Happened on a nice looking '86 (214k), found it has needed a head job for a few years (reports of running hot since '02 on service receipts from Fletcher MB). These people changed everything but the head new radiator, etc but now I have the head off and 7 cracks are visible.

It has recent mechanical repairs:
'96-new rad
'98-lf window switch
'99-glow plugs 135k service, alternator,belt
'00-150k inspect, rotors,batt,cruise cont
'01-A/C remanuf
'03-NEW Carpet, Rebuilt Trans @191K
'06-tie rods,steering knuckle,engine shock,trans cooler hoses,flex disc @208k

'06-May '09 Idiot owns it. no maintenance, cleaning, or respect.

now the question to whether I keep it or part out (total R&R cost & machine shop ($1600 for labor and gasket set)):
$2900 w/uncracked head
$2500 w/repaired head
$2300 w/out of state MBZ salvaged head no cracks,cam and lifters present (202k on engine)


Don't really have $2000 much less $3000 to spend on this classic, I need a driver now. just bad timing.

To be perfect: non cracked console, wood and plastic, cleaning lots of cleaning on lite tan interior, non cracked dash, one 5"x8"milky spot on a well kept taupe, silver sand, ? metallic paint job. hood blanket and new trunk carpet.

Worth it?

 

if you part it out im gonna need sdl parts very soon.where are you located?

 

California