Revival of a car stored 20 years

[Don Schuette]

I am looking for any basic steps that will need to be taken to revive (bring out of storage) a 1968 big block. Apparently the motor cylinders were filled with oil and the gas tank was filled with gas before the car was stored in a warehouse that never got below forty degrees. I know the brakes, tank, and fuel lines will need cleaned out, as well as the carb probably rebuilt. The car looks good, the frame is good; what's it going to take to revive the motor? Will the 427/390 run on Amoco ultimate? Will I need to add lead?


Thanks, Don Schuette

[Jerry]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Hi Don:


Where do you guys find these cars? My 69 400 built to 475 will run on 93 octane without additives so I would suspect a 390 should have no problem. As for the rebirth, all filters and fluids should be changed. You might experience some electrical corrosion that will make itself known upon start up or shortly there after. I would run it for a couple of hours then change oil and filters again. Shine a small flashlight into the tank and check for condensation induced rust, possibly a tank removal and cleaning may be in order. I am sure others will have suggestions to add to this. Best of Luck.


jerry

[Jeff Gunn]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Don, It is funny that you posted this message today...I was surfing the web and came upon a short article I wrote back in '97 about bringing vehicles out of long term storage. This was based on my experience with my '71 Javelin (10 year storage), '78 Jeep Cherokee (3 year storage), and '74 Corvette (13+ year storage). The URL (web address) is http://offroad-net.com/~ifsja/tech/misc/storage.htm It is pretty short, but hits the high notes. I would add that you will want to pull the distributor and use a drill equipped with the proper tool to spin the oil pump before you crank the engine over. This fully lubricates the engine internals and valvetrain. Also, the valvesprings are probably shot from sitting in the same position for 20 years, and hydraulic lifters will also tend to collapse from the spring pressure. You could damage the cam or valve train if you start the engine with a collapsed lifter. You may want to replace the valvesprings and lifters prior to starting the engine. I would also add that with my Corvette, and probably yours, the brake calipers leaked fluid all over the place. DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL YOU CHECK THE BRAKES!! Jeff

[Wayne W.]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Have no fear. My 31 Cadillac sat from 1941 till 1991. Fired up and ran still havent done any thing to it.

[Duke W.]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Wayne -- the fuel tank must have been drained and other storage procedures accomplished(?).


Duke

[Wayne W.]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Oh yea, I had to do all of those things. What I am saying is engines sometimes fare pretty well even after sitting for a long time. All hoses, belts everything was completely rotted off the engine. I got a 5 gallon bucket of rust out of the block. After 5,000 miles shes still running great.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Couldn't I just take out the spark plugs; pour a light lubricant in the cylinder (Marvel Mystery Oil, WD-40, etc.); ground the coil wire; and, spin the engine with the starter to get the oil pressure up and get everything lubricated before starting?

[Jerry]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Hi Chris:


I would advise against this method as it doesn't take valvetrain, cam bearings , main bearings,rod bearings, etc. into consideration, all of which will be completely dry after this length of time, get the tool to drive the pump through the distributor and do it correctly.


jerry

[Juliet P.]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Make sure you check the fuel lines for rot before you start it and shortly afterwards, when they've been under pressure & suction. Also understand that the new alcohol crap they put in the "winter fuels" will disentigrate the older hoses in short order. I believe that it wasn't until '71 or '72 when the formulation of the lines changed.


I don't mean to be melodramatic here, but roll it out of the garage and into the driveway first.... and Definately!!! have a fire extinguisher handy.... just incase. Spritzing fuel and broken down wire insulators & sparks are not a good combination. Good Luck. :) ~Juliet

[Bill Baird]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Probably best not to have a Suburban parked anyway nearby as well. ;)


Bill Baird

[Juliet P.]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Hee Hee Hee... yeah that and an icy driveway is bad too. :D Gee, and I didn't think that anyone actually read that post on this board.... ~Juliet

[Jerry]

Re: Revival of a car stored 20 years

Oh yes Juliet, read it, didn't know weather to laugh or cry.


jerry