65 riviera question

[Guest 65whiteriviera]

So I am about to start restoring a 65 Riviera, I think if I replace the battery I can start the car, anyone have suggestions on what I should do to start this restoration? Don't I have to drain the fluids before I start the car?

[poci1957]

Take a look at the nearby thread "whats wrong with my starter" for good advice on this.

As many stated there, it is tempting to try to just "start her up" but a little caution could save you some damage. Recommended steps are:

Remove spark plugs and squirt some transmission fluid in the holes to lubricate the pistons upon their first movement. See that the plugs are in good enough shape to fire. Drain the gas tank of whatever is in there and throw it away, replacing it with fresh gas.

Leaving the plugs out, turn the engine over by hand to make sure there is nothing stuck. Check the oil to make sure (a) it is there and ( it has not turned to sludge. If it looks thick and sludgey I would likely pull the valve cover off for a further inspection to see how bad things are before proceeding.

I would then install a battery and crank it with the starter (with the plugs still out) to make sure again that it will turn without interference. This will (hopefully) also build a little oil pressure and draw fuel into the carb. I would probably want to run a compression test at this time, but if you are not equipped then go ahead and if everything seems OK then put the plugs back in and try it out. Others can chime in with anything I am missing, good luck, Todd C

[Guest 65whiteriviera]

Yeah I actually looked at that right before looking to see if someone replied to me. Thanks for the reply but how do I turn the engine over by hand? Also do I need to replace all fluids like radiator fluid and stuff even if they look good? Beside the oil you explained that already.

[PONTIAC1953]

hi, you can use a anti-freeze tester to see if the coolant is still good, but i would change it after you have the engine back to running regularly. very important to have the entire brake system check out and flush out with new brake fluid. you'll want nothing but all new fluid, i would have the rearend fluid check, and added if needed. depending how long this riviera been sitting, change all the rubber lines and hoses. poci1957 gave you some very good advise to follow. please keep us updated to your progress. have fun. charles coker, 1953 pontiac tech advisor.