Grande Treasure Found!

[MattE]

Last spring, I was fortunate to find an original 1970 Mustang Grande with very low miles, and added it to my collection. As the story goes, a widow had it out in her yard, shading a patch of grass. Her husband had owned it, but it's been there since before his death. The original 2V 351C has not been turned over in 15 years, near as I can tell. How might I go about preparing it to run once again? Aside from new fluids, hoses, belts, tune-up kit, etc., I am wondering about factors such as dry bearings, old seals and such. Please advise!

[mslcr]

I would have to pull the sparkplugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders, pull the valve covers to watch the valves open/close. Turn the motor over by hand slowly, with a socket on the front balancer nut. You will need someone to do this or watch the valves move. If they indeed move, leave the plugs out and turn the motor over (with the key)until you get oil pressure. If all goes well, I would let it fire and hear it run!
If the valves look dry, dont be afraid to squirt them too with oil. After it starts, be quick to shut it off if it sounds bad. Have someone watching the carb in case it leaks, you can shut it down quickly. I keep a small squirt bottle of gasoline handy to help prime the carb. Squirt a little bit, start it. It will probably die a few times before it will stay running. Thats why I keep the small bottle handy.
Of course, there are better ways, but not easier. The best would be to pull the motor down, and just replace the bearings and gaskets inspecting everything.
I guess it all depends on what you are going to do with the car*
later, Tom

[John Z]

After 15 yrs. I would be really worried about the gas. Drain the tank and flush the fuel line and replace the filter, in addition to the above steps. I would check out the breaks carefully before driving. Rubber components probably have dry rot. Points are probably shot.