Classic/Antique Car Repair/New Purchase

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Expert: - 3/22/2010


Question
Hi Brad,
I need some help. I was recently given a 1984 Chev, Corvette with 66,000 miles. This car hasn't been driven in about 5 years. It hasn't been started in about 2 years. I will be purchasing a new battery and changing the engine oil and filter. Anything else before I attempt to start this car?
The Corvette has the 5.7l engine crossfire. Thanks
John

Answer
I would pull the plugs and get a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder to lubricate the pistons and rings. Check the air filter and air intake to be sure that critters have not built a home in there. Make sure that the radiator is full of coolant and fire away.

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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