New windshield went in today, "last one in the country", Mercedes star on it, even came with a new Daimler sticker. Took months to find it, months more to receive it and get it installed. These cars are (or can be) a labor of love, kind of like a good dog: loyal and loving when you give them attention. While in there, lubed the blower (replaced several years back), am now looking at what it takes to disassemble and lube the (updated) wiper assembly, ...

It's still fun, but I'm starting to realize that I just don't have the time and energy anymore.

Honestly, it's a lot easier when you don't love your car. My business car has been a Tahoe, an appliance with wheels that gets it done. The replacement will be a Mercedes SUV (GASP!!), which will be more transportation than passion I'm afraid. On the other hand, when the windshield gets a chip, I won't be crying over how hard I worked to get a new OE windshield, ... I'll probably just call SafeLite and have them install glass.

I have some time, don't need to let her go until the new one arrives, will be able to say goodbye to my old friend. When the time does come, I'll list as many things as I can remember replacing/updating/etc., and pictures, put it on this site and see how it goes. I'm sure it'll be picked apart a bit, it's not perfect, goes with the territory. Hopefully in the end though, someone will love what I've done, and Belle will spend many more years out in the sunshine.

Thanks for the price estimates, gives me an idea, and all depends on how hard I want to work at getting another dollar. The sad part is that the low estimate, where possibly realistic, is about what it'd cost for a new #22 head and the new Michelins. Even on the high side, ... not much return on investment.

Maybe I'll sell it with a contract that doesn't allow the buyer to part it, ...

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff