What to all check on a car that sat for 5 years?

[Anonymous]

Just acquired a car (63 Fairlane 200ci single bbl) that has sat without being started for 5 years. It was running when it was parked. I already did the no-brainer & drained the gas tank & replaced with fresh fuel & charged the battery. Just was curious to see what else should be done? Thanks

 

[CoupeBoy]

Check and change all fluids. In that length of time your brake fluid will have drawn in moisture and could be contaminating your system, mostly the rubber parts (master cylinder/wheel cylinders/brake hoses). Also double check the hoses for cracks.

Check the rearend fluid, make sure it has some.
Consider replacing the rear axle seals as they may have dried out/gotten brittle.
Repack the front wheel bearings (with new wheel seals)
Perform a transmission service (new filter/pan gasket plus fluid)
Look over the wiring harness to check for any obvious age cracks/melted spots and clean up any previous owner 'additions'

Also all of this checking will give you time to do a very thorough inspection of the entire car and you will know what you are dealing with and driving.

-ron

 

[johnnyzoom]

Cool, I thought all Fairlane's had v8's in them. Got any pics?

In addition to what Ron posted above, I would add:

-Checking tires and (and anything rubber for that matter) for dry rot
-If it were me I'd probably go ahead and start with fresh belts
-Check condition of spark plugs
-Keep track of the surface below your car and keep sharp eye out for leaks

Some good advice I've gotten here and can backup with personal experience is to replace one thing at a time, it's easier to troubleshoot that way.

 

[LaGrasta]

if it's liquid, change it.

 

[woodbutcher]

Check EVERYTHING bumper to bumper.
Leo

 

[Junk-Falcon]

man the thing i say is

 

[fordconvert]

I second the brakes thing. I assume a 63 would be a 4 wheel drum with a single res mc which means if they are working in top shape they dont work anything like a modern car. Check the brake hoses real close (2 in front and 1 in rear) If you blow one on a single system you have no brakes at all. The rest of the stuff will just leak and should give you at least some signs or warning before loosing all the brakes but an old hose can just blow and thats it. Test your parking brake and make sure it works or you will have to drag your feet to slow down.

 

[jahearne]

Brakes! They have failed on me and my brother not only after the car has been sitting awhile, but right after getting the car on the road.

The bore of the brake master cylinder is corruded and rough on one end and smooth on the other end. The smooth end is a result of normal travel of the plunger from everyday use. So the first time you bleed your brakes by pressing down the pedal to the floor causes the plunger to scrape the seals across the rough corroded area then the master cylinder fails.

Good luck,