Introducing our new project vehicle: A 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300TDaka The Wombat

Jeff Glucker

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The Wombat lead

The plan was to pull the car out into the sun, get some great angles, and provide you with a few beauty shots. Unfortunately, the transmission isn’t cooperating at the moment. This means I’m introducing the new Hooniverse Project Car as it sits in my garage. Say hello to our 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300TD!

That’s right, we felt we needed a bit more wagon in our lives. Also, it’s no secret that I’m a fan of the three-pointed star, so this is the best of both worlds in my opinion. This is a W123 with a lot of pluses … and a few clear minuses. Let’s dive into both after the jump.

The Wombat side three quarter

I found this delightful German longroof by a seemingly constant scan of Craigslist, AutoTrader, and eBay Motors. Finally, I found one that fell within our agreed-upon budget. Okay, so it was a little bit over, but I was planning on bringing my negotiating skills to the table. Actually, I’m a terrible negotiator but I was actually happy to learn that the car was showing signs of a pending transmission failure.

The original asking price was $3,900. Thankfully, the previous owner informed me of the transmission issues and said he would certainly take less if I were still interested. I came up to see the car, drove it, and decided it felt better than I expected. Therefore I didn’t go as low as I had planned. I offered $2,500, and the previous owner said “Yes, that sounds fair”, right away.

Shoot…

I knew I should’ve started at $1,500 and tried to settle on $2,000. Either way the car was acquired for less than we hoped to spend.

The Wombat third row

Now it’s time to talk about what we plan to do with the car. We could leave it as it is and simply repair the transmission while trying to kick the diesel mill up a notch. This is Hooniverse though, so we have something a bit different in mind. How does Daimler-Chrysler reunion sound to you? It sounds mighty good to us too…

Stay tuned for incoming amounts of PAH! We will be covering the process of transforming this machine with articles, photos, and video.

Also, why did we call it The Wombat? Well… that’s what the previous owners called it, and we kind of like it. Still, if you have a better name, sound off with your suggestions in the comments below.

[Images copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Jeff Glucker]

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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62 responses to “Introducing our new project vehicle: A 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300TDaka The Wombat”

  1. Vavon Avatar
    Vavon

    It looks like the Hoonbat is in fairly good nick.

    Reply
  2. jeepjeff Avatar
    jeepjeff

    I see the problem with the transmission. It's missing a pedal! (I kid, I kid.) The interior looks like it's in alright shape, particularly for a car that's nearly as old as I am.
    Keeping it diesel with a Cummins would certainly get you a Golden Shoehorn Award. Are you thinking small block (318, etc) or something that has "Hemi" attached to the name? Or do I need to wait for a later post?

    Reply
    1. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
      Rust-MyEnemy

      <img src="http://static.mascus.com/image/product/large/2248d12d/mercedes-benz-om-422-v8-cyl,2248d12d-1.jpg&quot; width=400>
      M.B OM422 V8. May need a little fettling of the firewall / bulkhead / transmission tunnel, but in-brand and how hard could it be?

      Reply
      1. jeepjeff Avatar
        jeepjeff

        I went with Cummins because he mentioned "Daimler Chrysler Reunion". But the OM422 would also be a gimme for a Golden Shoehorn.

        Reply
    2. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
      FuzzyPlushroom

      Boosted 6 and four-speed, I hope.

      Reply
      1. jeepjeff Avatar
        jeepjeff

        Six in a row makes my Daimler-Chrysler go. That would be totally awesome, even if (because?) the V8s have better aftermarket support.

        Reply
  3. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
    Rust-MyEnemy

    Keen mariners would tell you that to change the name of a vessel is bad luck. Keep it as Wombat..
    Moreover; this is an excellent vehicle with a splendid patina to it. Very Hooniverse. Well done.

    Reply
    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Only bad luck for the skipper to rename the vessel.

      Reply
    2. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
      FuzzyPlushroom

      This is how my '96 900 still goes by 'Baab'. Hey, it wasn't my idea.

      Reply
      1. Batshitbox Avatar
        Batshitbox

        Tell me there's a sheepskin seat cover in there. Even if it's not on the driver's side. Even if it's just on the floor. Baaa-b!

        Reply
  4. smokyburnout Avatar
    smokyburnout

    Have you guys budgeted enough to keep the self-leveling suspension & get it working with the new engine or will you just swap in coils?

