rather start here where I have some investment and trust in the advice.

wondering about start up after approx 20 years in storage of a 66 Tbird that I may purchase for my son.  reported to have been kept in humidity controlled garage, along with other cars by a "car guy", so it may be in good shape... all things considered.  going to see it in a couple of days.

specifically wondering about pre-oil before starting... can I do the same thing as with a Yblock... using a drill to spin the oil pump and get oil to the top of the engine and valve train... or is an FE completly different?

send me elsewhere if you know of a better place to gather info.

thanks in advance, Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

You can do the same pre-oiling method with the distributor shaft. If it has been sitting and not started for a long time, check the cooling system (Tstat sticking closed could be a problem) and what the gas is like. In the past, I have also pulled the plugs, given each cylinder a small squirt of oil, and cranked the engine with the coil wire off a few revolutions. Fresh oil and filter and fresh gas also. If the gas smells like varnish, best to drain it out and fill with new fuel. Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Mark,

        Further on the gas thing. Might be a good idea to pop the top off the carb and clean out the mouse pellets and varnish before you try. And, speaking of rodents, wouldn't hurt to look for chewed up wiring before you start a fire.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

20 years,.

i'd drain all gas for sure. follow the fuel lines and look for cracks. or opt to run from a gas can. drain oil, replace filter, fuel filter, remove carb and inspect all gaskets. the power valve will probably fail as it gets brittle. that will probably need a rebuild.

def. do the oil cylinder squirt. verify all wiring for ignition. replace spark plug wires. they also break down after time and you wont see it. replace dist cap and check points if used (remove any oxidation/corrosion) use a full charge battery. fire extinguisher handy. check/replace carb to manifold gasket, that will probably be cracked too and vacuum leak will kill it right at start up. just remember, parts that sit unused, get brittle and crack. drain radiator, replace t=stat. check rad. hoses. you may opt to hook up a mechanical oil pressure gauge and water temp gauge. that will help tell you how engine is doing while under the hood.

video tape it and share with us!

This ain't no L-Kamino!

eh... the old gummer wanted $15K for the 'bird... or else he really did not want to sell it!

next car we hoped to check out was/is a 63 full size Mercury, again reported to have a 390 in it... this one said to be running and in good shape... craigslist find, but after one call to the seller to arrange a look-see, he's gone MIA...

son is pretty disgusted; he's also trying to find a part time job to help pay for insurance on his first car... when he buys  a car; having a hard time finding someone to hire a 16 yr old with no job experience yet.

stay tuned and send us good vibes!

thanks,Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

Mark ,

Try placing an ad in "Classified " forum . There are a lot of great guys on this forum and you never know what someone has for sale ??? I was offered 5 cars last year after placing an ad . Ended up buying a 57 Thunderbird that was once owned by Bill Duncan ( RIP ) .I'm sure someone has a project that is looking for a new home & a new ( young & keen ) owner .

Lon

yblocksdownunder

good idee, Lon...

heading over there right now!

Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

I have a beautiful 62 Galaxie XL Rust free never a patch 352 Auto for $10,000, and if he wouldn't mind a pickup I have a 58 with fresh Y Block $5000  and a 1969 F100 with a 302 near rust free excellent floor mats for $3000, I can drive any of them to Columbus if need be. I can send pics if you want. All excellent drivers that should last years.

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?