New US owner of 1983 G-Wagen

Hi - I'm the new owner of a 1983 G-Wagen -- 300GD. Although it needs a lot of TLC right now, I'm pretty excited to have this vehicle that so many gearheads seems to revere.

I bought the G for use in the mountains of middle Tennessee, where I've relocated since evacuating from New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina.

Right now, I'm having the vehicle converted for Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) fuel, which was a big reason I purchased a diesel 4x4.

PARTS NEEDED: I'm currently looking for a new muffler & tailpipe assembly. I may also be in the market for a new instrument panel -- currently the odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and one instrument panel light are not working. I also need a rear back-up light (the whole lamp housing is missing) and perhaps a red turn signal housing for the side turn signal at the rear of the passenger side.

The rear passenger-side rear shock absorber has broken out of its housing, so my mechanic in Woodbury TN is looking for a used part he can weld in there.

I'm working with a friend on some kinks and shorts in the electrical system. In addition to the instrument panel problems, currently the clock is not working, the brake lights don't work, and the reverse/back-up lights don't work.

Otherwise, there is a lot of rust that I'm working on, in preparation for having the G-Wagen painted.

I'll welcome any suggestions and support from others here who are more knowledgeable and experienced with old G-Wagens like mine. I'm especially interested in connecting with G owners in the US, but I'll accept support from wherever it comes. Thanks!