Good Evening,

I need to pick the brains of some folks with regards to a restoration project. A friend of mine recently told me I can have an abandoned project G wagon, provided I haul it off his property. It rolls, brakes and steers and barely runs. It’s been sitting for 8 years. The specific model is a 1980 280 GE. It’s a four door with barn style split doors in the rear. Overall I would say it’s in decent shape considering. It’s a gray market import and looms like a mil model that was converted by a coach company. He chassis/undercarriage is in good shape and my friend assure me with a modern fuel injection, engine service, brakes, etc, it will be a fine runner. My intent is to make it a solid, everyday workhorse. My big concerns are rot around the windshield frame where the windshield meets the firewall as well as a few odd spots around the rear fender. Otherwise it’s in remarkably good condition condition. I’m willing to put some coin into it, the question is how much is too much for something like this? My guess is 15-20k should get this to where I want it, but the three differential system for the 4x4 scares me a bit. Also, I’ve no idea if new body panels can be sourced. Can someone point me towards a specialist who takes on projects like this?

$20k can disappear in a hurry on an obsolete German cult vehicle like the G Wagen. Where are you located? That will help identify potential restorers.

In New Jersey (Google found it):

https://expeditionmotorcompany.com

I’m located in Hawaii and planning on shipping it to the mainland as there isn’t really anyone who specializes in these here that I’ve found. I’m moving to the mainland and wanted to take it with me as a project. My friend is a mechanic and just didn’t have time to work/finish the project. I’ve seen these go in the 30k range, so a 20k investment doesn’t seem bad for my dream truck. I have no intention of flipping it since my friend is basically giving it away. He seemed to think 20k should be more than enough, but the diffs scare me. I know f you don’t use a system like that regularly it’s no bueno. How hard is it to convert the mechanical injection to modern standards? Are the diffs worth rebuilding if they are shot? I am willing to ship it anywhere in the lower 48 that will do the work if they are specialists in this model. I think it’s worth 10k just as it sits based off similar condition ones I have seen sell.

I tried calling Expedition but they said they only work on the wolf model, nothing else. They didn’t have anyone to point me towards, they said the people qualified to work on these are ‘scarce’

https://www.collieautoworks.com/gwagen.php

IMO this is a project that likely doesn't end well, at the investment level you have identified. You can buy a decades newer G-Wagen in running condition for the investment you are willing to make.

What is the reason you are attracted to this vehicle?

Im attracted to the fact that it’s the second year they did these and it’s so utilitarian and functional. No luxury at all, just reliable solid craftsmanship. I’m also highballing what I think it wills cost based off parts and availability of panels. Your correct certainly I’ve seen ready to go models on Bring a Trailer in the 25-30k range of a 90-91 vintage. Part of it is that it seems a shame for a survivor like that to be left to rot. Is in remarkably good condition for the era, I just don’t know if I should gamble on bringing it across the finish line as an investment, hoping it will appreciate a bit. I’m confident I can get my money back if I don’t go OVER a 20k invest, but more than that and I’m gambling a bit.

Is there any data that supports a 1980 280 GE having appreciation potential? If it were me I would walk away from this vehicle.

They seem to be holding at about 25-30 ish depending on condition. The wolf models seem to be what’s ‘in’ right now. They are getting pretty up there for mil spec restos. I’ve seen some immaculate 280 four door models in the 40 range at auction. but otherwise, not really any data to support it getting higher than 40ish. Which would really be a high high level resto.