The Plan

Since the veggie was being a PITA with the maintenance and trying my brothers(SC) patience. I have two bachelor degrees but little mechanical know how. It was once said "most educated but least mechanically inclined". I'm working on it.  He suggested putting the engine and trans in a old pickup. We didn't know what the emissions laws were like for a diesel in a gas vehicle so decided on a pre-1967 truck. SC said that there were a lot of places with old Chevy parts. So I surfed craigslist for cheap old Chevy trucks. SC told me his brother in law would give me the one in his yard to get rid of it. So I got an abandoned title for it. Its a 1961 apache c10 long bed. I know what you're thinking. The truck is going to be even slower because a 61 truck have to weigh more than a 82 Mercedes 300sd. Actually no. According to oldride the 1/2 ton long bed shipping weight is 3235lbs. Add another say 100lbs for oil, fuel etc. You get somewhere around 3335lbs. The Curb weight on the Mercedes is up to 3785lbs on one of the sites I found. SC suggested shortening the frame.

• A truck with an 8 ft bed would never fit in my garage.
• It would also reduce weight significantly. 
• The Short bed would add to the coolness factor.
• The Chevy gearing is lower allowing for faster acceleration. 
•  Coolness factor is very important.