I Bought An Abandoned Mercedes 308D Motorhome And Will Be Restoring It… But Will It Drive Home?..

[@Brucecarmaintence71]

Hi Mate, hope you are doing good, I used to work for a Mercedes Benz commercial dealership just outside Edinburgh for 25 years, in the parts dept, 1992 to 2017, I know these vans inside out, the 308D was a fantastic old van, pretty much bulletproof tbh, once you get it all serviced it should run forever, looking forward to seeing your next video on it. Best wishes Bruce.

[@andrewhill400]

I used to have a Merc 410d. It was a John Lewis Luton van that had been turned into a stealth camper long before stealth campers were even a thing. It was massive and slow but always got me where I was going. Once did Glasgow to Newquay at 50mph. Took 2 days but I loved it. The dash, dogleg box and giving it a rev to get the dash lights off takes me right back. Great vans as long as you are not in a hurry.

[@wingingit3071]

i now live in my ex john lewis sprinter luton van, built out the back to my on desires and kept it as stealth as possible from the rear and the drivers side ::)

[@barrycaldwell5461]

410 was a rear twin wheel if i remember right wasn't it

[@andrewhill400]

@@barrycaldwell5461 yeah it was indeed. 2.9 5 cylinder with twin wheels at the back.

[@batesy536]

Used to drive a 308d flatbed with over 400000 miles on it, they were very reliable motors, used to start off in 2nd gear if no weight on the back coz that 1st gear is very short, good look with the renovation.

[@mandymoo7406]

My 307 only went in first when loaded,I got rid of it because as seen here it was a liability on motorways as waggons came up so fast on it,great truck lovely ride on the big tyres and first time i drove it i steared in too fast as the driving wheels are below you rather than in front,soon got used to it though,got mine chep because it needed spill timing and one could do it,wouldn't go back unless I lived in upper scotyland

[@gregbolitho9775]

Thanks!

[@tstuart7333]

How the hell did that pass MOT approximately 3 weeks ago? most of 1 wheel arch was missing and the strut structure missing.

[@davercs]

What a great project but can't understand how it passed a mot not with that amount of rust

[@peterobertson2086]

He said it WENT for an mot, tho didn't say that it passed it.

[@oliward5330]

@@peterobertson2086 yes he did say it passed @11 mins in the vid god knows how with that rot the guy must be blind

[@peterthomason6088]

Great content but how on earth has that passed its MOT? Maybe the tester was charmed by the 17th century tapestry cab trim

[@hectortheerector]

Don't matter as long as its michanicaly sound it gets a pass.

[@Carol......]

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it, I love seeing these things being fixed up. Wishing you many happy years and miles in it Colin 😘😊

[@tonysutton6559]

Start with ripping out the rotten ceiling and sorting the skylight. It's easy enough to do and will be a big morale booster (plus the damp, musty smells will go away). I'm looking forward to watching the camper being rescued.

[@johnathanrowley2707]

Nice to see it rescued and going to a good home

[@anthonybrowne4022]

Colin Well done getting the old girl home looking forward to seeing it all done all ready for next summer 👍👏👏

[@Madeitmatopoftheworld54]

Just loved it.take me back when I brought a motor I loved and it needed so much doing to it.triumph gt6….can’t wait for the next installment..great🎉🎉😊

[@clairefunnell8481]

That's neat that you bought the camper. I didn't hear any honking when you were driving back. Good luck to you and hope we see everything you do on it. I'd like that.

[@jonbell2305]

I just done a horse box for a lady I changed the roof to a aluminium roof and put 2 skylights in. But they have a bullet proof engine. Your lucky the gearbox has 5 speed most have 4. Good luck with project 👍

[@Yorkmedia1]

It’s nice to see someone saving and old Mercedes 308D nice motor homes getting rare now must b a classic

[@lorigibbons2732]

@thebeardedexplorer I'm looking forward to seeing the restoration of this vehicle. I've always wanted to do something like that. I always said, I have time. Don't believe it, time is gone. So I'm going to live vicariously through you.🙂🙂

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

It was nice to see you actually take one away home with you! I really loved this episode you were so happy 😊 and we were happy watching it!! Looking forward to an update on your project.

[@lizstevenson7801]

Congratulations! You are like a kid in a toy factory with this one. Good luck, may you have years of travel in the future in this, well done. 💕🇦🇺

[@MistyLaneLoveConquersALL]

Love it can't wait to see you working on this 😊

[@grahamx8623]

Got your work cut out with that one. That 1980's beige/peach decor won't be back in fashion in our lifetime. Good luck, can't wait for the next instalment.

