What do you do first to fix a car that has been sitting for nearly 9 years?

Question

I am a recent college graduate and have had my eye on a beutiful 1952 Ford Crestline Victoria since 2002. The only problem is, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The car, best I can tell, has been sitting in the back in a hidden corner of a rarely used parking lot since 1998, though the body is in fair shape considering. Now that I have a steady paycheck, I am currently trying to locate the owner or (if that isn't possible) get a salvage title on the car. However, I don't know exactly what I need to do before move a car that has been sitting for so long. Should I get fresh gas/battery and try to start it? Would tires that still seem ok really be fine after not rolling for so long? If I do indeed get this car, what do I do first?

Thank you so much for all your helpful responces! I am new at this.

If I find the owner, how much should I offer for such a car? The NADA site puts a low retail '52 at $6,425, however that is for a mechanically functional car... which this is obviously not. Thanks again.

Answer 1

first you need, a new battery, new gas, check the ignition system to make sure it works, and the tires should be fine if they hold air. just make sure all the fluids are fine.

Answer 2

No, sorry, you aren't to any extent further going to get over his lack of life. it receives a lot less stressful, and the dimensions of time that takes varies from human being to human being. My daughter became stillborn almost 9 years in the past, and that i have were given myself to the point the position i do not cry for her each of the time now, yet my exhusband (her father) has ended up a inebriated and drug addict because he's under no circumstances realized a thanks to grieve for her and only couldn't cope. What helped me became chatting with those who've had a similar tragedy, and realising that what you're feeling is carefully ok. Cos what i stumbled on demanding became that I felt like i became going loopy and that i became a wuss cos I wasn't coping. There must be s help team someplace close-by using (i do not understand the position you're, in Australia we've Sids n little ones) that may steer you in the right route for some help. one ingredient to keep in innovations even with the truth that, take it common on your self, be type to your self, settle for that what's taking place is probable a classic ingredient and would have an end in some unspecified time sooner or later. i'm hoping it receives a lot less stressful for you.

Answer 3

I'd get a roll back to haul it back to the shop, they can put dollies under the wheels to get it on the roll back. I'd then jack it up remove the wheels and start inspecting. You'll probably end up doing a full restore so you might as well start it right. I've freed up stuck motors by soaking em in kerosene, and got em to running but for a car I wanted to keep I'd do things right, like complete teardowns. Good Luck with it! And have fun!

Answer 4

Before even thinking much more of it, pop the hood and see if you can turn the engine over by hand...if it is seized the engine will have to be torn down and at the VERY LEAST ,have the cylinders reamed and honed and new rings on the pistons. If you don't do this and just force it free, the rust in the cylinders will just chew the rings up anyway. If the eng is ok then new gas & definitely an oil & filter change before cranking, tires may get it home but I would recommend changing them before any trips. good luck!

Answer 5

Snuffy is right. If its been sitting that long, you're NOT gonna drive it away. Be prepared to tow it home. You'll likely have to rebuild every single mechanical and electrical sub-system in the car.

Post back when you actually buy the car, I'll tell you how I fixed up my '54 Bel-Air when I bought it.

Answer 6

My first priority would be to see if the engine turns over by hand(don't even try to start it.). The first thing to do is make sure the transmission will shift into neutral. Then hire a flat bed car carrier to take it to were you are going to store it while you work on it. Once you get it there,the first thing to do is rebuild the carburetor. Otherwise you may just have your "new" car go up in flames.

Answer 7

definetly new gas, drain the old gas if you can,make sure you get LEADED gas for something that old they do make a lead additive you'll have to mix I never used it,new batt thats just the beginning good luck car guy have fun

Answer 8

Jiffy Lube and Auto Zone!

Answer 9

it will need all new rubber parts including tires :(

also change all the fluids

Answer 10

PRAY