Where can I get rid of my old Benz?

[Philberts]

81 300 D
300+k
Ventura/Oxnard CA area

Still in running condition, drove it to CA just a month ago from back east. Problem is that the Pulley/Harmonic balancer is coming off of the crankshaft. Called a local junkyard and they already have several on the lot so don't need another. Body does have some rust underneath, but other than those two problems most everything works. I'm thinking I should be able to get a small amount out of it for the parts. But how much? where? Can't keep a car junked in the drive here. Somebody help!
Phil

what color? heh

[Jorn]

Witch Junkyard, like to have a look?

[dieseldiehard]

http://www.800charitycars.org/
1-800-charity

Send the benz somewhere better besides the "chairty boneyard"
its like a un-holy death for a mercedes...
part it out and make a profit

[Ken300D]

If you do decided to donate the car to a charity for a tax writeoff, be SURE to donate it by 31 December 2004. That's when the tax laws change to make these donations less attractive as a tax advantage.

Currently you are the one who estimates the value of the car and makes the claim on your tax form.

After this year, that is no longer the case. You'll have to read the tax law somewhere to fully understand the new rules (I have not yet, just heard a news report). It has something to do with only being able to write off what the charity tells you they made on the car. This can be a lot less than the blue book value of the car.

This is being done apparently because people are tempted to claim a high value for their car, and auditing such claims are rather difficult because the car is often long gone or significantly changed by the time an audit is necessary. Plus there is a recognition that the charity doesn't necessarily benefit from the full value of the car as a donation.

My story on donation is that about a year later, I received a notification from the Washington DC government that the vehicle was in an impound lot after having been abandoned - and I was the last listed owner. This could be complicated to resolve in terms of tickets and fines if you don't carefully keep the records of the donation. I've not had any follow-on problems, but am prepared with these documents if trouble results. It would have been more messy if it had been abandoned in my state instead of across the line in DC.

Most likely it was bought for $200, stripped, and then abandoned on the street.

Ken300D

[whunter]

Marvin Martians shrink ray.
Pack with care.
Ship to my address.

Phil.

I don't see why you would get rid of this benz
for something that is eaily fixed.

Go here:

http://skinnerbox.steaky.org/Service/W123/w123CD2/Program/Engine/615/03-340.pdf

Look at the picture next to #10 (installation) the two
alignment dowels are probably going and can be replaced.
I know on my 83 they where split in half and all accessories
didn't spin.

Hope this saves this w123.

Or bring it here if you don't want to bother fixing it.
http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/
This way someone will be able to save it or save his/hers.

Louis.

Yeah,
if not...how much do you want to get out of it?
I know plenty of people who want a old diesel mercedes...

[Philberts]

Brandon, the color is sky-blue.

Louis, thanks for the tips and concern. I hate to put the ol gal to rest, but think it's time, unless somebody has the time to work at it. I'm here in CA temporarily (work related) and don't have the place or the time to work on it, so maybe somebody out there nearby does. For now I've found another car at a good buy to get me around and back east...I hope.

Here's the story on the crankshaft/pulley. This is actually the second time it has happened (pulley coming off the crankshaft). First happened in TN 15k miles ago. Fixed it then, but it was only bandaid fix with a little filler and JB weld. Problem is that the two grooves on the crankshaft where the keys on the pulley fit in are stretched out shape now so the keys won't fit snuggly. So, its time for another crankshaft. Will take a look at the sites you gave.

Phil

[1985 300SD Sady]

Hello Phil,

Where are you located?? Just a thought

[Philberts]

Ventura CA!

[GTStinger]

Ken, do you know how the new tax rules cover charity cars that aren't sold for cash. The last time I donated a car, it was a Goodwill program that gave the car directly to a needy individual who
A. Already had a job.
B. Had no transportation available to reach the job.
C. No drug or criminal record.

All in all a real nice program. I was thinking of doing it again next year when the Chevy gets retired/replaced.

[P.E.Haiges]

Philberts,

Put it on Ebay. That way you will get something for it and maybe make the new owner happy.

P E H

[Philberts]

P.E.-
Ebay? I could barely figure how to signed up on this website, let alone do ebay. Not the most computer literate person. Thanks tho!
Phil