Time line 2008.

After driving Guderian as a daily driver for about 60,000 miles in five years in San Antonio, the A/C compressor failed. I bought a new compressor and dryer. After I installed the compressor, and threw away the dryer, I found the new dryer did not fit.

While waiting for another dryer, the power brake booster failed. While waiting for the power brake booster, the ignition switch took a dump. The booster has been replaced, which has to be the most difficult work vs. end reward project I have done. You have to be an upside hanging opossum with a two foot extension on your wrench with the luck of the Irish to take on the mounting nuts.

Guderian was due for inspection that month in two days. I bought a one owner 1987 Toyota MR2 to provide transportation while I fixed Guderian.

Before I could get an ignition switch, home owners association hit on the expired inspection sticker. Guderian went into storage. The MR2 became the daily driver.

Fast forward to 2013.

After firing up on a recharged battery after five years of storage. he is now in Port Lavaca, Texas.

I am renting an apartment with an understanding landlord. He doesn't mind a project car or two. The problem is working on a black car in 90+ degree heat with 60% humidity. If it hadn't been for my daughter dropping off her Mitsubishi 3000GT for major repairs months ago, I could have done this in cooler weather.

The issues I am facing:

Replacement of the ignition switch. I have a new one with matching door handles.

Finding the vacuum leak that keeps the vacuum system from working. The vacuum pump has been tested and it works.

The A/C system. Since I threw away the old dryer before trying the new one, the system has been open to air. Dirt dobber wasps sealed both open ends. This may be good or bad.

Replacement of the differential with taller gearing from a gasser. There is not a 30 foot rise within a hundred miles of here. There is no reason to turn the stock 3500 to 4000 RPMs to drive 70 to 80 MPH.

Electronics. The radio, power antenna, power windows, sun roof and door locks don't work. They worked before I stored the car. I think a lot of the fuses have gotten corroded on the ends.

The dreaded water in trunk problem. Did not have it before storage.

Adapting the power seat wiring to accommodate newer installed seats from a 300E.

Replacing the air filter mounting bolts. I bought the mounting bracket with bolts, but my bracket turned out to be fine.

Replacing the hood opening cable. For years, I have been using a Vice-Grip to pull the end of the broken cable. I have a new cable.

If all goes well, upgrading the sound system.

I can't think of a worse time or place to take on this project. Wish me well.

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1983 300SD "Guderian"
1987 MR2
2015 Camry
2015 Chevy Spark
2006 Hyundai Tucson