Starting After Long Term Storage

[87_TX_T-type]

So before towing the car back to town I thought it might be a good idea to make sure there are no surprises. I also took a few pictures. There is a good layer of dust, but the engine bay is still pretty spotless. (Apologies if my picture posting doesn't work the first time.)

Side View

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 7, 2017

Interior

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 7, 2017

Front

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 7, 2017

Engine

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 7, 2017

Engine Blanket

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 7, 2017

 

[87_TX_T-type]

In addition to prepping the engine for re-start, I've identified a few other issues I'll have to address early on. Any input/suggestions/additions would be appreciated. (I'll be searching the forum in the meantime.) Please feel free to add your two cents.

1) Car is probably too heavy to push onto the trailer, so I might need to winch it. Any suggestion on where to attach the winch hook as to not damage anything.
2) Body is in good shape with exception of the painted plastic trim between the grill and front bumper in addition to trunk and rear bumper. Plastic is cracked which I understand is not too uncommon. Are there are suppliers I should or should not use?
3) Same goes for some of the rubber weather stripping. It will need to be replaced.
4) Tires are flat and most likely dry rotted. Is there a tire preference for these cars?
5) This is a weird one... There is a "club" attached to the steering wheel. I can't seem to find the key, but I hope that changes. Any suggestions on getting that sucker off without damaging the interior? Freezing/drilling the lock? I really don't won't to want to attack it with the grinder.

Thanks everyone!

 

[marcar1993]

As for a place to pull from, the best would be to bring a nice sling or strap (fabric!) to go around the big crossmember under the engine between the wheels. Then hook the winch to that. Do be careful that it does not pull upwards too much and crack anything under the bumper area.

 

[Texas82GP]

This guy makes it look pretty easy to pick the lock on the club. Do a search. There are several other videos out there.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...jz9NL4&usg=AFQjCNHbkBWh9Se8QXatnccQ3sod_HiEtA

To pull the car up on the trailer, there are oval shaped holes on the outside of the front frame horns behind where the bumper mounts. You could put the hook of each end of a tow chain in those openings, and then pull on the center of the chain with your comealong or winch. Watch the lower air dam for clearence. I would not wrap anything around the crossmember under the engine to pull the car by for fear of crushing the brake line that is bolted to the back side of the crossmember.

 

[Texas82GP]

On the bumper fillers, I was hoping someone with direct experience would chime in but I've heard good things on here about the Goodmark fiberglass bumper fillers. I think 565bbchevy used them on his Regal but not certain.

 

[Jeff L]

I had a car in storage for over 4 years a long time ago and like yourself the tires were no good. (The car was stored outside on a concrete slab and covered, gas, radiator/coolant and oil drained out before storage) I replaced the tires and decided to do a brake job. Found the wheel bearings dried out or gummy and replaced and repacked them. Replaced upper and lower radiator hoses, all others looked ok. Changed transmission and rear gear fluid. Changed spark plugs and sprayed some oil into the cylinders before putting the plugs back on. Changed fuel filter, cap, rotor, plug wires. Added all the other fluids I needed. Turned the engine over a few times with the coil unplugged so it would not start. Was turning over ok and started it up. Drove good and after a few hundred miles I checked the fuel filter and spark plugs again to see if they needed cleaning or to be changed. I used it as my "go to work car" and it drove fine after its sleep!

 

[JAMCAR223]

On the bumper fillers, I was hoping someone with direct experience would chime in but I've heard good things on here about the Goodmark fiberglass bumper fillers. I think 565bbchevy used them on his Regal but not certain.

Spoolfool bumper fillers for the win...period.
http://www.spoolfoolproductions.com/

 

[87_TX_T-type]

Thanks for the input. Keep it coming.

I think pulling the car up on the trailer is going to be a challenge. I'm going to take an air tank to try to get the tires to roll a bit easier. The lower air damn is going to be an issue if I try to winch it from the bottom.

Luckily, there are a lot of spare parts. Anything my dad took off the car he kept regardless if it was working or not, and listed the mileage on the part. I found this in a box from a place called Danko Reproductions. It looks like the replacement bumper fills for the front. Score!

Front_B_Fills

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 8, 2017

 

[Texas82GP]

Definately air up the tires. The lower air dam is easy to remove.

 

[87_TX_T-type]

Well it wasn't easy... it took two jacks, four car dollies, an air tank, two hockey pucks, a block & tackle winch, and two tow straps, but I got it loaded. Then 20 seconds later I got the pickup I was pulling the carrier with stuck in the awful East Texas sand. Luckily my cousin was able to pull me out with his 4X4 and the Beast is home now.

20170111_155239_resized

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 11, 2017

20170111_155230_resized

• 87_TX_T-type
• Jan 11, 2017