First, my car was found in a garage that had low humidly and I am grateful for the lack of rust or mildew. Yes, I am very lucky in that regard. When getting the car running it was discovered that the voltage regulator was not working, 15 plus volts is not good. This was found based on a friends knowledge and use of one of his daily work tools. Working with charging systems is one of his dally things and his volt meter is like my phone.
The car is getting very close to that first trip around the block, what have you found in your endeavors to get back on the road?
The amount of tread on the tires and how worn they are means nothing. Tires age out and must be replaced.
Check coolant hoses, brake lines and any other soft hose for deterioration.
Check your expectations. Stuff that seemed to check fine in the shop will need work when mobile. Things are going to fail and break without warning. Its the nature of a long parked car.
The first drive has been accomplished, out and back. Now a review. First, Thank you for the notes above. The tires on the car as purchased were not going to be used for any driving on the street. They were not that old, but the condition of the front end a-arm bushings and the tie rods had allowed them to use up the inside of the tread pattern. I had a new set of Falken 615's, 195/60 R14 that had not been used and now they have a home.
During the refresh of the car I had take the second suggestion as a guide line. The collat hoses were a combination of squishy to brittle. Every thing was replaced. Doing the heater matrix hoses is doable, but not fun. Then we have the brakes. The results of the time and effort are underwhelming. I need more time on short trips to before judgment is passed.
The gear box is working, the shifter is sloppy and I need to go back into my Datsun 510 mode to adjust my driving style. I had a '95 NA Miata as a E Street competitor. This car makes that one feel big. Lack of a 5 speed is going to keep this on off the highways, guaranteed.
Again, thanks.
In my case I usually watch for tools bouncing off the road behind me.