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      debating that still. The kit to swap to coils is surprisingly affordable.

      Reply
      1. smokyburnout Avatar
        smokyburnout

        Also, it looks like your oil pressure gauge is leaking.

        Reply
      2. threepointtwo Avatar
        threepointtwo

        Where are you ordering from?

        Reply
  5. dukeisduke Avatar
    dukeisduke

    Is that an AOPA sticker on the back window, or EAA? It's hard to tell from here.

    Reply
    1. Fej Avatar
      Fej

      Looks exactly like the AOPA sticker that was on my Father's old Bimmer.

      Reply
    2. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      It is exactly that (AOPA)
      Also, randomly, two Huntington Surf & Sport stickers in the two rear quarter windows… previous-previous owner was apparently from Huntington Beach, so I've essentially brought the car back to the beach.

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        <img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HV6ksRqWL._SX320_SY240_.jpg"&gt;

        Reply
  6. wisc47 Avatar
    wisc47

    Hoons Gruber. There, you can use that one for free.

    Reply
    1. Impalamino Avatar
      Impalamino

      I'm your white knight!

      Reply
  7. danleym Avatar
    danleym

    Rear facing seats so that your children or particularly immature friends can pretend to eat their boogers or generally annoy the cars behind you, ftw.

    Reply
    1. FuzzyPlushroom Avatar
      FuzzyPlushroom

      I've mentioned this before, but the third row in my 745T could have been designed for low-speed antics involving drunks and an open tailgate on rural New Hampshire roads.

      Reply
  8. phillipthomas25 Avatar
    phillipthomas25

    You should come rallycross it against us. There's already a 240D sedan.

    Reply
  9. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    I like Wombat, plus it's bad luck to change the name unless you go through a major retrofit and relaunch it.
    I've been watching a lot of Wheeler Dealers lately, and Mike Brewer would have offered $1,500 then said, "Hold out your hand."

    Reply
  10. ToLiveNDieInNJ Avatar
    ToLiveNDieInNJ

    Cummins and a MASSIVE sticker to let all the bros know, bruh. And stacks, bruh.

    Reply
    1. themagicboltbox Avatar
      themagicboltbox

      I'D RATHER BE CUMMIN' THAN STROKIN' bruh!

      Reply
      1. pj134 Avatar
        pj134

        <img src="http://i.imgur.com/J8K3L.jpg&quot; width=500>

        Reply
  11. toxicavenger1 Avatar
    toxicavenger1

    Love a good Hooniverse project!
    What is weight of old the MB ? Looks like a heavy.
    Are you building a Road Cruiser or a Track Bruiser?

    Reply
  12. Tobugrynbak Avatar
    Tobugrynbak

    I had a VW wagon called Wombat, Wombats are an Oz creature that "Eats roots & leaves" you'll need a colloquial dictionary for the back meaning….

    Reply
    1. C³-Cool Cadillac Cat Avatar
      C³-Cool Cadillac Cat

      I've seen wombats in action.
      Yeah…I'm not going to name a vehicle this, after that.

      Reply
    2. dr zero Avatar
      dr zero

      What's more bad arse? Wombats that eats, roots, and leaves, or a panda that eats, shoots, and leaves?

      Reply
  13. Reverberocket Avatar
    Reverberocket

    An '84 w/ a cassette deck – time to dig out those New Order/Bauhaus/The Cure mix tapes….

    Reply
  14. Ed Kim Avatar
    Ed Kim

    You're not mentioning the coolest part – it's a European-spec gray import! Small bumpers, rear fog light on the driver's side, cloth seats…this is the shit!

    Reply
  15. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

    Ruh-oh. what happened to the civic?

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Civic has just been moved temporarily…

      Reply
      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        To the undisclosed location… Yippie!

        Reply
        1. zmiko Avatar
          zmiko

          to The Smoking Tire HQ

          Reply
          1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
            Jeff Glucker

            This is true

  16. Slow_Joe_Crow Avatar
    Slow_Joe_Crow

    Finnish style super turbo drift car? Or if you want a Daimler Chrysler reunion how about a slant 6 with 3 Webers and a 727 Torqueflite?

    Reply
  17. Tim Odell Avatar
    Tim Odell

    Can't wait to be tech support on this one…
    "…wait, they used how many bolts to hold that together? That can't be right…"

    Reply
    1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

      Don't worry, once it goes ChryCo it will be zip ties and electrical tape.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Heh, apparently you've seen the engine bay of my Ram.

