New to PeachParts... Catching you up on my project 1985 300SD

[kylegregg]

Hello all, im a 24 year old Mechanical Engineer. Bought this 1985 canada spec (everything is in metric units) 300SD with 220K mi in 2010 for $800. It was non-running due to a bunch of electrical problems.

Day 1 after getting it to our garage: replaced alternator and starter


Once up and running. The modifications began...I bought some vinyl wrap and wrapped the front grille and the side mirrors. Also painted the grille insert and headlight shrouds.


Next, audio was taken care of. Head unit was replaced with a Pioneer unit. Replaced front speakers with 4 1/2" pioneers. Picked up some 5 1/2" speaker adapters and grills at CrazyRays to replace the original 4" speakers. Added 5 1/2" pioneer door speakers to round out the sound. System still lacks bass...





Then, my nasty relationship with PlastiDip began. Dipped all the chrome trim, emblems, bumpers, wheels, and side cladding.





Got my hands on some roof racks.


Transmission went. Found a refurbished one and many hours of removing and replacing with much help from fellow diesel heads.



I was getting tired of the failed clear coat and dove in head first into some body work. I had no experience, just hours of watching youtube videos. This was my chance to debadge as well. I started with the trunk lid.




Happy wit the results, I decided to just go ahead and start prepping the whole car...wet sanding with 400 grit and then REMOVING all the plastidip. HUGE PAIN IN THE ASS. WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT. IF YOU WANT MATTE BLACK, STOP BEING A PUSSY AND DO IT THE RIGHT WAY. hard lesson learned.



While prepping the car, stubbled upon a botched patched job on the lower side of the rear quarter panel. Removed all the rust with a 4 1/2" grinder. Used fiberglass, bondo glass, and bondo to get it to an adequate condition.




I decided going with a satin finished provided by John Deere called Blitz Black. Its a single stage tractor paint shot at a ratio of 8 parts paint - 1 part thinner using a Harbor Freight HVLP spray gun. It did not come out perfect. Painting is SO much harder than expected. The roof and hood were the hardest to paint as the car is so freakin wide. FUTURE NOTE: MORE VENTILATION, PROPER MASK, AND TONS OF LIGHTING!!!




The satin looks great! In my opinion, its the best way to show off all the chrome bits on these cars. I know all the old school guys are shaking their heads but TO EACH HIS OWN!



Thanks for tuning in! Love to hear your thoughts.

-Kyle