CaptSlower
New member
Hello everyone. I have been lurking for a while, but time to post.
My DD is a 1981 Mercedes 300D. Apparently an unusual naturally aspirated version of an 81. It has 150,000 miles on it. In my 6 years of ownership, it has been well taken care of mechanically, but road salt has been tough on the body. I'd like to build a rig to explore some backroads in the upper midwest's hard wood uplands and national forests. I have been puzzling on how to just use a 4 door sedan, but I would like to have more room. I am tall and what used to be described as rangy. My traveling companion is Moe, a 2 year old lab/cattledog cross...so a 40 lb. clown. Ideally I would like to find a Benz w123 wagon. I am looking into compatibility of a 4 speed Mercedes transmission and rear springs to replace the self-leveling units that are stock. Everyone else is looking for these wagons too and they are increasingly more difficult to find.
I don't think I need 4x4, but if I know me, I'll take it places I shouldn't.
My question is: is there something out there I can put my om617 in that will work? I considered an Astro van, but it is 800 lbs heavier than my sedan. To get to my destinations I will travel 300 highway miles one way so mileage is important. I'd also like something I can flop in the back of to avoid setting up tent in the middle of the night after a 6 hour drive.
Oh, and I am on a rather frayed and knotted shoestring budget, but am not afraid to do the work myself.
Thank you!
My DD is a 1981 Mercedes 300D. Apparently an unusual naturally aspirated version of an 81. It has 150,000 miles on it. In my 6 years of ownership, it has been well taken care of mechanically, but road salt has been tough on the body. I'd like to build a rig to explore some backroads in the upper midwest's hard wood uplands and national forests. I have been puzzling on how to just use a 4 door sedan, but I would like to have more room. I am tall and what used to be described as rangy. My traveling companion is Moe, a 2 year old lab/cattledog cross...so a 40 lb. clown. Ideally I would like to find a Benz w123 wagon. I am looking into compatibility of a 4 speed Mercedes transmission and rear springs to replace the self-leveling units that are stock. Everyone else is looking for these wagons too and they are increasingly more difficult to find.
I don't think I need 4x4, but if I know me, I'll take it places I shouldn't.
My question is: is there something out there I can put my om617 in that will work? I considered an Astro van, but it is 800 lbs heavier than my sedan. To get to my destinations I will travel 300 highway miles one way so mileage is important. I'd also like something I can flop in the back of to avoid setting up tent in the middle of the night after a 6 hour drive.
Oh, and I am on a rather frayed and knotted shoestring budget, but am not afraid to do the work myself.
Thank you!