I can't imagine ever parting with my 1980 245DL, but I'm starting to wonder if the time has come.

The odometer reads just over 301k miles, but actual mileage is closer to 305k. The brakes need work (could just need a master cylinder, not sure), the steering needs work (possible seized u-joint in the I-shaft, rack has been replaced, pump is original), the body is rusting (driver's side rocker is badly rusted, rust in the floor near the rockers, holes through rear lower fender areas, rusted hood and driver's door), the car currently won't start reliably and is way down on power when it does run (ruled out several electrical causes - seems to be related to the main fuel pump) although it ran great earlier this year. It probably needs U-joints and the clutch has 170k on it (but has some life left). The overdrive is showing early signs of needing a rebuild (won't reliably engage when hot). Any job on the car starts with a major war with rust - so "easy" jobs like the master cylinder become an ordeal (seized bleeder screws and brake line fittings). I have 3 other cars, this is my extra winter beater at this point, so I don't need it at all, but...

My parents bought this car new in November 1979 - I vividly remember sitting in it for the first time at Michaelson Motors outside Baltimore as a 6 year old kid and it's been in the family ever since. I've driven it all over the US (from Vermont to California and many places in-between), it's moved me to all 7 states I've lived in. I learned to work on cars by fixing it (head gasket at 272k and the blower motor were memorable jobs). Every girl I've ever dated has ridden in this car. Now it's almost 33 years old and I don't have the same interest in tackling all these repairs that seem to crop up faster than I can keep up, yet I can't bear the thought of it going to one of the junk yards here (it would be crushed immediately). I could let it sit indefinitely or part it out or maybe sell it to a Volvo enthusiast (hard to find in Michigan). It's a purely emotional connection at this point as crazy as that sounds - I guess I'm just looking for some objective thoughts on what to do. Thanks -

Zack
1980 245DL M46 301k