1983 Mercedes 300D

[99saturnsc1]

Re: More pics + engine shots

Originally posted by karugs
Thanks Scott!

More pics, this time before and after shots. Enjoy!

Engine before:



Engine after:




I don't mind dirty fingers lol

nice job, what did you use in the engine bay?

[Schmohey]

Did you use water or steam cleaned it?

[karugs]

I used Simple Green and water. But first I scrubbed some hard to clean areas. Never knew a thing about engine cleaning products back then so that's what I used. While it's warm I also hose down the wheels so the grease is loosened and I can easily degrease them.

Can somebody please explain how a steam clean works? You basically "boil" the grease out until it steams? I know this is said to be good for the underbody, unfortunately I have no access to a lift so I just hose down what I could when I'm at the coin car wash. These are the DIY car washes, not the drive through ones. Those **** and are overpriced. Plus they use strong chemicals... never again!

By the way whenever possible I apply a good cleaner wax on easily stained surfaces like the radiator core support, air cleaner, grille, etc. Keeps them clean and protected at the same time. Smells good too!

[karugs]

I should have used #26 sooner!

Here are the results:



Thanks for the advise to go with #26!

[karugs]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

It's been such a long time, but here are current & recent photos









I must admit, I haven't really detailed the car at all for almost a year now. Maybe just some wax here and there, and clay bar (especially after the torrential rain we had recently). But as for the shine, it's pretty much the same as before when I used Meguiar's #7. Don't want to take off too much paint you know, it's original

[karugs]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

Man, that edit function is quick to disappear! Forgot to add, photo of the engine bay, cleaned around first few days of January 2010. It's a good, clean start, I said

[TimG]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

I looked back at the previous pictures and your car truly looks awesome considering the age.

By the way, whats the brown stuff on top of the filter? Grease stains?

My uncle has a similar car (he's retired) but doesn't seem to look anything near to the condition of that car. LOL Guess I need to pay him a visit then.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

Absolutely fantastic! Very nicely done, and incredible for an all original vehicle.

[karugs]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

Thanks Tim and Michael. The stuff on the air cleaner is paint that got off. It's been like that since I got it in '04. Never bothered me enough, but I'll get a replacement air cleaner lid at the breaker yard if I get lucky, then just clean it and swap it over quickly.

It's hard to find a car in very nice condition. Even this one was not like this when I first got it. Lots of TLC, cleaning and micro-detailing later, it's still not as nice as the other mint ones out there but it's definitely in much better shape than when I just got it.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

This is a great looking car. The clean lines, awesome. Your detailing is great. Your Benz looks fantastic. Great work, way to go.

[cnfowler]

Re: 1983 Mercedes 300D

Absolutely stunning Benz. Thanks for posting updated pictures.

Colin