20 yr sitting restoration questions -engine

[LarryMart]

I have a 72 SB convertible that has been sitting for 20 yrs without being driven. The engine had less than 5,000 miles since rebuild, as well as the whole car, but 25 yrs ago. How would you bring this on the road again. I know it needs tires, and interior for sure. The engine needs a new accelerator cable and going through. Would you plan to open the engine, or just start it run it and frequent oil changes to determine the condition, or inspect and replace first?
It was stored in a barn in the Greatlakes area. Some humidity changes, but otherwise fairly dry.

Thanks
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larry
91 Multivan

[Bobs67vwagen]

The first thing I would do is pull all the spark plugs out and liberally spray a good penetrating oil and rust buster into each plug hole. Then do nothing for a day to let it do its thing. Then I would put it in neutral and try to turn the engine by hand on the crank or generator pulley. If it now spins easily and completely around several turns on the crank pulley you are now ready to drain the oil, clean the strainer and put in fresh oil. If it will not turn over several times but gets to a point where it stops, I would then fill the oil fill with transmission fluid and let it soak for a week before trying to turn over by hand again. try this first and report your findings for the next steps. Good luck Bob

[Cusser]

[LarryMart]

Thanks! That is what I was hoping to hear. I am used to working with airplanes, and we would tear down in these conditions. I really didn't want to do that. It does turn by hand now, so I will proceed by getting the throttle cable through and attempt a start, after going through the fuel system.
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larry
91 Multivan

[Bobs67vwagen]

That's good news Larry and it sounds like you know your way around engines a bit as you have dealt with aircraft engines. I would next go to ignition. Check points replace if they are badly pitted, if not regap them and put a couple of drops of oil down the dizzy shaft below where the rotor sits. Check dizzy cap, replace wires, and then go to the carb. I would take it off disassemble it and clean it real well, but that's up to you. I guess you could just spray some starting fluid into the carb and try it although i would be very leery of what 20 year old dried up gas does to carb passages. And of course flush and clean the gas tank-good luck