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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.
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.
changing all the fluids, drain and flush the fuel tank, engine, raditor, brakes. Axle and trans, too, if you want to be thorough. Pull the plugs, give the cylinders a squirt or two of light oil before you attempt to start. I would consider removing the distributor and using a oil pump adapter tool on a drill to circulate the new oil in the engine before starting. If you make a small paint mark on the distributor flange first, you'll be able to get the timing pretty close upon re-installing. Turn the engine over a few times on the starter to get the oil into the cylinder walls, rings, and valves, and to get gas into the fuel pump, filter, and carb. Then install the plugs and go for it. It'll smoke, because of the oil, but should clear out pretty quick.
I'm going to give it a shot. I'll let you know how I make out. Then I'm sure I'll have lots more Questions. By the way this car is VERY original. Never seen rain and everything is on her. If you need me to check my car to help you out with any particular parts etc please let me know. E-Mail address is raucrewelkton@aol.com. Thanks again.
Fred,
As you attempt to start the car, DON'T CHANGE/MODIFY/MESS UP ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
There are far too few of those cars that are absolutely unmodified, unchanged, and unmessed up. There are all sorts of cars that have been modified, rebuilt, restored, etc.
For the bowtie judging process, which is the most difficult to achieve, you don't want to repaint, derust, etc. anything. Factory original is what is paramount in that judging.
In fact, I'd probably find two nice running 59's to trade for your non-running 59 if it has been untouched.
Check out the 4-star (bowtie) judging parameters through the NCRS before you do anything---a car is only original ONCE!!!!
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...
I am going through the same thing as you are right now, except your car is a bit older.
Defintely drain the fuel tank.
I drained and replaced all the fluids. I then removed the spark plugs and got a some marvel mystery oil in an oil squirt can the took a 2 foot long hose with a diameter small enough to fit into the spark plug hole and shot a bit of the mystery oil into each cylinder. I reinstalled the plugs so that moisture wouldn’t enter the cylinders and let it sit for about a day. I then removed the plugs and took a socket and breaker bar and turned the crank over by hand. The reason I did this is so I could feel what kind of shape the rings are in, like if they were bonded to the cylinder walls. I didn’t want to use the starter because the application of an instant high torque could possibly snap a piston ring and do a lot of damage inside the cylinder. Once you get it going by hand then use the starter to blow out any remaining excess oil because fluids don’t compress and if there is too much remaining inside the cylinder you could damage a valve or rod.
Just my two cents worth.
Good luck and if you have any pictures Id like to see them.
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.
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