Technical 59AB 30 year old rebuild first start

I bought a 37 Ford truck roller and was trying to decide on what to power it with. 5.0 Mustang, currently available. A Y block or a flathead with a t5.
I came across a rebuilt 59AB for a reasonable price so I bought it. It was rebuilt over 30 years ago but never installed. Both the rebuilder and car owner have passed away. It was stored inside. It's been oiled and turns over with a breaker bar. I certainly looks rebuilt, it's clean, painted (I know) the carb is clean and looks rebuilt. Looking in the spark plug holes it looks fresh and clean. Tried to peak in there with a borescope to get a look at the cylinders and pistons but no go on a flathead. Appears to have a new clutch and pressure plate.
I feel as though I should pull the intake, heads and pan and have a look see.
I also thought about just pre oiling it by pumping oil into the oil galley at the back of the block and going for it. But then I worry about 30 year old assembly lube on the cam and such.
Any thoughts?
Mike

 

A gasket set is cheap insurance when the mouse nest gets sucked up into the oil pickup tube.

 

I bought a supposed "good running" motor that had been garage kept and covered, guy I bought it from thought I was crazy to take it apart until I unbolted the intake and in the lifter valley was a huge rat's nest. Never could figure out how the rats got in as every opening was capped or covered.

 

I hadn't considered the possibility of a mouse house. A lot can happen in 30 years.

 

They also love the lifter gallery.....if they get in there, expect the nest and lots of acorn shells.

Then, there’s always the matter of what version of a “rebuild” that you’ll find in there. Just pretend you’re an archaeologist on an exciting discovery. A gasket set is relatively cheap and you’ll be able to know with confidence exactly what was done. Find out what was put in there New, and what was Reused. Did he fit the bearings and rings correctly? New timing gear? Lots of things to check out......

 

Whatever they slathered the pistons and rings with can be pretty stiff after 30 years.

 

speaking of mice, dad took his near-new '55 olds in for service. a beautiful red '53 ragtop was parked in the back of the shop for a "big" job--demousing! the owner was deciding whether or not to trade it "as is"!

 

At least rebuild the carburetor with new gaskets that will handle the modern fuel.