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its been sitting 27 years...


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Im looking at getting a complete, nearly rust free roller for 500$. Problem is it has sat for 27 years (in a garage at least). what would need to be done? Ive been told that the brakes and clutch would need work but have no idea where to find info on these topics. I do plan on a complete engine rebuild or swap depends on which is cheaper.

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Change fluids, especially oil, fuel, coolant and brake fluid (don't forget the clutch master uses brake fluid).

 

Brakes will need to be replaced, likely including the flex lines.

 

Belt(s) should be changed. Wiper blades will be dry rotted, as will the tires.

 

You will likely need to rebuild the carbs.

 

Check over all of the systems for functioning, brakes, clutch, electrical.

 

When you change the oil, I would pull the cam cover off and when adding the new oil, pour it over the cam and followers, to coat them with oil.

 

Pull all the spark plugs and put a little oil in each cylinder, crank the engine over by hand spraying a little more oil in each cylinder after a revolution. What you're trying to do is get a thin coat of oil on the cylinders to take the harshness out of a dry start.

Once the engine is nicely turning over by hand, you can connect a battery, with the ignition system disconnected, to get oil through the oil galleys.

Once there is good oil pressure, and oil through out the engine, you can reinstate the ignition system, and attempt to start the engine.

 

You will likely find that door seals and such will also need to be replaced.

 

Fuel lines may be brittle, so replace those, along with filters.

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Tranny and diff fluid wouldn't be a bad idea either. As well as spark plug wires as they may have corroded. All or most of the bushings will probably be dry rotted. Probably want to drain the fuel tank. If it was me I'd also drop the oil pan. You're definitley looking at some work, nothing too crazy, but you will probably have a couple weeks at least of work before you can really get the thing road worthy. If you're looking for a project car, sounds like a great candidate, but it will likely take a while to get it going. That is a good deal though, I bought my fairly rust free shell that had been in a minor accident and had sat outside for a long time for 475, and it didn't have an engine or tranny or anything like that.

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I recently did the same thing as you just recently and bought the car running. the first thing i did was check all the spark plugs, bought a new fuel filter, drained all old gas, and changed the oil. the lucky thing for me is that the car only sat for 5 months and i got it running for 45 dollars.you as well are going to want to buy a new battery and most likely replace the terminals as well. brakes are an obvious one and make sure you have appropriate tools for the back brakes (the shoes), or have someone help your or your in for a mess. as well change any old cracked fuel lines or vacuum lines. replace all the bushings for the undercarriage is highly recommended but not a must, you can pick up a kit for 170 dollars roughly off Motorsport. i would as well check all your struts, i put lowering springs on my car and one of the struts was completely shot and had no resistance, i could pull up on it and the strut would just drop down which iv'e never seen. make sure to also fill up on all your brake fluid and bleed your clutch and brakes. if you get it running make sure all your lights are working so you dont get pulled over :), and replace your air filter. for the most part that i think will keep you busy give you a good start. hope this helps:)

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If it's made of rubber, replace it.

If it's a fluid, flush the system and change it.

If it's lubricated by a fluid, prime the system.

If it's a normal wear item, replace it.

 

A car that's been sitting non-op for that long is going to need a lot of love, but once you address all of those issues you should have the joy of all of the parts that didn't get a ton of use!

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