        Reply
        1. engineerd Avatar
          engineerd

          And my Cherokee.

          Reply
          1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
            ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

            I used to have a Caravan.

          2. Alff Avatar
            Alff

            The upside is that at least my jury-rigged repairs to correct the damage done by chewing squirrels look somewhat factory – I have a lot of electrical tape and zip ties.

  18. Mad_Hungarian Avatar
    Mad_Hungarian

    What exactly does the transmission do? Does it just have harsh/jerky shifts? To some extent, they all do. I also understand any vacuum leaks will make the shifting worse, and ALL these cars have some degree of vacuum leakage in the climate control or door lock vacuum plumbing.
    Also, what is attached to (or mounted behind) the right rear seatback? A CD changer or amp? I had an '85 grey market gas engine wagon (not for long, horrifying money pit) with an amp mounted in exactly the same place.

    Reply
    1. FЯeeMan Avatar
      FЯeeMan

      It transmits the torque and horse power produced by the engine into the drive line so the tires turn to smoke, or move the vehicle down the road, depending on need.

      Reply
    2. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      I'm suspicious about "transmission dying" as well. I'm willing to bet it's some combination of fluid, filter and vacuum lines.
      That said, it does have a dead ODO at 260k, so mechanical failure is possible, I suppose.
      Nevertheless, it won't matter in a few months anyway…mwahahahaha…

      Reply
  19. Batshitbox Avatar
    Batshitbox

    <img src="http://cdn.hark.com/images/000/725/592/725592/theyre-not-the-kind-of-guys-w_clink_large.jpg&quot; width=400>
    Fix the cigarette lighter.

    Reply
  20. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    You have a really big freaking garage.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      It's one of those garages shared by residents of the gated living area.

      Reply
      1. Tim Odell Avatar
        Tim Odell

        Gonna make so many friends…

        Reply
  21. FЯeeMan Avatar
    FЯeeMan

    I see that the most important upgrade has already been performed. The Hooniverse sticker has been applied to the rear window for an instant 10 11 HP boost Hooniverse goes 1 faster

    Reply
    1. engineerd Avatar
      engineerd

      Our stickers go to 11.

      Reply
  22. Schm Avatar
    Schm

    I really want some srt8 love into this. Hooniverse budgets for these kinds of schanagains right?

    Reply
    1. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      I…
      …can't say anything.

      Reply
  23. Piston Slap Yo Mama Avatar
    Piston Slap Yo Mama

    Bravo! As a recent owner of two w126 300sd's, one w123 300d and one w115 240d I can issue a seal of approval. Despite my spate of lumbering diesels I've always been a sports car nut at heart, so I can't explain what got into me.
    Weird that this estate has Euro bumpers & 'Merican headlights. Keep the auto-leveling feature at least until it craps out. Message me if you want some pdf's specific to this car on how to fix the inevitable vacuum leaks. Also – the engine (assuming it has good compression) can be tuned and additionally boosted to make more than acceptable power.

    Reply
  24. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    Good job, Jeff. I look forward to Hooniverse being your soundboard for frustrations. Should be awesome.

    Reply
  25. danleym Avatar
    danleym

    I just decided that I need my own automotive journalism outlet. Not because I'm particularly journalisitcally (I don't think that's a word) inclined, or because I have a whole lot of clever stuff to say that other people will want to read.
    No, I need it so that I can tell my wife that all the time and money spent messing with my cars is a legitimate business expense. "See, honey, I'm writing about it, and the millions thousands hundreds dollars I'll earn off advertising will finance the build."
    I'm sure she'd buy it.

    Reply
    1. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      Yeah, I kinda had that same idea, 3.5 years ago.
      Turns out it grew a little more than expected. Still not day job money for any of us, btw…but we're getting to do a few more things recently (case in point…).

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        That's why I keep trying to find a way to invite myself back onto the masthead before this place goes all Microsoft-Facebook-TheSims on our asses.

        Reply
  26. nanoop Avatar
    nanoop

    I always get confused:
    is this "300TD" the T-model (which was Benz-speak for the sTationwagon, obviously), equipped with a 5-cyl. diesel without a turbo? Otoh I can't remember two "T" on the rear of a W123…

    Reply