpet and rear shelf. Will do vertical panels and roof as I have reason to remove them. The carpet will look almost new.

The local paint store was the only place that had SEM and was charging full retail ~$15/can. It can be had online for $10 + shipping. Online is worth it if you need a case. The back carpet was really faded and took almost 2 cans to get back to full color. I haven't tackled the shelf or front carpet yet.
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Old 11-12-2013, 02:44 PM
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I'm going to ask you what you mean by "restore". There is no legal definition. The car shows like "Fast & Loud" are defining it as making the car run under it's own power and shining things up a bit. In the classic car world it means that EVERY nut, bolt, and screw has been removed and EVERY component returned to it's proper, original function. To me, that's what a restoration is. A simple respray is sometimes called a restoration but not in my mind. There is, of course, a lot of room in between.

Anyhow - to give you decent feedback we'll need to know how YOU define it. Either way I wouldn't replace an OM617 with an OM 616. The 617 is underpowered enough as it is in the bigger body and putting less HP in there does no one any favors. 617's are not all that pricey at PnP so I'd go that way. As someone else mentioned, decent 240D bodies are fairly common though you may have to trailer one home - well worth the investment if you really want a 240D. You'll spend MANY times the price of a better body trying to bring back a rusty one.

Dan
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  #12  
Old 11-12-2013, 02:55 PM
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I'll see what I can do with the carpet I'm kind of curious. I have a excellent pressure washer in my shed I could hit up and just scrub it down with soap and water. Anyway I'm gonna have some help tonight so I'm gonna get the 1980 240D and 1981 240D home along with the 1984 300D. I think I might just open up the engine on the 84 tomorrow because I wanna see what I'm ahead of as I might just rebuild and I'll be able to inspect it right after I fix the taillights and get new tires and brakes. Then crack on the 81 and 80. We'll see. Pics will be up soon as I get the camera from Amazon. I would love to drive this 84. They said it was "seized" but I had it cranking it was just hard as HELL to start but it ran and drove. I'll see the damage when I start opening it.
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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #13  
Old 11-12-2013, 03:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jake12tech View Post
Piece-of-crap Kodak camera on order for this project.
The 81 240D interior is really trashed, smokers car. Carpets really stained from coffee and lip stick melted on the back carpet. It leaks oil, also overheats but body is good which is why I plan on getting it. I'm gonna have someone help me drive the the brown 240D (the 1980) and drive the 81 240D back to the place I'll be doing the resto at. I don't think the 81 240D should overheat on such a small trip. The 84 300D I'll load on the trailer tonight if I get ahold of my friend who has it and his truck.

I think I'm gonna take 4-speed out of the brown 240D and take the auto from the 81 and put it in the brown diesel because it gets so annoying in stop-n-go traffic in my area. I hate parting out the 81, but I can pick at it for a long time for the 1984 and 1980. I love this all 330,000 miles the brown 240D has seen I don't think it's ever missed an oil change from my records since new. I just wish they would've taken care of the body or I would've never put it away for these years now.
Ah, I understand.

Well, if the 1981 is done for, then why not combine the 1980 parts into the 1981? Then, no welding, right? That also save the trouble getting the automatic set right.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jake12tech View Post
I'll see what I can do with the carpet I'm kind of curious. I have a excellent pressure washer in my shed I could hit up and just scrub it down with soap and water. Anyway I'm gonna have some help tonight so I'm gonna get the 1980 240D and 1981 240D home along with the 1984 300D. I think I might just open up the engine on the 84 tomorrow because I wanna see what I'm ahead of as I might just rebuild and I'll be able to inspect it right after I fix the taillights and get new tires and brakes. Then crack on the 81 and 80. We'll see. Pics will be up soon as I get the camera from Amazon. I would love to drive this 84. They said it was "seized" but I had it cranking it was just hard as HELL to start but it ran and drove. I'll see the damage when I start opening it.
Jake, looks like a good plan to start with the easy stuff first! Then, will not get overwhelmed?
__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.
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  #14  
Old 11-12-2013, 03:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Stokes View Post
I'm going to ask you what you mean by "restore". There is no legal definition. The car shows like "Fast & Loud" are defining it as making the car run under it's own power and shining things up a bit. In the classic car world it means that EVERY nut, bolt, and screw has been removed and EVERY component returned to it's proper, original function. To me, that's what a restoration is. A simple respray is sometimes called a restoration but not in my mind. There is, of course, a lot of room in between.

Anyhow - to give you decent feedback we'll need to know how YOU define it. Either way I wouldn't replace an OM617 with an OM 616. The 617 is underpowered enough as it is in the bigger body and putting less HP in there does no one any favors. 617's are not all that pricey at PnP so I'd go that way. As someone else mentioned, decent 240D bodies are fairly common though you may have to trailer one home - well worth the investment if you really want a 240D. You'll spend MANY times the price of a better body trying to bring back a rusty one.

Dan
By all means, the 240D is not THAT bad. The 300D needs little to none work at all besides the motor, some suspension work and it hasn't been that long since it's been in use so that doesn't need much at all.

The 240D needs rust repair in the following areas:
1): Quarter panel arches which I cut a few years back from a rust-free car that was sent to the crusher.
2): Drivers side front & rear floorboard in CERTAIN sections which I can get metal very cheap for that from a friends.
3): Hood, front fenders, trunk lid and doors which I'll have from the $500 parts car.
4): Rockers need a little repair and I've repaired the jack points
5): I already have the metal to fix where the battery tray rotted
6): Spare battery tray(s) on hand
7): Exhaust system - check in the attic

The 1984 300D plan:
1): Get a used motor in there or rebuild (617 absolutely)
2): Replace the brakes
3): Replace the tires
4): Change all fluids
5): Fix the taillight wiring
6): Drive it

1981 240D plan:
Strip at it for awhile for the two cars and scrap it.
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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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  #15  
Old 11-12-2013, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Adriel View Post
Ah, I understand.

Well, if the 1981 is done for, then why not combine the 1980 parts into the 1981? Then, no welding, right? That also save the trouble getting the automatic set right.



Jake, looks like a good plan to start with the easy stuff first! Then, will not get overwhelmed?
I think that's the verdict. I seem to get "Stuck" on some of these cars and get too attached. I think the plan now is to remove the drivetrain from the 1980 240D and and stick that in the 1981. I think NOW we're talking more sense. What was I thinking? Plus the 81 can remain auto and I can sell the 4-speed with it's components.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k
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