[@pennyblackstamp]

Congrats Colin all the best fixing her up, good to see you in your element. Love your channel 🚐⛽ always interesting and fun, take care 🌟

[@denisesmith2745]

You saved it!! Thank you, Colin

[@CCDzine]

I just bought a 1986 Komfort 30ft RV for $500. Essentially the same as yours, different bed/bath layout but nearly identical, from engine down to cabinet trim and seating. The two brands must have been built in the same factory. I will follow along.

[@alanpengo3335]

That Merc will bat on for ever as long as you keep oil check and water,engines are one of best diesel around,drove them in 80s till 90s,never let me down,have great big window at front for good vision,wish u well,🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️💯

[@eddkennedy6458]

yeah, the best van ever made , built like a truck, straight beam axle with king pins and a leaf spring at each corner, i had a 310d 5 cyl 2.9 , slow but never let you down.

[@RetroRatz]

Definitely not the slowest campervan! Our 35 year old Transit Motorhome is!! It does 40 in 25 minutes! But it's a survivor and we love it! Great find you got. Look forward to seeing the rebuild 👍

[@haydnbroughton148]

Really looking forward to seeing this project through to it's restoration colin.

[@robosmond8235]

How did it get thru an mot with that rust?

[@essbee8028]

With a “friendly” mot inspector 😀😀😀

[@ricknick74]

Bent mot 100% 😂

[@truckerdim]

It was m.o.ted in a very dark cave lol

[@TheBeardedExplorer]

I never had it done the guy did.. 😅 don’t worry I’m not going anywhere with it like that until it’s all done!

[@truckerdim]

@@TheBeardedExplorer haha he must still have the old style m.o.ts you could buy of ebay all ready stamped lol

[@darrenmeears3912]

Awesome moterhome I just wish I was brave enough to tackle such a project it's going to be great when it's done 👌👍

[@letmeoffthisplanet6208]

I used to have a 308d flat bed and hauled across the country with it. Excellent motors but watch for timing chain rattle and oil pump issues,retaining nut on the oil pump used to snap.

[@marcdelaunay1]

I love the Axminster carpet on the floors and doors hahahahaha. Awesome mate!😂😂😂👍✌️

[@garethnorwood2084]

Can't wait to see the updates on the camper 👍

[@deniztuglu8287]

Wish we could have seen more of your dad! And why the christmas lights, noooo! Spider was a cool lady. Waiting forward to the series of this

[@andy-tu2rx]

Enjoy the restoration and the fun my late dad had a few autotrails over the years, whenver and I see one i always think of him tinkering with it years back.special memories. Enjoy the journey

[@revivify5967]

Love it, going to be a cozy camper when you're finished with it 👍

[@GoogleProfile-rr5xh]

these were a great van. when i was doing night shifts i used drive one of these home for transport . 1990 mercedes van . best of luck with your project

[@MarkTheVicar]

Nice find, if things continue as they are I may find myself living in one....interesting times

[@kindelvanterpool1417]

Man that needs to be Saved in deed. Thats Good to go exporing Mate just get clothes, Food, and Fuel. Thumbs up👍 keep um coming mate.👍

[@mariettaolson9947]

Congratulations! It was fun to watch how excited you are about this camper. Best of luck on the project, can’t wait to see how it turns out!

[@terrycainarmit1982]

I know your pain mate, I have a smiley luton transit that’s been turned into a camper, only does 60 but happier at 55 lol. Will make a good camper that, love the look of those old mercs 👍

[@alasdairvincent6248]

You were lucky getting this old girl as a project. I would love one of these myself. The Diesel engines in these old Mercs are said to be very rugged and long lived. It’ll take loads of work to get this camper restored, but it will be well worth it. Looking forward to seeing how it works out.

[@jonnysprojects6549]

Use second as your first gear "first" was a granny gear for steep grades heavy loads ect 👌

[@philpoole5670]

I’ve driven the 307D and 308D back in the 80’s and 90’s doing upto 600 miles a day … fantastic vans reliable comfortable solid work horse…. Put an inline fuel filter before the main filter …. All the best with restoration

[@LDD-yh1bu]

I'm excited that you're so excited. Love the shirt.

[@kpsmithz]

The white thing on the wall in bathroom is a folding table and the long gray thing you thrown away is the awning skirt and the green sheet is the ground sheet for awning

[@tommyolsen8224]

Love that Mercedes-Benz , cant wait for more videos If this 😃

[@ronturner5560]

ps almost forgot, always good to change the air in the tires when a vehicle has been standing for some time.

[@jch2211]

I am just starting out at abandoned exploring and with so many projects Colin I am starting at yours. These projects need documenting just in case they don't get done.

[@Leepatrick3868]

Hi Colin , loving the old Merc camper , just a thought but if you want to tidy up the wooden bed slats , brushing them with either boiled linseed or danish oil is less time consuming than varnish and gives a good protective finish . 👍

[@2200hls]

Oh, wow this is looks like it's going to be a brilliant project!

