Project 1978

[Timbalero]

I found this 1978 that has been park for the least 10 years. The car hasn't been started since then. The owner drained all the fluids and prep the car for storage. He started the work of replacing some parts, bought a whole lot of new parts (hood, body kit, and more) but was transfered to another state and is giving me the car. He strip the car to the bone to get it painted . Even took the windshield and all the rubbers seals off to replace them. He has all the new seals. According to him there was no problem with the engine before he park it. Is an excellent project. The assembly part is not a problem for me. I am retired so I got enough time to work on it. My only concern is what to do to get it start it. What should I look for after I replace all the fluids and put a new battery. Should I put new spark plugs first? I will really appreciate any input from you guys... Thank you for your help.

 

[jdp6000]

I would check the frame before you start spending money. You need a solid foundation. If structually everything is good. I would then proceed to restoration.

I don't know how to advise you on starting a car thats been sitting for 10 years. Maybe someone else with more experience has some suggestions.

Jim

 

[brusso]

I'd probably treat it like a new or rebuilt engine. If possible, try to turn the oil pump for a few seconds before starting for the first time. I've used a 1/2" drill and an old large flat tip scewdriver. Cut the handle off of the screwdriver and insert it into the drill. Remove the distrbutor and insert flat tip screwdriver, making sure that you have a good fit in the oil drive slot. May want to remove the distributor and check for screwdriver fit, before you hack off the scewdriver handle. Oh yah, use a clockwise rotation.


Also may want to remove all of the sparkplugs and squirt a once or two of motor oil into the cylinders. Crank it over for about 10 seconds and replace spark plugs with new ones.

 

[mkapp7879]

I would check the frame before you start spending money. You need a solid foundation. If structually everything is good. I would then proceed to restoration. Jim

I agree, especially if it's been sitting for 10 years on the windward side of the island. I'm sure you know what that Hawaii humidity and salt air can do! Ate my Nova UP when I lived there!!
Mike

 

[atmmac]

Ive been there done that with this. My 66 impala sat for 20 years. Heres what you have to do:

1.First off change the oil and the filter.
2.Put in a new battery.
3.Change your spark plugs and wires and squirt a bit of marvel mystery oil into each cylinder. (i actually filled one of those windex spray bottles) You probably want to change out your points,rotor, and cap too! (i had to)
4.Disconnect the wire from the coil that goes to your distributor cap. Now bump the engine with your ignition key. This should help restore some compression.
5.Get a radiator flush and follow the directions to clean out your radiator.
6.Now check out your belts and make sure theyre not too cracked or frayed. I would just go ahead and replace them.
7.Change your fuel filter.
8.Spray some starting fluid in that carb and prepare for it to start.
9.After you have it started i would recommend changing the tranny fluid and putting in a new filter.

Also when i first started mine my water pump had **** the bed so i had to replace it. Apparently they dont like to sit for 20 years.

Good Luck!!

 

[dj.52]

I bought a 76 that sat for 17 years. The sad part was he just had the rear end rebuilt by bairs corvette before he sat it all that time. It has costed me more money and time than I thought because of RUSTED parts. I cant count the numerous hours under the car sanding the frame and other pieces.

1. CHECK THE FRAME!!!!! from experience you dont want a pitted rusted frame or anything else badly rusted, check the frame rails, floor pan and radiator support and other high priced setbacks if rusted badly.

2. Before startup, oil the cylinders up(squirt oil through the heads). If you start it without lubing the piston walls you will destroy the piston rings.