New money pit - 1962 300d

[klaus kallas]

Hello all,

Just picked up a 1962 w189 "Adenauer". Not sure why, but something inside of me said "You need a new place to discard money".

Anyway, it has been sitting for a few decades and needs a lot of everything. Normally would not have touched it, but it runs perfect and is complete. My plan is to get it roadworthy, paint it and drive the snot out of it. It would cost more to restore than it would ever be worth and there are plenty of perfect ones around. Don't worry, I won't alter to the point of destroying it, because someone beat me too it. Did I mention the 350 Chevy/th350 automatic? Or the overdrive unit?

Not sure what the story is, but probably a limo company car. Conversion was done quite well. Car sat forever in the Lynchburg, Va area. Perhaps someone here knows the car and can fill me in?? Actually look forward to driving this beast at modern highway speeds and being able to do a tune up for $20.

Have some service manuals but no owners manual. If another owner reading this (who hasn't fainted yet) can fill me in as to the dash knobs and controls, or scan those pages, I'd greatly appreciate it. Trying to figure out what the mice have chewed through!

Thanks!

[Calspeed]

Pics or it didn't happen!

[klaus kallas]

Originally Posted by Calspeed

Pics or it didn't happen!

Bam!! In all it's glory with rust, yellow primer, and neon yard sale paper!

[alabbasi]

It's a pretty one!

Well done.

[WNC123]

Did you buy that at the Auto Fair? That looks like the infield. Not sure how I could have walked past that one and not see it, unless it arrived on Friday (or later), as I covered every square inch of the infield on Thursday.
Nice score, let's see more pics!

[MEPEH]

There's someone on ebay selling parts for that car (used of course)
I know how scarce they are and i suggest you get what you can.

Good luck with the project
I think aside from the 600 the Adenauer is the second biggest money pit

[TheDon]

looks like it would clean up nicely

[compu_85]

Originally Posted by MEPEH

I think aside from the 600 the Adenauer is the second biggest money pit

At least the engine and trans in this one have parts that are cheaply available at Auto Zone!

-J

[MEPEH]

Originally Posted by compu_85

At least the engine and trans in this one have parts that are cheaply available at Auto Zone!

-J

Small block chevy engine ?

[klaus kallas]

Originally Posted by WNC123

Did you buy that at the Auto Fair? That looks like the infield. Not sure how I could have walked past that one and not see it, unless it arrived on Friday (or later), as I covered every square inch of the infield on Thursday.
Nice score, let's see more pics!

Good eye! I saw it Saturday , kept moving and then regretted it. Had a buddy out there Sunday to see if it was still around. It was, threw the owner $3000 and towed it to the house. Needs a lot, but it should be a blast when finished.

[klaus kallas]

Originally Posted by TheDon

looks like it would clean up nicely

Interior is decent and most of the trim is quite good. Does have some rust, but nothing structural. Plan to Por-15 the whole bottom and be done there. Drivers door skin has separated from base, but that is the worst of the exterior. Floor is perfect (unexplainable why, but some how it made it).

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by klaus kallas

Interior is decent and most of the trim is quite good. Does have some rust, but nothing structural. Plan to Por-15 the whole bottom and be done there. Drivers door skin has separated from base, but that is the worst of the exterior. Floor is perfect (unexplainable why, but some how it made it).

Good luck on all your work on this.

I wish you well. Having owned two of these in the past, I can tell you that

1. The restoration can be rewarding

2. You will meet the worst scum bags, snake oil salesman and thieves who will be happy to sell you paint-covered rust for more than you paid for the car.

There are legitimate sources for parts, some of which are in Germany and cost less, with shipping, than what Americans will charge you.

Call up Tom Hanson at the Classics Center and you will get valuable advice regarding these cars. He's honest and he's not p[olitically correct. Plus he's discrete and in some instances he will give you the down-low on some suppliers and parts sources.

I have all the manuals for this car (including the AC system) if you ever need them, although they should be available cheaply on CD.

Good luck, be brave and learn to sleep with one eye open and one hand on your wallet!

[Ziad]

I have all the parts you need for the 300a, b, c, d series sedans.

Fair warning they are seriously expensive.

Give or take only 3000 were made.

[t walgamuth]

Looks like an excellent tow vehicle!

[meltedpanda]

great find, have fun!