[@Hadesdetecting]

Did the same (ish) last weekend in my dads motorhome he rescued,didn't go over 55mph for 200miles while the engine is still being run in.Great fun,looking forward to updates on the channel

[@simonwoodward438]

I have really fond memories of a 308 van I used to borrow when my modern vans were in for garage work. Despite having a gazillion miles on the clock it just soldiered on and one, brilliant trucks.

[@colinwatson8688]

Hi what a fantastic video the content is so different from your usual stuff but just as thrilling and interesting it was so good to see your excitement as you collected the purchase and drove it home something that along with many other subscribers I am sure like me share your excitement and looking forward to the follow on videos as you restore this wonderful camper to its former glory.

[@tracymac1111]

Oooooh I’m looking forward to seeing this fantastic project. We must save old vehicles not dump them all the time.

[@irenekessler6260]

It was so good to see the happiness surrounding you for being able to purchase the RV you wanted for so long 🌄🌲🚘👍💖 I giggled right along with you 😜

[@robertmills2054]

I hope you didn't throw away the grey plastic sheet with a bead down one side, as that clips on under the door between the wheels to stop a through draft into the awning that was in the large bag.

[@TheBeardedExplorer]

Nope still got it 😁

[@ronanmc2112]

Welcome to the world of Mercedes diesels. Slow to get going but they hold their speed and are very smooth at cruising speed. I’ve a 190D 2.5 non-turbo and I’d never change it.

[@wrightfamily4373]

Good luck just bought myself a talbot express it does 50. It’s a 1.9 non turbo non power steering. if your lucky on a downhill you can reach 60 if to push it

[@FRFRANKIE]

Hi Colin hope your doing well. That is one very cool video. I thought you were never going to get up to speed getting on the motorway, lol. One cool motor home. My parents still have their Vixen Moro home with a BMW Turbo diesel in it. It's so slow. Stay safe and take care.

[@MrVxrman]

A very nice project Colin 😎 I'm looking forward to seeing the progress. 😊🍻👍

[@shantidog1101]

Good luck with your projects. Top tip,sell all the other unfinished projects and nail 1 properly. Don't be that bloke like some of my pals with many unfinished motors ect,it never works out. 1 project,complete commitment !

[@jeanbanks7301]

I don't know how that's even road worthy, and the tyres, did you even pump them up, amazed it made it home.

[@timbird5494]

That was different to normal great video and that will make a great camper 👍👍

[@NoahClay6]

That is awesome you got to take that Mercedes and save it! Looking forward to seeing the progress of the restoration love those old diesels they are great engines. Great video keep it up.👍

[@craigstewart2545]

Great! Look forward to seeing your own take on it.

[@hollieandvanlife5885]

I bought myself one last year and doing it up!! So fun watching your video! :)

[@MelanieJolie]

I’m really looking forward to seeing how this project turns out 😊great find 👍❤️

[@darrenwilkins7670]

Great video Colin..Looking forward to seeing the progress on this!

[@yensabi]

Looks like a great project and I'm looking forward to it.... 👍

[@dg115]

Nice winter project, you lucky fella. Its a proper classic Mercedes too.

[@ianplatt1375]

Brought back memories loved the 308ds

[@raynaknierim9277]

Colin, you tickle me when you get so excited about this vehicle.😂 I bet it needs more than WD-40. I bet it lost some rust along the way. 😂😅. Thanks for sharing.

[@EddieG1888]

You can tell a lot about someone's character by how they treat little beasties like that spider.😊

[@dadcars]

I’m a Mercedes Vito man, I’m on my second. They are tremendous vans… their achilles heel is RUST! Mechanically brilliant but the bodywork rusts to bits. This will make an awesome project and will eventually be an amazing Dad vehicle 😎 think of the memories you could make with your family

[@TheBlackRobyn]

Love it! Can’t wait to see how it looks after some TLC!

[@ruthsaunders5806]

Really enjoyed watching this! I used to drive old Mercedes buses and that engine noise brings back some memories! Looks like a good project.

[@clairesims7275]

Blimey that’s a task ahead for you but fair play! I’ve been waiting to see some of your restoration videos so I can’t wait for that one. Great video 🌹

[@shawneeb3771]

I was surprised at how fantastic it ran. It needs work but most of them do when used, so good luck and thanks for sharing. Hope you make videos on your build.

[@joycousins8002]

Welcome to the campervan life, you got yourself a beauty. Spider ( aka George as we call ours) is a garden spider, we have had many lovely Georges in our camper including a huntsman, a trapdoor ( by our fuel cap) and some other ones, thankfully not a Redback ( live in Australia) . As you a camper owner don't forget to put stickers on the back of it. 😉

[@davidallum6841]

I'm looking forward to seeing you progress with your fantastic camper. Especially how you re-do the interior. Good luck with it.

