Where to Start?

[dave1949]

i own a 1971 traveller that has been garaged but not on the road for 20years.the engine was started approx 5 yrs ago and all seemed fine.
i now want to get her back on the road.mechanically what would be the best course of action to check everything over?replace brake shoes, tyres,gearbox oil,etc etc.
a vast subject i know just thought a plan of action would be sensible rather than not doing the job properly and then need to be revist.

[MoggyTech]

Assuming there are no major corrosion issues, start with SAFETY items. Brakes and suspension will require a full strip and rebuild, using new components where required. Brake seals do not like sitting still for long, and often tear apart shortly after they start getting used again. Don't forget the master cylinder as it is easy overlooked living where it does.
Closely inspect flexi pipes for cracks or bulging under pressure.

I would replace every rubber component in the braking system, and the slave cylinders if there are any signs of corrosion in the bores, which is highly likely.

Check drums for cracking and ovality, and rework/replace as required.

Tyres are likely to be cracked in the side walls, so replace with new tyres if car was sitting on it's wheels.

After that, full service to engine gearbox and diff.

After that, it is likely that engine seals/gaskets might start leaking, so you may find you need to do, valve stem oil seals, timing cover oil seal, and maybe a hose or two.

[Kevin]

Have you actually managed to restart the car because modern day petrol can go off and you might need to drain it off.

[dave1949]

Have you actually managed to restart the car

not since it was started 5 yrs ago after flushing water through new points,engine oil,plugs etc then concentrated on interior and bodywork, engine has been removed and new clutch fitted whist i renovated and resprayed engine bay,all new heater and rubber pipes in place, now no petrol in system from the original leaded in tank.

[bmcecosse]

My first checks would be a complete and very thorough survey of the car - for RUST - to determine if it is economical to go any further. Mechanical renovations/repairs are a fraction of the cost of rust repairs.
If it's ok for rust - or at least manageable - then many items will likely need serious work - the fuel tank may be rotten, the fuel pump will almost certainly need at least the points cleaning - the carb will likely need cleaning, the dizzy may be seized and points renewing (in fact best to fit ALL new ignition bits so you are starting(!) from a known baseline. Battery obviously - and all the rubber hoses on the cooling system - the engine may well be fine - but DO put some oil down the bores and turn it very gently on the starting handle before attempting to run it. If that goes well (ie it's not seized) then oil change - and run up the oil pressure with the starter motor befor putting in new plugs and trying for a start. Brakes and suspension - as already detailed - all will need renewing - along with 4 new tyres, wiper blades and possibly new rubber surrounds and seals for the windows.

[paulk]

Probably worth changing the water pump at the same time as the hoses.