[rhjames]

assuming (dangerous thing to do) the car has good bodywork/paint and everything is in place as it should be, the Wiessach is a model that might be worth saving.

start in this order:

1. remove spark plugs and put oil in the cylinders--let soak for a few days
2. check timing belt--look thru holes in the belt covers for condition inspection--it will need replacement anyway, but not immediately if it's not broken
3. if timing belt is not broken, turn over engine by hand (27mm socket and bar on the crank shaft bolt)
4. electrical--fresh battery and clean all wiring grounds front to back
5. fuel system--drain/clean tank, fuel pump will be most likely be shot--replace it--replace all filters
6. replace all fluids and filters
7. attempt to start engine


if the engine will not turn over by hand, you may have serious trouble internally. could be anything from corrosion to busted head gaskets to worse.

if the timing belt is broken, don't sweat it--you have a non-interference engine. it will require a timing belt and related parts replacement soon--about $700 in parts including the H2O pump--but you can run it until it breaks without destroying valves and such. Just remember, if you do this, you are living on borrowed time. the belt will break, especially one that's been sitting for many years. When it will break, is anybody's guess.....

car was parked because of bad brains? if it starts and runs, no bad brains. if no spark, then put in the new brains, try again.

rear hatch glass--I have an extra one.

interior--renew at your local upholstery shop. carpet available from various suppliers, starting at about $300 and goes up in cost. (I just completed renewal of my interior---all leather and new carpet set---for less than $2K)

brakes--the minimum you should do is a complete brake system flush.

trans--get the engine running first, then service the trans (unless the car was parked because of transmission failure (?)

this is enough to get you started--

good luck and keep us updated.

--Russ