[@catherineclark4484]

Would love to travel in one of them, can't wait to see it when its finished

[@grahamflemington5085]

My father used to run these on light haulage and courier work (and the 307D before it) they used to do galactic mileage. You’ve done well to find one with a reasonably good scuttle panel. Looking forward to watching how this develops.

[@paulrubery1042]

If it drives well the rest is just like a big shed to restore.all the best mate nice project.👍👍

[@elliswade2520]

Me and my boyfriend went to view this about a month ago, but it was to much of project for us. Good luck with it :)) least we can watch the updates with it on your channel 😂

[@The_KW]

Cracking van! Will keep an eye out if you're ever up a tour of the scottish highlands!

[@bbjohhny]

Loved this video, having just driven a very similar 310D Auto-Trail motorhome for the first time this weekend when I picked her up, great to see you having the same fun getting to grips with that gearbox and the rather sedate performance. Mine's a 5cyl 2.9, but no turbo, so similar glacial acceleration!

[@thegiftedjoiner8818]

Hey Johnny I just done the same I purchased a 410d camper auto trail cheiftain how bad is yours mine is minimal rust and mostly interior work

[@SonyaTucker]

Hi, know this was recorded over a year ago now, only just found this channel, but wow this camper is amazing, once you've given this a good service and fixing the repairs, and a good clean then it's just time to enjoy on your road trips etc there's nothing like it. Enjoy 🫶👍🏻😃

[@fhwolthuis]

Great stuff, Colin! 👌🏼

[@farmerveale]

That little musty brings back memories used to have one around my family farm still remember the reg f614yny

[@mattwestby1169]

Just come across your channel and watched you rescue that Mercedes motorhome.... What a project, can't wait to see your progress. Just subscribed as well 👍😁.

[@m1m3rmedia]

This is gonna be excellent!

[@truth.477]

Hi Mr bearded explorer I renovated an old 1990 clubman caravan and the a tip for the the window blinds is to take them off and spay paint them with rustolem primer and use matt or gloss spray mine came out wonderful like brand new! Saved us a few Bob on new ones! I think we spent £20 to 30 on the spray paint, also that plastic is the skirt for the bottom of the van if you was to have an awning x

[@truth.477]

Please don't tell me you threw it away! 🙈

[@gaddmeister]

Great buy! Look forward to the, rest.

[@charlietabone6162]

You brought an old piece of headache been there done that believe me not worth restore one of them headaches good luck

[@nicktasker4287]

That tin worm is 😮 That’s a big task buddy

[@Dubslag]

Mod the head gasket then push up the boost. It’s a good engine apart from the head gaskets

[@jamesherrick4927]

I did my apprenticeship on this shape merc van really reliable saw loads off these with 6, 7, 8 hundred thousand on clock. My dad had a 308d panel van which had a turboed 5 cylinder in, that would sit at 80 mph on motorway allday long. The gear stick tower bolts to the top off the gearbox on these's and there are 3 arms go on side off the gear box if you line all the arms up on the tower end with long 5mm allen key and adjust arms on gearbox end it should change gear smoother they are common for coming loose on gear box side too they are also common for jamming in 2 gears at the same time. There is a way to turn the fuel pump up with the round valve on top of the fuel pump too but it's being a while since I played with one its a atmospheric valve. If you intend keeping it I would seriously think about putting the 5 cylinder engine in if it has not already if you can find one. There have alot better power output for the motor home versions. I think the turbos are only low pressure turbos too not like the ones we have now I could be wrong any intake leak and they stop working just make nosie lol. You can also get a power steering conversion for them too I did loads where I worked. Good find mate they are hard to find now especially still running. Good luck with the restoration.

[@theflyingsquad4585]

1990s I serviced and replaced two of the garage I worked at. 308d fantastic engine and gearbox, I wish you well in the restoring project

[@dotherightthingbro]

Have you ever wondered how collections like these happen.? Well you see it’s from good intentions of getting the vehicles back on the road again just like Colin is doing. They in turn move on from on car to the next and not quite finishing it off because they have found the one they really wanted. One day someone will be exploring Colins collection of old rusty cars and telling viewers how heartbreaking it is seeing all these cars sitting and turning into dust. The viewers will be wondering why too. So is Colin turning into one of his finds lol ?

[@comfortouch]

There's a TV show in the States called 'Hoarders' that is full of people with good intentions.

[@garysmith1206]

How did that pass its MOT.

[@johnnyross3340]

Good luck with your new project... Don't know how it got an M.O.T 3 weeks before too many holes around . But will be a fun project to keep tabs on