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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Starting 54 Ford After Sitting...

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Expert: - 8/30/2009


Question
My '54 Ford Pickup (V-8 Four on the Floor) has been in the yard here in Minnesota for 3 years plus...just want to make sure I prepare eveything properly before starting it up again. Please send me a checklist of what I need to have done.  Greatly appreciated, Mark Kneeskern

Answer
My routine for these Rip Van Winkle cars is as follows provided that the engine will turn over and is not stuck:
1. Change the oil and filter if equipped.
2. Remove the spark plugs and pour about a teaspoon full of oil in each cylinder.
3. Install new spark plugs.
4. Remove the distributor and install new points, condenser , and rotor.
5. Inspect and replace as needed distributor cap and wires.
6. Install outside fuel source.
7. Install a correct fully charged battery. In this case a 6 volt.
8. I prime the fuel system with a propane torch. That is a torch with the burner head removed and the metering valve removed but the control valve and stem left on. Hold the open end of the tube in the carburetor inlet and open the valve when cranking the engine. As the carburetor fills and fuel is available you should be able to turn the propane off.
9. Run the engine long enough to get the oil pressure up and then shut it down. After you make sure that it runs on all cylinders then service the fan belt, cooling system, and anything else.
Good Luck

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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