Shop Forum Diesel taught me how to turn a wreck into a showcar

[Carrameow]

Back in 2005 my 85 300D was starting to really wear out. I had paid $450 for it.
I started by putting in a new rebuilt engine.

The next day I started the car and it ran. Unfortunately the instrument cluster had a short and started a dash fire.


The fire department put maybe 100 gallons of water in it and the windshield was cracked.


After I patiently rewired the car and tested it, the Transmission failed that afternoon!


After replacing the transmission, I had to rebuild the destroyed interior with a new one.


Thast when I found ou the car had about 30% rust in it.


SHOP FORUM taught me how to WELD!



I was slow at first but soon got the knack out of it and actually...

...did some really decent bodywork...


After which I got the encouragment from RS899 to paint it myself...

[Carrameow]

Unfortunately I screwed up by using the wrong COLOR!


After which I repainted it form FORUM member's advice..


MY PRIDE AND JOY! THREE YEARS LATER,
(with this post, I guarentee the car will be front ended in a month--I am superstitious)

Replaced front end--control arms, tire rods, struts--BRAIN CARLTON
Replaced Rear springs--Brain Carlton
Replaced Front Springs-Brain Carlton
Replaced Engine ---- Larry Bible helped me rebuild it
Replaced Transmission ---fell on my head, 12 stitches
Replaced Interior -- all over the forum
Replaced AC - Dieselgiant
New Rear Universal Joints--
Replaced Dash
Replaced Wiring harness
Replaced Cluster
Replaced Sunroof
Replaced Floorboards, rockers and fenders
Learned how to weld from this Forum
Learned how to paint from RS899
THANKS I respecailly emember especially the inspiration of
RS899
JIMMYL
BRIAN CARLTON
SDBLUE
BARRY123400
RIETHOVEN
LARRY BIBLE
YELLIT
CAVELEIRS16
LEATHERMANG
HATTERASGUY
THE DON
OLDDIES
among many others
and I was so burned out thats one reason i stopped posting for several months
(cross my fingers, please dont let my car get hit or stolen)

[KAdams4458]

I feel about a million times better about the $600 beater I just purchased. There's no way possible it could turn out to be as big of a hassle as your car has been. I can already paint and weld, if needed.

...And to think that for a few minutes earlier today I was looking at the receipts for the car, and realising that I've already dumped another $600 in parts in to it and still can't drive it. For a little while, I was beginning to wonder what the heck I had gotten myself in to. It makes me feel much better to know that there are other people who have undoubtedly felt the same way. Thanks. You give me hope that everything really will be okay.

[Carrameow]

A lot of stuff I found in Junkyards and traded for. I really didnt spend maybe more than $1500. Most of the cost was labour, which was actually a negative charge since its was all me and gave me lots of enjoyment. Probably should send like a big check to the Forum for tuition.

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by Carrameow

A lot of stuff I found in Junkyards and traded for. I really didnt spend maybe more than $1500. Most of the cost was labour, which was actually a negative charge since its was all me and gave me lots of enjoyment. Probably should send like a big check to the Forum for tuition.

Fine, so long as it's not drawn on the Sawtooth National Bank!!!!!!

Very impressive results, good work, guy!

[stcbenz83]

extremely awesome!

[Carrameow]

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

I feel about a million times better about the $600 beater I just purchased. There's no way possible it could turn out to be as big of a hassle as your car has been. I can already paint and weld, if needed.

...And to think that for a few minutes earlier today I was looking at the receipts for the car, and realising that I've already dumped another $600 in parts in to it and still can't drive it. For a little while, I was beginning to wonder what the heck I had gotten myself in to. It makes me feel much better to know that there are other people who have undoubtedly felt the same way. Thanks. You give me hope that everything really will be okay.

I've been there with all my used cars in the beginning. They all pay off in the end. Remember an inexpensive car new is $300 a month. I think I have gotten 100,000 miles from every one of my project cars.

Hang in there, it was scary for a while, especially after the FIRE!!! DONT SCRIMP on some safety things, LIKE TIRES and BRAKES.

[Scott98]

That is truly amazing. Great job!

Scott

[KAdams4458]

Originally Posted by Carrameow

... DONT SCRIMP on some safety things, LIKE TIRES and BRAKES.

Extremely wise words. I don't really cheap out on anything, but I know a lot of people tend to. My purchasing decisions are based on quality and performance for the money, not just what I can find the cheapest. I will admit that for a time, I considered used torque tubes for the tie rod assembly, but that was before I discovered I could buy the entire assembly for a reasonable price.

You and I look at time the same way. As occasionally stressful as the world of auto repair can be, I do enjoy it immensely. I just can't figure my time is as being worth money. I value the experience and the knowledge of a job done right more than money. Because of this, there have been times that I spent more cash on shop tools and more of my personal time to do something than would seem to make sense to a lot of people.

Example: Was quoted $235 parts and labour to replace both front wheel bearings on my Saturn. I chose the DIY route, and spent very near that on just a 20 ton press. Figure in the cost of the parts and such, and I spent a lot of time and money that I didn't need to. It was worth it to me for the experience, the fun, and that feeling of triumphing over some crusty old bearing that came out in six pieces. I also know that the job was done right.

Yes, I have an illness.

[Carrameow]

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

Example: Was quoted $235 parts and labour to replace both front wheel bearings on my Saturn. I chose the DIY route, and spent very near that on just a 20 ton press. Figure in the cost of the parts and such, and I spent a lot of time and money that I didn't need to. It was worth it to me for the experience, the fun, and that feeling of triumphing over some crusty old bearing that came out in six pieces. I also know that the job was done right.

Yes, I have an illness.

WELL SAID NOW I WANT A PRESS

[TheDon]

awesome work my friend . Glad I could be of some form of help

[gatorblue92]

wow that really has come a long way... good job

[Parrot of Doom]

Excellent. Anyone else would have junked her, but its lovely to see that some people enjoy and care enough about their cars to keep them running regardless

If only more people showed the same enthusiasm