78silver

I have several cars that have been sitting in a garage for about 25 years now. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or any links to information on getting cars that have sit like these back to a drivable condition. I am not looking for a restoration, but just to get them back to a safe driving condition. Do I need to tear these engines down or what. Also what is that corvette book that tells all the specifics on a certain year?? Thanks ahead of time.


[Modified by 78silver, 12:21 PM 8/29/2003]

rrent

I'd try to locate a forum for older vehicles - I have a '52 Studebaker truck and have seen discussions regarding starting motors after years of being out of service.

I like to introduce some Marvel Mystery Oil (not sure it thats the correct nadme - red can - any parts store should have it) into the cylinders and see if the motor can be tured over. Then new plugs; points; wires --- carb rebuild and try to start that puppy.

Of course if you plan to turn it over with the starter you will have checked the wires (mice love to chew wires -- not sure why) and put ina charged battery. Then new plugs; points; wires --- carb rebuild and try to start that puppy.

Next up is the fluids -- porbably want to change all those.

And where does brake fluid go when a car sits for a year or two -- hopefully the brakes won't need bleeding.

After brakes you'll want to check the tires. - Here (in Texas) you would need lights; wipers; emergency brake; exhaust without leaks and the like for an inspection sticker.

I'm sure there are many other things I haven't thought of. Hopefully some of the other guys here will catch what I haven't mentioned.

good luck
Ronnie

heres a couple of sites you might try: http://www.georgiastudebaker.com/disc1_toc.htm http://www.network54.com/Forum/23885?fromad=1 http://www.studebakerstyle.com/forums/index.php

78silver

I would still love to hear anyones stories or advice. Can't wait to get the big block going this winter.

OddBall

The '78 silver I bought had sat for 4 years.
The engine was in pretty good shape, the body
and interior was a nightmare though. The first
thing I did to get her road-worthy was:
1. Replaced anything fluid.
coolant, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid.
2. Replaced almost everything rubber
hoses and belts are critcal, my brake lines
were ok.I went ahead and replaced the actuator lines
for the headlights.
Check your body mounts too.
3. Had the Coolent system boiled out.
4. New starter
5. New alternator
6. New points and plugs, and ignition harness
7. New grease boots and obviously, - grease
8. I went ahead and replaced the Universals, on the
main and half-shafts as well. I figured with a 25 year-old
car, it would be better to be safe than sorry.
I'm sure I've left some stuff out. Main thing is to focus on the
critical systems.

here's a couple of before-n-after pics
still got some work to do though
Good luck with yours!

Stewart's74

WOW! I'm not too keen on the 2 tone vettes but that blue and silver looks awesome. Great job!

markdtn

I agree with the above, but I would take the fluid change one step further. After you change the oil, take the distributor out and spin the oil pump with a drill to get some oil circulating before you try to start it. :iagree:

78whtshark

Dan,

check your hotmail email.

The biggest and most important thing is patience. After 15 years, my 1970 project car started.

Ralph

OkeeGuy

there is a neat little program that gives a ton of vette info...
ill email it to you...

78silver

Bump