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

Another project for my ever growing collection which I’ve saved from a previous location i filmed... Today I’m saving a 1987 Mercedes 308D Motorhome which has been parked up for a long long time… sadly It Is going to need a fair amount of work to bring It back up to a usable Standard. But work has already started so stay tuned for progress videos coming soon!…
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[@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.

[@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

[@tstuart7333]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😘😊

[@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 👍

[@pennyblack2707]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.🙂🙂

[@anthonybrowne4022]

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

[@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 . 👍

[@johnathanrowley2707]

Nice to see it rescued and going to a good home

[@Philipmarlowe77]

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🎉🎉😊

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. 💕🇦🇺

[@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.

[@ronturner5560]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.👍

[@haydnbroughton148]

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

[@garethnorwood2084]

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

[@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 !

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@denisesmith2745]

You saved it!! Thank you, Colin

[@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.

[@MelanieJolie]

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

[@MrVxrman]

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

[@davidallum6841]

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

[@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.

[@jonnysprojects6549]

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

[@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 👌👍

[@craigstewart2545]

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

[@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 😜

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@2200hls]

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

[@darrenwilkins7670]

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

[@MistyLaneLoveConquersALL]

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

[@revivify5967]

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

[@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.

[@the_fearless_explorer1213]

What a fantastic project. Not many of these around now. It will be brilliant when done. Fair play colin. Hope your well love and light my friend....

[@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 👍😁.

[@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

[@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 👍

[@briansnail7362]

i think you are ment to warm the glow plugs first ,the orange button with a curly symbol on for about 10 seconds

[@kevvywevvywoo]

the glow plugs on these are automatic, just turn the ignition on, wait for the light to go out then start.

[@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 🌹

[@yensabi]

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

[@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.

[@TheBlackRobyn]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@EddieG1888]

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

[@Yorkmedia1]

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

[@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

[@marcdelaunay1]

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

[@hollieandvanlife5885]

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

[@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.👍

[@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.

[@MarkTheVicar]

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

[@fhwolthuis]

Great stuff, Colin! 👌🏼

[@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

[@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 👍

[@karenfountain1352]

Congratulations on your camper love it,but have your work cut out will look amazing when it's finished can't wait to see keep them coming 🙏❤️🇬🇧

[@gaddmeister]

Great buy! Look forward to the, rest.

[@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.

[@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

[@garrypeachey]

Just found your channel can't wait to see the rest of your work and your videos 😊

[@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. 😉

[@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

[@paulchilds8884]

great video looking forward to its new journey

[@timbird5494]

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

[@The_KW]

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

[@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.

[@ianplatt1375]

Brought back memories loved the 308ds

[@farmerveale]

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

[@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

[@lauzp9487]

Ah this is so cool I can't wait to see it when it's all sorted 😍🙂 thankyou for sharing! Xx

[@curleex3838]

Would love to see some updates/progress videos of this particular restoration! Looks really interesting ✊

[@Tony-zt3zy]

Looking forward to see what you do with it I hope you show everything from start to finish? Some of us here in the states sometimes call that the shagging wagon LOL stay safe.

[@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.

[@tommyolsen8224]

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

[@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

[@alexpalmer9894]

Great video,what a lovely old camper van , looking forward to next installment, looking for a bargain myself, 👍👍

[@ChrisandHeathervanlife]

I love the old Mercs, I think the turbo must be aftermarket as never remember them having one pre Sprinter. We have a 1973 Transit motorhome that has been sat on the drive for 12 years but you would have to be very brave to take that one on.

[@raymondmumford6255]

It’s awesome, great layout, it will clean up and do up really well 😊

[@briansweeney2291]

Nice Colin 👍😎 a great challenge 👍

[@paulrubery1042]

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

[@LDD-yh1bu]

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

[@Julia-xg5yx]

Can't wait to see the next stage

[@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 😂

[@catherineclark4484]

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

[@dg115]

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