[eyeronik]

To shorten the story. This car has been sitting for atleast 22 years in a field in Texas. Back in '89 it was newly painted and running great. Condition now is not the best shape. Theres rust and not running. This was my father's car that he put together and always wanted back. I finally got it back but my father past away last year. Where do I start? I'm thinking maybe starting with the engine. I was told to see if the engine still turns. I believe it does but haven't tried myself. As far as I know its still has the same battery from 1989 and most of the spark plug wires are cut from probably rodents chewing on them. Those have to be replaced but I want to know if there are any precautionary steps I need to be careful with since its been sitting for that long. Here are a couple pics to give an idea and to raise any questions. Thanks. I plan to get this car running so that I can rev the engine in front of my fathers grave at the cemetery.

[68camaroz28]

Hi Ron,
First off, welcome to Team Camaro and glad your aboard! Looks like the car is in pretty decent shape for sitting as long as you stated so that is good. You might want to pull the spark plugs and inject those cylinders with some mystery oil. While that is soaking for a few days the next step might be determining what do you have. Engine, trans., rear, bell-housing, alternator, starter, etc.. What is the rally and date code on the rally's? Just a process that can be a lot of fun investigating what you have and if original when was it made as some orig. type parts might not be original to the car or maybe so. Appears that it was an orig. console car so start checking things out and reporting. Plenty members here to assist.
Again welcome and good luck with the 68,

[BobKovacs]

The first order of business should be to lose the1980's mudflaps.

Looks like a fairly solid project car. I'm just getting started on my project as well (getting delivered this weekend hopefully). I'm starting with bodywork since it had no drivetrain, but getting it running well enough to pay tribute to Dad sounds like an awesome idea. Just be sure to bring it back to the cemetery once it's done to show him the progress. I lost my dad back in 2003, and he and I used to talk cars all the time, so I know what you're going thru.

[Everett#2390]

My condolences on Dad. Welcome to the Club, Ron.
Nice find and welcome back an old friend.
Correct year

I would remove spark plugs, squirt in some Marvel Mystery oil into cylinders and turn over by hand helping the MMO fight against rust.
Change all fluids, hoses, belt, and get a new battery and new 1 AWG cables doing away with the clamp-on battery clamps.

Might even add a mechanical oil gauge to the 1/8 inch pipe plug just underneath the heater hose in the manifold, leave it in the engine compartment for viewing as you watch/listen to the engine.
Remove the Q-jet and clean it and install anew kit.
Replace the rubber hoses int he fuel line and run clean gas through the hard lines.

You may even have to drop the tank and have it porfessionally cleaned at a radiator shop . Lube the O-ring for the sending unit with petro jelly for easier install. Make sure the tan wire for the sending uhit under the trunk is not pinched during the tank reinstall and replace the filler neck hose, 2 inch ID and canbe bought by the foot from your local NAPA store. Ensure the s/unit ground wire in making a good ground and grease it to prevent corroding. Use shop air and a rag to prime the fuel line to the fuel pump, maybe replace the fuel pump since the diaphram could be cracked from age.

Once the engine is broke loose and plugs out, you may want turn over the engine to see if oil pump does prime and oil is up to the front of the engine.

New gas, new plugs, freshly externally charged battery, and it should fire up and smoke out any insects and varmints within a 10 mile radius.

I'll catch alot flack on this one, but I would install a Pyrex see-through gas filter between the pump and carb just to use as an indicator of the fuel condition. Later on, remove it.

Once the engine is running, ensure/break loose the clutch plate from the flywheel and pressure plate, and you should be on your way, at least started, and check ALL safety devices for their correct functioning, fix those not working.

Good luck in your journey, Dad will be proud and helping.

[eyeronik]

Thanks for the replies so far. Lots of good advice. Some similar. Once I know that the engine is good. I have noticed a couple of places that would need new metal. Passenger floor, trunk, near bottom windshield. I think I can probably punch through the floor. I know its gonna take time. Im sad that my father wasnt able to drive his car again but more sad that the guy keeping the car let it rot away. Car was in prestine condition when we last seen it. Will update. Maybe might get to Mystery Oil the cylinders this weekend. Even though its not an RS or SS, just the fact that after 22 years the same car my dad worked on and babied is back in our families hands.

[eyeronik]

Btw are mudflaps not exceptable? haha.

[Everett#2390]

Originally Posted by eyeronik

Even though its not an RS or SS, just the fact that after 22 years the same car my dad worked on and babied is back in our families hands.

Most important thought, peace of mind.
Mudflaps are okay as long as they don't extend beyond the tire width.
Personal choice.

[Jim69]

I would check the brakes (install new pads) and replace the tires (I'm thinking they're dry rotted) before going for a drive.

[Melrose RS]

All good advice above. Don't forget to have a fire extinguisher standing by.

[Daral]

Ron, Good advise above but you have to ask yourself what is your goal with this car. If you plan to completely restore it back to near perfect condition, I wouldn't worry about starting the engine. Pull the engine and trans, they will be easier to work on outside the car. Strip the body down to a shell and replace the rusty metal. It will probably need suspension and brake updates too. While you have it apart, replace the frame to body bushings. At this point I sent my shell to a body and paint shop and while that was being done, I rebuilt the engine. When the newly painted body came back, I was ready to put it back together. Of course all this takes time so if you want to drive it now your best bet is to follow the advise above.

[eyeronik]

Thanks again for the replies and helpful advice. Yeah at some point I plan on stripping down the body to metal. From what my mother told me thats what my father did. I just want to figure out whats of the car sitting 22 years. So far rust is the biggest thing from looking at it. Next if the engine is still fine, I will begin to evaluate where to start.