85' 300TD restoration, when does it end!? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vonsmog · #1 07-22-2016, 04:01 PM

I picked up this 300TD last Dec. for only $1300. Seller was a woman from TX. who moved to NY. First cold day it would not start. (Needed four glow plugs) So she let it sit for over a year outside on the dirt. Brakes were all siezed, battery dead, paint blistered from the TX sun, but no rust. She said it didn't start due to a bad transmission, so she got another one for it, but could not find anyone to install it. Since it is an automatic, and her being a girl who knew nothing about cars I struck a deal to buy it. There was nothing wrong with motor or transmission! Just needed the four glow plugs. Now the fun begins, since dragging it home I have stripped the car down to bare metal for a windows out respray in original Cypress Green Metallic, replaced all the brake calipers, rotors, and MC. Two new axles, rebuilt the driveshaft. Complete overhaul of the SLS. Replaced the whole interior from the 81' parts car I got that was not driven in the last 24 years and parked inside a dry garage. Now that it is no the road and driving, I was thinking of pulling the motor in the winter time and swapping in the one from the parts car, as it only has 84k miles on it, as seems to run a bit smoother, or do I chase after the problems with the one in the car. It is not the original motor, and the #'s tell me its out of an 81' SD. At least the block is. It blows a little blue smoke, and runs rough when cold, but seems better when warm. I am running it on B100 biodiesel, so I don't know if that is the smoking issue. And here are some before and after photos as well as a video if the finished car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsbOWhqaK9Q

snapped_bolt · #2 07-22-2016, 04:09 PM

Starting at the front license plate, replace everything, save for what doesn't need replacing; this continues to rear license plate.

It's still fun, if you let it be fun.

Cheers!

snapped_bolt

jt20 · #3 07-22-2016, 04:13 PM

That is very impressive. nice work!

I would check the simple things for sources of smoke on the current engine.

Do some thorough maint. and give the valves a good inspection for wear at the guides.

At least you will be prepared to sell it or fix it more accurately should you decide to swap it out.

If I had full faith in the low mileage engine.... I'd prob just swap it out and not look back. At this level you are working at, only accept the best parts you have to complete this.

BWhitmore · #4 07-22-2016, 04:55 PM

Great looking car. I have a 1983 300TD wagon that is equally pristine as yours, but I was lucky enough to buy mine from the original owner with only 137,450 miles. You are also correct, these cars like attention, but it is fun.

t walgamuth · #5 07-22-2016, 05:01 PM

Looks nice!

panZZer · #6 07-22-2016, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vonsmog

I picked up this 300TD last Dec. for only $1300. Seller was a woman from TX. who moved to NY. First cold day it would not start. (Needed four glow plugs) So she let it sit for over a year outside on the dirt. Brakes were all siezed, battery dead, paint blistered from the TX sun, but no rust. She said it didn't start due to a bad transmission, so she got another one for it, but could not find anyone to install it. Since it is an automatic, and her being a girl who knew nothing about cars I struck a deal to buy it. There was nothing wrong with motor or transmission! Just needed the four glow plugs. Now the fun begins, since dragging it home I have stripped the car down to bare metal for a windows out respray in original Cypress Green Metallic, replaced all the brake calipers, rotors, and MC. Two new axles, rebuilt the driveshaft. Complete overhaul of the SLS. Replaced the whole interior from the 81' parts car I got that was not driven in the last 24 years and parked inside a dry garage. Now that it is no the road and driving, I was thinking of pulling the motor in the winter time and swapping in the one from the parts car, as it only has 84k miles on it, as seems to run a bit smoother, or do I chase after the problems with the one in the car. It is not the original motor, and the #'s tell me its out of an 81' SD. At least the block is. It blows a little blue smoke, and runs rough when cold, but seems better when warm. I am running it on B100 biodiesel, so I don't know if that is the smoking issue. And here are some before and after photos as well as a video if the finished car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsbOWhqaK9Q

Be happy its not a 68 Camaro, I would LOOOOVE to see any heaps in a salvage yard for spare anything. the TD third row seat I sold went for half what a rear set in total junk condition for an early Camaro goes for.

It could be MUCH worse than going thru one of these, they are forsaken every day. The HUGE reproduction parts industry for certain American collector cars make them a total Black Hole for peoples money--talk about never ending..............................

carl177 · #7 07-22-2016, 07:17 PM

Awesome job. Another one saved.



BirthdayBenz · #8 07-23-2016, 05:00 PM

Looks great!

vonsmog · #9 08-03-2016, 09:33 PM

Well no more smoke and runs way smoother now after swapping out the Bosch injector nozzles for Bosio SD 314 nozzles! Can't believe how changing the nozzles made such a big difference. Now just have to tackle the AC and I should be done for awhile.

ROLLGUY · #10 08-04-2016, 12:03 AM

Be sure to read up on the A/C threads here before deciding what to do.