Best deal I got recently was a 1983 300D off craigslist for free (just remove it). All I needed was a right fender and hood to repair accident damage. It looked better than my car since new paint (abandoned at a shop), but the engine, doors, and seats were gone, so only good for stripping further. I now have most any part I'll need for my two 300D's, including complete rear end. I got $43 for the body shell as scrap steel, plus all the other accumulated scrap I tossed in there (old rotors, swing-set, ...), which paid for the U-haul trailer rent. But, yes it was a lot of work stripping it.

I second the hassle of trying to sell parts. I spend way too much time taking photos, describing, researching, plus shipping costs, to make it of value. I just do to help people and not throw stuff away that someone could use, but too many potential buyers don't appreciate it. Even people here desperately ask for something, so I dig thru parts, take a photo, only to get "changed my mind" if they reply at all, so now I usually respond to PM's with "sorry, don't have".

On the plus side, the news reported that gasoline was "not available" one weekend recently (Las Vegas?), but diesel was fine. The OP might sell that point to his wife for keeping the 300SD. When these cars were sold in the 1970-80's, diesel cost half gasoline, plus there were lines for gas and not diesel. Personally, when my wifey fusses about my cars I ponder "give up the cars or wife?". She has never been without a drive-able vehicle a single day of our 35 year marriage, but too influenced by TV ads like most simple people. First it was wanting an Accord, then minivan, then SUV, now maybe a battery-car. I did go w/ the minivan (very practical), but that faded.

__________________
1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

About 5 years ago I gave a guy 500 dollars for a 1995 E 300, he had it up for sale for ever and was asking 3500 for it, as the Stones said. "You can't always get what you want, but if you try you just might just find you get what you need. I say find the time and put it back on the road and save money at the pump.

I would really try to get a car that looks that good running again and get some use and fun out of it.

Remarks earlier about P-whooped American men are not appropriate. Others often see us more clearly than we see ourselves. Meaning no slam or insult to the OP, could be he has an eye on some sort of perfection. The fact of it not running for so long might lead the wife to think it's a permanent white elephant.

That car needs to be seen by the world!

__________________
Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Reviving my old thread.
Unfortunately, I absolutely need to lose 300SD now. Moving to new home and nowhere to park it to continue my forever plans to complete things.
This will be an absolute dumpster fire sale. My pain, your gain.

I'll get something posted in the sale section as soon as I can, so consider this posting an early advertisement. Make me any reasonable offer - heck, go ahead and even make me an unreasonable offer.
This will have to be a 'bring a trailer' deal too, with a strong winch.

__________________
Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)

you're in GA, that barclay guy that restores MBs and sells them is near atlanta I think. contact him and see if he would want to make an offer.

__________________

1977 240D auto w/OM616.916 engine
2005 Matrix 5spd
2006 Prius

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AdP7i8xfCJeFuk5y9

glass pendant necklace http://glasspendantnecklace.com

fused glass pendant http://fusedglasspendant.com