16 year old with 85' 300SD as first car... Many questions!

[eka_242@msn.com]

First off, I would like to say that this is a great forum. I spent about an hour just reading before I registered, and I can't say enough about the wealth of information on this website. It's reall great.

Now into the good stuff. I am 16 years old and I live in Virginia. I was given this car by my father as my first car. Most people my age are driving little ricer Hondas, but I love my Mercedes. Since it was given to me, I have a few dollars to use in fixing it up. Here are some basics.

183,000 miles. Light Blue on gray, navy interior. Just had brake pads replaced, new alternator belts, needs alot of work. Seats are cracking, a few cracks in dashboard, carpets are a mess, tach works off and on, needs paint, some trim work, the basic things that I have read happen to these cars. But I really do like this car, slow acceleration and all, so I would like to fix some of these things. Luckily for me, the previous owner was an audiophile so he dropped in an Alpine reciever and had a sub in the car that wasnt included in the sale, but its now wired as soon as I get one. I have some basic diesel knowledge, Im taking my 2nd year of shop in school and all we do is diesel. No working on them yet, but all of the book stuff was diesel, so I understand pretty well. Here are some of my questions.

1. What wheel/trie package can I get for this car? My allows were too far past saving when I got them, they are stripping so I am looking for something newer that will fit.

2. Anything I can do about the dashboard/upholstry without ripping it all out and spending lots to replace it?

3. I sometimes get a on and off blinking of the left turn signal when I start the car. Its a pattern of 3 times coming on and off, so it's definatly a signal of something. I believe that it was the loose belt to the alternator (now fixed) not charging the battery, but it still happens ever so often. Just looking to confirm whats going on.

4. Any basic maintinance I need to look into at this milage level?

5. How much do you pay for diesel fuel? It's $2.09 around here.

I can't say enough thank you's in advance. I am so glad I found these forums, I am sure that the replies will be great. Thanks again.