Resurrect 73.5T after 10 yrs of storage - Need Your Help with laundry list

[kp.sfo]

Let me start by saying: Yes, I know there are several threads about this topic here in this forum, and I have tried to read + digest them all... (thanks to Grady Clay and others for your super valuable comments in various threads!)

The list below is my attempt to aggregate what I've found to be necessary in order to resurrect a 73.5T CIS after ~10 yrs of storage.

Fuel system
• Drain fuel from tank, lines, and CIS
• Replace fuel lines (rubber + solid ones) and fuel filter
• Replace filter from bottom of tank
• Inspect tank and clean if necessary
• Replace fuel pump?

Oil
• Change oil + filter
• Rinse out oil tank with Stoddard solvent
• Replace oil lines

Brake system
• Drain brake fluid
• Replace brake lines
• Verify brakes incl E brake shoes

Transmission
• Change transmission fluid

Clutch
• Verify that pressure plate, disk, flywheel are not stuck

Miscellaneous
• Install new spark plugs
• Add pop-off valve in airbox
• Replace battery
• Replace tires
• Replace fan belt
• Replace all fuses and circuit breakers

Finally, before starting
• Sea Foam or Marvel Mystery Oil treatment on cylinders
• Turn engine over a few times by hand
• Have fire extinguisher at hand!


My question to you all: Did I miss anything substantial? Any word of advice? Your input is highly appreciated.

Oh, and before I forget it: I can't post pictures just yet, because I've not quite pulled the trigger on the car. Once I take the plunge I'll for sure share what I got (myself into ).

[kp.sfo]

Oh, and I should add: The particular car I am looking at is a pretty original exemplar with just 2 owners (current owner since 1976) with complete documentation. That's why I can't take my eyes off her, although I really much rather wanted a car that is ready to enjoy as is.

See my dilemma?

[moneymanager]

I'm going to guess that you'll want to pull the fuel distributor for cleaning, as well as the 2 or 3 valves etc hanging off the CIS to make it behave. The 73.5 is fairly simple compared to what came later but there are still quite a few moving parts to get clogged/jammed.
There are also going to be quite a few wire contacts/connections that could use checking and cleaning, including the several connections to ground.
Good luck

[RWebb]

Good List - you have done some homework on this. Besides agreeing with the additions above, I would reduce the list slightly:

inspect the metal brake & fuel lines - may not need replacement

test the fuel pump; it might just be ok

Later, you can input all the service records you get with the car into a spreadsheet to check the mileage or length of time on various components,
and troll thru the two long term maintenance threads and address issues there - generally nearly every piece of rubber & plastic on an old car needs to be replaced...

[Flat Six]

No ignition section?

I'd add plugs, cap, and rotor; if it were mine I'd do wires too. O2 sensor on your year/model?

After ~10 years you're likely to run into some operating/drivability issues that you'll have to diagnose -- these parts are reasonably cheap, likely need replacing anyway, and may give you a head start on the troubleshooting that's nearly certain to follow.

Tires -- maybe just not listed, but IMHO >5 years is iffy and >7 years is really risky.

Hope this helps and keep us posted.

[E Sully]

Make sure to adjust the hand throttle and micro switch on the throttle body. The 73 cis does not use a thermo time switch like other models. No o2 sensor to worry about. Check over the heat exchangers, hoses and heater flapper boxes to make sure they are in good shape.
Make sure no mice have nested in the engine, blocking air flow over the cylinders.
Do not coat the interior of the gas tank. It has a plastic swirl pot and coatings will likely not adhere to it and cause blockage. It is a one year only tank and replacement is expensive.
The old cam chain tensioners should be replaced also. Mine failed shortly after I got the car, and it was expensive getting the bent valves repaired.
Fuel pump is also expensive to replace.

[kp.sfo]

Thanks for all your suggestions, guys, this is great. I'll add them to the list.
I think we've come to a pretty comprehensive laundry list of stuff to do / check.

Now the key question is if this is too much to shoulder for me - will have to mull over it for a while.

[fanaudical]

If the car has been sitting a while, I would add a few "wildlife-related" tasks (I ran across some hidden issues with mine):

- Inspect under fan shroud for evidence of critters (tends to clog the cooling fins)
- Inspect above front skid plate, ensure critters haven't chewed through the fuel lines
- Get a multimeter and electrical diagram and test out the wiring - look for shorts to ground, etc.
- Look long and hard over the rest of the car for critters and make sure they haven't done anything unexpected.

I wouldn't be discouraged by the size of the list (unless you're into instant gratification). Anybody can go get a drivable 911. There is some significant pride in bringing one back...

[RWebb]

yes - go after those areas with a Shop-vac.

Just to emphasize a post above:

Tires -- >5 years is iffy and >7 years is really risky.

[kp.sfo]

Originally Posted by RWebb

yes - go after those areas with a Shop-vac.

Just to emphasize a post above:

Tires -- >5 years is iffy and >7 years is really risky.

Yup, absolutely - 5 new tires would be a no-brainer.

[RobR]

+ critters:

Critters love to nest and live in stored cars. On 911's on top of the cylinders is a favorite and can toast a cylinder if not removed.