300 Sel 4.5
 

I recently purchased a 1971 300 SEL 4.5 as a parts car to be used in the resurrection of a 6.3. Obviously the engine and trans of the car will be of no value to me but what other mechanical sytems might I be able to use? Is the suspension system identical or are there small differences? The 4.5 was purchased primarily for interior parts but before I part it I would like to know what mechanical parts could be salvaged.

Probably the best thing you can do is swap the 4.5 suspension for the air suspension in the 6.3 which repair costs are prohibited now days if you don't care for originality.

Both cars had exactly the same suspension after MB made them. That may not be the current condition. All 109 chassis cars of the same age use the same suspension. The pre-1968 version didn't have the "high" level feature.

Same applies to things like power windows and other body items; they are similar in year groups.

Agreed with Randy...

Keep such things as power window motors, small interior bits such as wood trim, and door panels are always good to have extras of. The great thing about having a near complete parts car is that since you never know what you might need, it will always be available right in your garage! Even little things which may have been replaced on your parts car before it became a parts car (such as vacuum line, etc..) can be valuable.

Now is the time to practice taking a car apart. Diassemble it to the nth degree. Even if the part is useless, take the opportunity to learn (unless of course, you don't need the help).

Be sure to save ALL the suspension plumbing. Even the littlest part, like the connections on the metal lines are hard to replace.

-CTH