A few years ago my son got a '78 245 for next to nothing. After putting it to a little good use 10, months or so the problems kept popping up. Leaking oil at the seals, power steering pump, and then it developed a strong fuel smell. I think it had a rust hole at the top of the gas tank. It had a fair amount of rust at the rocker panels, and a hole in the rear seat floor covered up by the wet carpet. Popped out of first gear all the time. A classic, yellow exterior and brown interior and with all that it didn't look all that bad. I wanted to get rid of the car so bad I paid a local garage $35 to take it for salvage, (probably the shredder).

There is no light at the end of that tunnel. Don't let its sentimental value get in the way. Take a picture of it and put it and yourself out of misery. Spend your time and money and energy on a more constructive effort. There is no light at the end of that tunnel.
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Tom F