Making cars run that have sat for a very long time makes for good videos, but I’ve said several times that if the engine ran when parked then it should run again if it will spin over. With that said, making one that has been sitting actually run and DRIVE can be a bigger challenge. Taking it to the next level and actually driving some distance with said car or truck is the real test. While you watch Derek from Vice Grip Garage try to make this Mustang run and drive so he can drive home with it, think about all the things that could go wrong and then see which ones do.
If a car has been sitting for decades, remember that all the cars weight is focused on one spot on wheel and axle bearings that might be corroding in place, and transmission seals are drying out which becomes an issue if the car is an automatic. If it is a stick, then the clutch mechanism becomes the question as the throwout bearing might be dry and unhappy after all these years. And lets not forget electrical that drys out and cracks and is attacked by critters. Dry is the bad theme here. Fuel tanks, lubrication, brake systems, seals, and so much more things hate to be dry and that’s all they do when sitting around for years.
So check out Derek’s adventures.
Video Description:
I bought a 1966 Ford Mustang Sight Unseen that’s been sitting in a garage for decades with mechanical issues. A guys going to try to get it running, and drive it 300 miles back home!
