What would you do first...

I just picked up a '55 ford wagon... it has been sitting for a few years basically untouched... The guy I got it from had not done much to it in at least the past year... i.e. No maintenance.

I know it runs because I drove it on to the trailor... In fact, it crancked up without any trouble... BUT I am concerned that the gas may be questionable - among other things... My plan is to drain the gas, fill it up and replace the filter, drain the oil and replace it and the filter and drain and replace the radiator contents... Good/ bad??? What else should I do? What should I not do?

Thanks,

Tim

 

Take a look at the brakes, repack the wheel bearings, get it on a hoist, look over the bottom side real well, check the suspension. Then figure out what else she needs. Just make sure it's safe to drive first.

 

If it's been sitting a long time Iwould clean the tank out and seal it. This will prevent a lot of little bits of rust getting into the carb over time.
Clark

 

First thing I always do when i get a car I know little about,GO THROUGH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. Running/driving is good but good brakes is better.

Billy

 

Inspect the brake lines carefully.

All the hardlines,and the flex hoses.

Also inspect the fuel line.

 

[ QUOTE ]

I know it runs because I drove it on to the trailor... In fact, it crancked up without any trouble... BUT I am concerned that the gas may be questionable -

[/ QUOTE ]If the gas is bad, now that you started it the valves will stick. If they stick, you will bend the push rods when you try to start it again. Smell the gas, does it smell like varnish? You can add a can of Seafoam to the gas and it will free up the stuck valves if you can get it to start again. Hopefully you won't have any problems with it. Dean

 

as stated BRAKES , and check the tires and steering too , safety first , then don't forget to check fluid levels , not just the oil , but the trans and rear end too.

 

Change the fuelhoses,blow the fuel line clean. you may even open up the fuelpump,and get the shit out of there.
If its running,all this might not be nessesary,but do it anyway.. the rustflakes moves in mysterious ways..
Oh,and lube it up while you`re at it.. remember some drips of oil on the gen,and dist,too..

 

Tim
I'd check every thing rubber, and plan on rebuilding it the first six months of use even if it looks ok ( dry rot ). Brake rubber, fuel pump & rubber lines, vachume wipers, etc.
Judd

 

When I buy old cars like that that've been sitting a few years, I do the fluid and filter change...maybe new plugs and battery...then take it for a test drive. If everything works well enough...it gets put on the road!

Sure, you can do a full mechanical restoration on the car if you've got time and money to burn...but the car will let you know what needs attention as you drive it every day...as long as it goes, stops and steers, I wouldn't go crazy replacing parts and taking shit apart for the sake of doing it (unless this is MEANT to be a project vehicle).