Considering restoration of 1982 300 GD
Am I mad ???
I love these machines, timeless style and honest performance - i grew up with one and by chance I have come across that same G Wagon of my childhood a 1982 300 GD SWB manual "blood red". Its very basic - mostly black plastic on internal trim with 4 gears. Not very fast as I remember.
It hasnt seen the road for about 5 years. Not running as overhead cylinder is removed and thought to be broken. Cant see any rust. I reckon about 180k miles. Bits and bobs need doing on internals, all panels very clean although I expect an additional few surprises on mechanics.
I would use it for about 20k per year.
I am sentimental but up to a price, so
1 Given its scruffy description above, in ball park terms would anyone suggest a value (I dont own it yet)
2 I can barely change a wheel so I'll need to get a G \wagon experienced Mechanic at it. But would restoring this beauty be a constant drain on my already drained resources.
I found this forum last week and since am getting about 4 hours sleep per night. Its a treasure of info and emotion.
Thank in advance for any valued advice.
I've got a cylender head for you if that will make a start. I think however that if you want to go for an old G like this get one in good condition if you can not do the work yourself. There will be a constant tinkering, something we all have to do to keep these cars as reliable as they are, at the moment I have to change the wiper spindels on mine, not expensive, but I can do it myself. These small things can make it a bit expensive.
Hi Durty Diesel,
Welcome to the Forum....
The G you describe sounds like she will need a lot of work, though she may have been standing around for years, she might surprise you with how well the mechanics have survived.
I fully restored a 1982 Diesel Auto, salvaged from a field in Cambridge, where it had lain for 7+ years. The majority of time, expense and heartache came from restoring the bodywork.
When asking how much the car is worth, remember the forum is mainly UK based and does not know of the delightful VRT!! If this is paid + she is registered "Down South"... add a further 1500 euros to it.
Overall price though really needs to be cheap... 2500 euros max?? If this dosen't work out.... I've a VRT registered, Dublin plated 1985 Diesel SWB. Nearly ready to sell on!!
Cheers
Marty K
GWOA Ireland Rep.
do it there should be more 460's on the go, im trying to do my 1984, mechanically shes sound just bits of body are tatty.
simon
Keep it in mind that Diesel is not going to do the work himself guys. I think you will be much better off financialy end mentaly buying that car off Martin. If you decide to takle it we will give you all the advice you need.
Hi I have had a look round the silver 1985 300GD SWB on Dublin plates that Buckalec is offering...75% of the jobs to do are Non... well nearly Non technical ..cleaning inside from the floor up with the seats out .wd40 on the hinges .oils and greases . after a pressure wash of the underside. it drives. it stops. it needs the picky bits done. and the VRT is paid so you only pay for what you get. and its not a hundred miles away and no ferry costs.did not discuss price so leave that up to you rgds
As long as the dice are pink :)
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Thanks for the advice. I did some more research this evening which prompts me to stay with this foundling.
The head cylinder is an easy specialist job (something to do with a dropped valve). The engine is a genuine 140K - I know as my dad accounted for about 120k of it.
There is no other mech problems. Back brakes will need to be see to - apparantly they were dodgy 5 years ago. Body is fairly immaculate no rust seen yet (could be due to no-winter-salt on Irish country roads).
Lastly i rang the original G mechanic who cossetted it when my father drove it and he's mad keen to get it up and running.
I will need firstly to agree on a fair price.
Then to get it mechanically fit.
Then to get you guys to help me choose the best leopardskin print seats, fluffy carpet and appropiate contrasting large dice.
I'm looking forward to it all.