I will be picking up a 1979 vette this summer and attempting to start it for the first time in 12 years. Does anyone have a system of things to do before cranking the key? Mileage is 60K. Thanks,
Patrick Bonnot
Missouri

Wow, a 79 that's been sitting for 12 years? That means it's only about a 12-13 yr old car.

I'll bet it needs a new battery, oil change, and some fresh gas.

Other than that, and a quick visual once over to look for frayed wires (from mice, etc.) and any substantial corrosion and all fluid levels, I'd give it a crank and see what happens.

Why has it been stationary all these years? Is there some other mechanical or fuel system related reason that it might not start?

Assuming it starts, I would take it carefully to a service facility of your choice for a closer look. Check the tires for dry rot BEFORE taking it down the road.. it could be a long frustrating walk back home..

Good luck.. Post some pics..

Thanks for the info. The car has been in a barn for 12 years after the last owner received a DWI. It's got 56K miles. I am unsure if I need to drain the fuel system or what. Thanks again.
Patrick-Missouri

My response is based upon "what I would do", not on any specific expertise, just some logic. I'm sure there are guys (or girls) on this registry who know exactly what to do... I'm kind of suprised there isn't more action on this thread.

Check with NCM or some other higher authority organization for more specific "how to" documents..

What did you pay?

I would definitely change all of the fluids. Before turning over the engine, remove the spark plugs and give each cylinder a squirt of Marvel Mystery oil and let it sit overnight. This will free any rust on the rings and you'll have less of a chance of breaking a ring. you might even try turning the engine manually with a breaker bar first.
I have done this myself and it works. Good luck with your new toy. I've been enjoying mine for 17 years!
Reid

Yes, Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders is a very good idea. I've used it many times on engines that had sat.

Mark

What the other folks said. If your going to give a fresh battery, then you should replace all the fuses at the same time. If the tank has had that fuel in there the whole time it wouldn't be a bad idea to drain as much out as you can and put in some fresh stuff. I'm sure there is other stuff you should do but that's where I would start.

Glenn

What everyone else said plus before I'd even attempt to put it on the road I'd have it up on stands and give the brakes a thorough going over. Not much sense in getting it moving if you can't stop it. If you can't work on it where it is trailer or truck it, don't drive it until you know the brakes are 100%.

All of the above are very good suggestions. After letting the Marvel Mystery oil sit overnight I would definitely turn the engine over by hand a few times. Change ALL the fluids, put a Prestone or similar back flushing valve on (available at moist parts stores w/ directions) and flush the cooling system. Check the brakes and top off brake fluid. I'd put new plugs/wires/cap/rotor/etc. on as well. Drain the gas out of the tank, replace with new, and if in a colder climate add some "dry" gas.
IF it runs, I would highly suggest rebuilding it as soon as you can. Not many people leave a car like a Vette sit for 12 years without it having some sort of maintenance problem. Good luck!!!

Do everything above. Once you have the oil in the cylinders and let it soak a bit, turn the engine over by hand. Then disconnect the ignition system. Now crank the engine with the starter for about 15 seconds, the let it rest for 30 seconds so the starter does not overheat. Repeat this until you can see oil on the rockers, or the oil pressure gauge starts to build pressure. You may keep this up for some time, so a battery charger or jumpers are in order. Then reconnect the ignition and fire it up. By filling the engine with oil first, you will prevent seal leaks and bearing damage. IF the car is an automatic, once it's running drop it into gear for a few seconds at a time, then back to neutral. After several times, the trans will fill. Do this with each gear. Make sure the brakes will hold before you do this. Or block the wheels. Chances are the brakes won't do anything until they are bled. Replace all the brake system rubber before trusting the brakes. The brakes could fail without warning. As the car comes to life, take it easy on everything until it loosens up and starts to operate properly.

I'm doing the same thing with my 75, after sitting 5 years. My engine and trans are fine. Now it got too cold, so it's start once in a while to warm it up, and wait for spring.

Ken Styer

Ken Styer