Sooo envious of that 283 59 Bel Air. Amazed that the original points, condenser and wires were still in good shape. Must have been pretty low mileage or well maintained. Did you put the diesel in the cylinders to unseize it or to remove the build up from sitting? Can see the benefits of helping to remove any rust / contaminent particles on top of the piston in the bore of the engine. Certainly don't want to break a piston sealing ring. May have to perform this technique at some time and is always good know. Was outside looking at the Pinto just today. Covered in snow sadly. : ( Garage has my 1987 350 V8 Toyota Supra and 1983 Mazda RX7 convertible in there. Sure I could squeeze it in, but I like to move around easily.
Know I'll keep the Pinto as it's monetary value doesn't excede the sentimental value. Besides, how much is it really worth? $1-$2k? But just can not watch as it sits any longer.
*Warning: Sappy car story*
Grandmother bought the car in Ohio from the original owner, another ol' lady. Believe they paid $1000 for it years ago and it was still all original with 29K on the odo. Grandparents were the 2nd owner, I'm the 3rd. Purchased it for him after he was diagnosed with Alzheimers & Parkinsons. He was never able to drive it. Sat in their garage and driveway for years. After Grandpa passed away, grandmother stored it in my aunts barn / garage. It sat there for years. Grandma asked me what I would want if she were to will me anything. I wanted the Pinto. Few years later, get a call asking if I'd like it. Aunt and Uncle needed to clear the area for other storage and a remodel. Grandma asked if I'd want it. You bet I want it! When can I get it! Had it for 6-7 years now and haven't put 200 miles on it. Don't think it's had more than 1000 miles on it since being purchased from the original owner. Can't go far in it, the bias plyed tires seem kinda shady.
VT247
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
Don't automatically assume all that work is needed. I resurrected my '59 Bel Air after it had a 32 year siesta... didn't change oil as it was honey-clear on the dipstick; didn't change plug wires or points or hoses or belts or filters either, as inspection showed they were all still useable! Had to change the carb as the throttle shaft was frozen, and I did give it new sparkplugs right off the bat. Put 1000 miles on it before changing the 35 year old at a minimum belts and hoses. Now, 11 years later, I still haven't changed anything else out and it runs like a dream with 40,000 miles on the ol' 283.
I did soak the top end with diesel- down each cylinder and down the intake, then cranked it over with the plugs out to shoot out the excess.
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