Retiring my 81 300TD
 

So it is with heavy heart that I have decided it is time to take my 81 off the road for good. Damn the DOT and the Salt Lobby (i'm guessing there is one).
Just too much rot to be safe. No panels are spared...

My plan is to take every last bit off this car that I can, save what I may need for my '85, and pass on the rest to other owners. I plan to start with all suspension parts. Elevate it onto some stout and excellent blocking. Next remove engine and tranny, etc. And finally get inside and remove everything. And I mean everything.

Then I am assuming I can get a scrap company to come and pick up the hulk.

I would love to hear from anyone that has done this. Any tips I need to know? Is it worth taking EVERYTHING (springs, etc?).
Am I going to be able to find a company that will get it on a truck without any mobility whatsoever?

Thanks -John

Sorry to hear the tin worm got your car. It always wins in the end.

Assuming your work area is reasonably accessible to a flatbed, and even better if you can come up with some heavy branches or logs to use as rollers, yes a towing company can drag it up onto the bed. Just make sure they understand what they're going to be doing, when you call for the truck (a friend of mine drove a tow truck for years part time, and you would not believe stuff he rolled up to with no advance warning).

The rollers will come in handy if they have to winch it any distance to get it onto the bed, but with the engine, transmission and assorted other heavy components gone, it won't be so heavy anyway.

I have seen it done, metal on metal across asphalt and onto the truck without any rollers.

I am looking for a passenger side D pillar for my wagon. Once you get this totally stripped and probably pull the rear windows and hatch, any chance you could sawzall the section off for me to buy off you before crushing?

Ive got accident damage exploding rust, and you C might still be good source material. Doesnt seem like it typically rusts there

I've got a sawzall, and I'd be happy to. Won't be for several weeks or more until I am at that point, but when I am, I may take the sawzall to the whole thing just to see how they're put together. Could you send me a photo showing just where you'd like the metal, just so I know. I'll pm you my email address.

Wagon convertible anyone??

Thanks, Zacharias. Quite easy access to a flatbed, and lots of logs.
It is sad to see her go, as she was the car that got me on the diesel bug. But I am looking forward to recycling as much of her as I can.

If it were me, I would remove the sunroof and cut out its opening if not rusted. This way if someones is rusted beyond repair or want to go manual, all the parts are there. Just an idea...

I am looking for working electrically (meaning when you open the hatch, the dome light comes on when door is selected) hatch latch. Further, what color is the interior? If tan, looking for the spare tire cover and access panel to the emergancy supplies.

MaineCedes,

Would you happen to still have a rear drivers side power window motor and regulator in good, working condition?

I also need the spare cover rubber strap. Although yours might be vinyl. What color is the interior? Pics?

I'd be happy to contribute to your 300TD replacement fund!