WTB: 1980's Civilian G-Wagen

[CentAr712]

I'm in the market for an older G-Wagen. I prefer standard transmission with hard top and four-doors, one before they added all the silly looking plastic trim. One equipped with A/C would be great. I'm primarily just looking for something that happens to be within about 500 miles of Little Rock, Arkansas if possible. I've located some great G's lately, but I'm not in the position right now to make a big trip across country to inspect them, etc.

I'll consider trading my 712M, but would like to avoid that option if possible. A G would just be much better suited to my camping, as I have few options to avoid the freeways enroute to my camping locations.

It would also kill two birds with one stone for me since it's time for me to get a new daily driver anyway. I just figured I'd see what's available. I'll post my 712 specs and pics (located in central Arkansas) if anyone shows interest in a trade or just a straight purchase.

Thanks everybody,
Chris

[Haf-e]

There is a guy on Ebay in florida who seems to bring in some nice G-wagens. I think you should tell him what you are looking for as I suspect the better ones are sold before they land (dependent on examination of the condition etc.)

Here is a link - I don't have any experience with him BTW...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-G ... 1353908399

Also:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-G ... 1785269321

[TechMOGogy]

I have read bad reviews about that guy in FL
But I have no 1st hand knowledge
Diesel or gas?

[landy]

I was considering possibly buying a G from the Florida guy. He has excellent Ebay feedback. What negative things have you heard? You can PM me if you'd prefer.

[CentAr712]

I really appreciate the leads guys, I'll look into it, thanks!

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

This one popped up near me. It's in the higher price bracket. It has a 5-speed though, which is a nice upgrade. I think it would need a TD to power it more effectively. http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4987089965.html

I cant stress enough how you really need someone that knows the G specifically to look it over. There are a ton of hidden rust concerns, among other issues, that only someone that knows what to look for will see.

A lot of the G's coming from Europe these days need to be deeply inspected. Many (or most) of the older ones over there suffer from rot issues.

[CentAr712]

Vince, I'm planning to go look at one next week, can you give me a quick rundown of what to look for and where? I'm not familiar with G's so I'll probably only notice the superficial things obvious to the untrained eye.

Thanks.

[TechMOGogy]

I was considering possibly buying a G from the Florida guy. He has excellent Ebay feedback. What negative things have you heard? You can PM me if you'd prefer.

I will take a look at some of the other forums I am on and see if I can find the info.
I think it was that the truck was not what he was describing it as but again - this was just 3rd party stuff I read.
If I find I will post

[TechMOGogy]

I would buy this thing in a heart beat (if I was looking:) )
I know your looking for a 4 door hardtop but...
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-m ... 00gd-wolf/

[krick3tt]

Information says Colorado but that is a big area to guess at. Where would be good cause if it is close to me I would go to inspect it.

[CentAr712]

That's nice; I was considering a short wheelbase rag-top, but I need a hard top for what I intend to use it for. I've actually seen a few configured like that, but this one seems to have a bit larger than typical tire size.

[aclark79]

http://www.bachint.dk/shop/mercedes-240-gd-1173p.html

I don't know if that is something you'd be interested in or not, but thought it worth posting.

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

Rust behind the tail lights that may have creeped up and around. Take the lights out and look around. (four screws)

Floorboards of course (under all the "elephant-hide" trim).

Look carefully underneath around the door jams and under the seats. Most will have a heavy undercoating and it can hide under that. There's also a heavy heat/sound barrier to look under as much as you can. Check the headlight buckets and inner fenders, close to the firewall.

Another big one is to look at the coil spring mounts. Feel around the top of the rears. Its a good size welding job if they are rusted. The body mounts can rust too. The gas tanks can be a real bitch. They rust all the time. New ones are plastic which are really nice but cost something like $2000 and a day of work.

The bottom of the doors, esp. the back door will rust like crazy.

I'd personally avoid the 280 models. I just don't like that gas engine, but some do. It is very smooth and has good torque but is hard to work on (for me anyway) and drinks gas like a 303.

[CentAr712]

So anyway, I found a G that was just what I wanted and actually, it's the second link Haf-E posted to one on Ebay. I had been watching it for a while and I finally came to the realization that I'm just not going to find what I want within 500 miles, so I pulled the trigger on it.

The G really does look as good in person as it does in pics, so I'm in no way disappointed. It actually exceeded my expectations a little.

It's a great vehicle with no rust whatsoever and I feel so fortunate to find one like that, plus meeting all my requirements! So without a lot more blabbering, lets get to some pics!

[TechMOGogy]

Wow you don't mess around!
Congrats - Looks like a great truck!