Thank you for the extensive answers to my questions. I like the look of the wipers on the headlights. I didn't know there was a euro-style wiper. The decision I'm trying to make now is, do I go with the newer, round-style lights, or stick with original. I kind of want the round clear healights with clear corners. I'm thinking about Altezza tail lights too.

To answer the question of why I build Fords and drive a Mercedes. Most of you won't like this answer. The truth is, it's part of a trading game. I started with a single-seat 5HP go kart (grand total cost with new parts I put on was $475) and put it up for trade. I got a Honda Big Red three wheeler for straight up trade. Three days later I did an even trade for an '84 Dodge Ramcharger. I put about three months of time an effort in removing rust and painting it, making it look MUCH better than when I got it. Very little money in oil change, blah, blah, blah. I put that up for trade. I ended up selling it for almost four times as much as the original go kart was. I was stuck looking for a winter car very quickly as it was November already. I found a good deal on the Mercedes and loved the idea that I could finally have one so I jumped on the opportunity. After about a week of driving the car I fell in love with Mercedes quality, thechnology, style, comfort, and the whole nine yards. I now want to trade my Ford van for an M500 with the third row seat for my family of six. A lot of my friends and family are not happy with my decision on foreign cars, but deep down they like Mercedes too, and told me they wish they had one.

I think the trading game ended here with the 300E. It needs a few details like headlights and trim. It has a few dings, chipped paint, and very little rust on the rockers. Also has cracked dash and wear on the seats. All will be fixed in time for the cruises next summer.

I'm thinking about getting a '74 Mercedes 280 with 70K miles on it. This one will be kept all original. Think about it, I work for Ford an will own three Mercedes an one Ford Mustang.