'80 300TD non-turbo. The engine is in great working order, runs like a champ. The drain holes in the engine compartment had been clogged for years I suspect and this caused lots of rust on the firewall area. This led to rain leaking into the front floorboards and then to the back seat boards. I have since patched the area with fiberglass and it doesn't leak. This is a tough area to get to to weld new metal, if I could even pull that off.

I love the car, but the body has its issues. Would you guys stick with it or find another project car?
This car was cheap...FREEBIE! I'm looking at $5-8,000 worth of fixing. Cruise, AC (I fixed it all),engine, hydraulic suspension, all works great. What do you think?

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1980 300TD, SOLD
1984 300TD, 275K
1999 C230 K Black & Tan
2013 C250 Black
1974 CJ5 Red
You might faint from the fight, but you're gonna find it. Every challenge could have paradise behind it. -John Popper-

great engine/drive line eh? Sounds like a donor car to me. Find another one with a good body!!!

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"If anyone knows other lessons I need to learn, please tell me. I'm tired of learning them the hard way".
by JerryBro

The Glow Plug Wait: This waiting period is a moment of silence to pay honor to Rudolph Diesel. The longer you own your diesel the more honor you will give him". by SD Blue

My normal daily life; either SNAFUed- Situation Normal... All Fouled Up, or FUBARed- Fouled Up Beyond All Repair

62 UNIMOG Camper w/617 Turbo, 85 300SD daily driver- both powered by blended UCO fuels

If ya like the car, drive it! Then like coach said, keep your eyes open for a top notch body with worn out engine. A rough looking body can be a good thing. I'm driving one of my backup cars right now. A very beat up 300D. It looks so bad people give me room 'cause they figure i've got nothing to lose if I hit them. Only way I've ever been able to intimidate people with a old diesel.

I feel your pain. My '84 has bad rot in the rear rockers, but the rest of the car (mechanically and asthetically), is really great. These cars have hit rock-bottom as far as resale values go, so it is definitely not worth putting that kind of money into it. Just drive it as-is and enjoy it - don't stress yourself out trying to fix everything. In the mean time, look for a car with a nice body and interior that needs an engine or transmission. You see those advertised for real cheap sometimes.

GregS
'84 300D, 183k
'90 300CE, 173k

Send a PM to Jassz for lotsa advice on these cars. Her and her hubby are avid lovers of the TD, and are rebuilding one now.

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

Yeah I'm kinda partial to the old girl. I think I may just stick it out and fix it little by little. Who knows, might just have a great car all around. Absoulutely not going to get my money out of it but I don't think I will care too much if it keeps going. Thanks for the input...now off to buy some parts. Keep on keepin on!:p

Todd

__________________
1980 300TD, SOLD
1984 300TD, 275K
1999 C230 K Black & Tan
2013 C250 Black
1974 CJ5 Red
You might faint from the fight, but you're gonna find it. Every challenge could have paradise behind it. -John Popper-