Greetings,

Most all of the work you speak of can be done by yourself and I'd take advantage of the fact that your time is worth about $90 an hour at about the same pace that the shop will do the work. If you're picky like I am, it will take longer because you'll do more than the shop on a clock will to ensure perfection. I'd spend the hundred plus dollars and order the parts and do it myself. If you don't have the knowledege or gumption to do it, you've picked the wrong car to own unless you've got a endless checking account to back you up, which you said you don't. As mentioned, it's not the parts that's gonna get you, it's the labor, so become your own mechanic and just make it happen. Trust me, you can do it, and we'll guide you if you come to a head scratching point.


Charles

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"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan