Re: installing a small block?

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2011/4/17 9:17:58

You don't have to invest in a 6 volt battery right away. You can get the car running with a 12 volt if you are careful and don't let it run too long.

If you can afford it buy an Optima 6 volt battery, they are better and longer lasting than regular batteries and will prevent many of the problems that occur on old 6 volt systems.

I see by your video the air filter is on your motor. That is good. Chances are your motor is not seized up, or will come loose with a little persuasion.

Rad hose is off, possibly someone drained the rad which is also good. But beware, sometimes mice and critters go in and make nests plugging up the top of your rad. If this happens you need to take the rad out, turn it upside down and flush out the mouse nests.

So, your car should not be too hard to get running. Go slow and careful, do not tear everything apart right away. I have brought back many old motors from retirement, if you want to know how to do it just ask.

On the door issue. Did you pull up the door lock buttons? Are they free to move? Did you try the inside handle as well as the outside one? Could you get in the back seat and work the inside handle while pushing the door out? Sometimes they are just stuck.

Do not put oil or penetrating oil in door locks. It gums them up. A shot of WD40 is not too bad if you follow it up with graphite. Alcohol is better than WD40. Or possibly brake cleaner spray.

Would also suggest you clean out the car. Save everything even if it does not look like a car part. That funny looking bit of metal or rubber can turn out to be some irreplaceable part you need later. Put everything in boxes and ziplock bags and put it away. If you find any car parts they will give you a clue what was wrong when they put the car away or junked it. You can throw out the old cigarette packs and dried up ballpoint pens lol.