Non-MB, but diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dagObx · #1 10-20-2009, 12:35 AM

I haen't seen one of these in years: http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/1429235882.html

Wonder if its worth the $550.........

Sev · #2 10-20-2009, 02:46 AM

i would totally rock that car. i'd tint the windows, replace those wheels, and gut the interior and make it run well enough to make it a backup driver--or just run it to the ground. then i'd paint it orange and make it a general lee replica

or ditch the diesel engine and go for something like this:

http://www.dieselchevette.com/4-3LV-6vet.htm

rs899 · #3 10-20-2009, 06:18 AM

The engines were made by Isuzu, so they were actually pretty good (once you get past the Chevette aspects). The engine was a tight fit in the compartment, though.

Rick

equipmentjunkie · #4 10-20-2009, 07:42 AM

I had an '81 as my daily driver in high school. My summary: Nice shifting 5-speed, rear wheel drive, and 44-48 mpg. That was about the extent of the Chevette's attributes in my book.

The heater was on permanently, weight balance was about 65/35 in a rear wheel drive car, lousy seats, and poor handling due to the weight distribution...but I learned to drive that car safely at 10/10ths.

My father summarized it by his quote in 1986: "The Chevette is a modern day Model T." I prefer my '81 Rabbit diesel in almost every way.

KarTek · #5 10-20-2009, 10:54 AM

My parents had a '76. It had the automatic, 1.6l. It was the most pathetic car ever - no power, 3600 RPM@55mph (well, maybe slightly less pathetic than my UNIMOG). We drove that car from Ohio to Florida and the buzzing from the engine wore me completely out.

dagObx · #6 10-20-2009, 04:23 PM

It's sort of a local car for me, so I might just drive over & take a look. Isuzu isn't a bad engine. IIRC, it's non-turbo. I could use a cheap daily driver right now.

If I make the trip, will report & post pics.

71inka02 · #7 10-20-2009, 08:05 PM

So the Chevette actually had a "diesel" version...? OMG -

I was, at first going to attempt some humor -- something like..."probably not a diesel, just smokes and sounds like one" - Then I read the posts and it appears others are aware of a diesel Chevette.

Shawn T. W. · #8 10-20-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71inka02

So the Chevette actually had a "diesel" version...? OMG -

I was, at first going to attempt some humor -- something like..."probably not a diesel, just smokes and sounds like one" - Then I read the posts and it appears others are aware of a diesel Chevette.

I also never heard of such a thing!

Originally the motor must have been worth more the whole rest of the car!

Diesel911 · #9 10-21-2009, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71inka02

So the Chevette actually had a "diesel" version...? OMG -

I was, at first going to attempt some humor -- something like..."probably not a diesel, just smokes and sounds like one" - Then I read the posts and it appears others are aware of a diesel Chevette.

The only one I have seen was in the Junk Yard. It must be an interesting vehicle to get parts for when you need them.
Never seen one on the road.
I have owned 3 used gas Chevettes and I liked them.

My Volvo is almost the same. Since 1992 I have seen 1 (about 8 months ago) Diesel Volvo at the Junk Yard. I took the Vacuum Pump from it as a new one costs as much as a Mercedes Vacuum pump does.

dagObx · #10 10-21-2009, 01:31 PM

Yep, there are examples of diesel Chevettes out there. I'm kinda surprised to find this one, as I figured the vast majority of them were trashed by now.

Don't know what years or how long they were manufactured, tho. The Chevette itself was pretty much a POS, as best I can remember.

MattBelliveau · #11 10-21-2009, 01:51 PM

Those door panels are sweet! But not a sweet as the grab handles...

smacmoyle · #12 10-21-2009, 05:23 PM

I had one also. I plan on buying back my youth someday and this is on the list along with a Bricklin.