Where do I start ?????????

[fred rau]

Hello All,
I'm a newbie to this. So please be gentle. I have a 59 original car. 17K miles and not started for 13 years. Always garaged and running 100% before it was left to sit. Where do I begin to get this little gem back on the road. Please help. And thanks in advance for your time.

[fred rau]

Re: Where do I start ?????????

Do you think I can just change all the fluids and try to crank it up? Do I need to drain what is in the gas tank ?

[Stephen L.]

Re: Where do I start ?????????

It wouldn't hurt to change fluids and drain the tank. You may also want to spray a lubricant in the cylinders. Don't be surprised if the brakes begin to leak and the seals begin to leak.

[Dave Suesz]

[fred rau]

[Mike E.]

[Rob A.]

Re: Where do I start ?????????

Fred,

As far as where to start, you already have the hard part done. You found a great, original car. You'll get a lot of valuable advice on this site from very experienced people. None more valuable(in my opinion) than keeping it original. Good luck...

[Travis Williamson]

[Mike B.]

Re: Where do I start ?????????

Fred,

Just curious. Where/how did you find such a time capsule?

Good advice from everyone so far. Here is another tip. Fill the oil filter/canister with oil before mounting it back on the car. It will help to build oil pressure much faster. And as already suggested, wet down the cylinders with MM Oil, leave the plugs out and hand crank it to make sure the rings aren't seized. With the plugs still out, I'd then remove the coil wire, and crank the engine over a few seconds at a time to build oil (and fuel) pressure. Then replace the plugs and give it a rip. If no spark, check that the points aren't corroded. And definitely flush out the tank with some fresh gas. There is a small drain plug on the bottom of the tank. Be careful with the drop light for the risk of fire as gas will surely be everywhere!

Where are you located? If you have trouble, I am sure that there are plenty of guys that will be willing to help (myself included)just for the joy of seeing it come back to life.

Best of luck,
Mike