Thinking about why we like our 25+ year old diesels, I keep forgetting about one of the major reasons, to wit, most of us grew up with 1940-1970 cars which had lots of open space under the hoods. It was easy to take things apart and put things back in. Wrenching was easy, and shade tree mechanic was meaningful. Although we bought later cars with electronics and hood space nil, we mentally never forgot the pleasure of digging into the vintage cars where spark plugs were out in the open and you did not have to go underneath to try and find them.
Well, the 1970-1985 Mercedes give you that same feel (except for those ridiculously hidden glow plugs and a few other things). I just like the idea of being able to see what I am working on and being able to lay a wrench or socket or screwdriver on what I am doing (for the most part).
I am philosophical this week because I have been on the freeways at 100 miles per day. No time for wrenching, just enjoying the car - except when the rock truck in front of me dropped a big one on my new window).
brian from la verne
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