Matt Emery

Hey guys,
My name is Matt and I’ve got a ‘63 red 327 340 hp convertible. It belonged to my dad and he passed it down to me we he passed away a few years ago. Unfortunately I’ve been away at college the last few years so it’s been sitting covered in my garage for about 5 years now. I was hoping I could use this site for tips and advice to get it up in running. I’ve already siphoned out the gas and I’ll be changing the oil and filter next weekend before I fire her up. I would love any advice on starting a Vette that has been sitting for a while.
Cheers,
Matt

Geralds57

Welcome to the forum! The carburetor will probably need a rebuild but you can still try it first. I would recommend pulling the coil wire, just to get the oil pressure to come up. You can then shoot some starting fluid or dump a little gas in the carb to see if it’s tries to fire up. If it turns over, it will start. We need to see some pictures sometime.

C2 Hot Cam Guy

Take the plugs out & put oil in the cylinders & then spin the motor so the cylinders are not dry. Let us know how you make out

kellsdad

Remember to put the plugs back in before you turn it over or you'll shoot oil all over the engine compartment.

Frankie the Fink

My split window was idle for about 4 years when I bought it, resulting in a stuck clutch, deteriorated valve seals and dicey brakes -- so be aware especially if your Dad's car still has the original drums brakes...

So a brake fluid flush, coolant flush and oil change at a minimum...

Bluestripe67

Then, after you get it drivable, DON'T drive it! The tires are at least 5 yrs old, most likely pushing 10. The tires may look good, internally, they may be ready to separate and blow out. Take the tires off and have new tires put on. 205/75/15 or 205/70/15 blackwall or whitewall, your choice. Dennis

Factoid

To Dennis’ point above, once you get it started go through everything. Check the brakes, steering, chassis lube, change all fluids, belts and hoses, and be careful driving it until you are confident everything is up to par and working properly. These cars are a joy to drive and very robust once serviced properly.

Have fun and PLEASE post some pictures so we can enjoy it, too!

Matt Emery

I appreciate all of the feedback guys and I’ll let you know how it goes this upcoming weekend with some pictures, fingers crossed! One question if have is will turning the Engine by hand screw with the distributer timing?
Thanks,
Matt

Frankie the Fink

If the distributor is installed and tightened down then no -- hand turning won't disturb anything...

Donald #31176

When changing the oil use API rated CK-4 oil. Typical name brands are Delvac, Rotella which are primarily for heavy duty Diesel truck use. Also try to find a US manufactured oil filter such as Baldwin or Wix. Napa gold filters are Wix.

reno stallion

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher before you start.

Z06_Ruff

Welcome to the CF.

Matt Emery

Here are some pictures for you guys as requested. So just an update, I was able to siphon and change the gas, replace the battery, change the oil and filter(that filter gasket was an SOB to remove). I squirted oil into the cylinders like you guys suggested however when I put them back and tried to manually turn the engine by the alternator bolt it seemed like all I was doing was just tightening that bolt, and the pulley didn’t move at all. So I then decided to just go for it and when I went to fire it up there was just a loud click when I would turn the key(I hit and released the gas about 4 times before each try). And on about 1/4 of the times I would hear a slight whine that accompanied the loud click. Thoughts?

corvetteed

Wow, that is a gorgeous looking car. And, welcome to the Corvette Forum. Now, about that click, did you put in a new battery?

Easy Rhino

Wow.

Sorry for the loss of your Dad, but he clearly knew how to take care of a classic car.

Matt Emery

Yup brand new

elwood13

Nice car. Did you say you tried the alternator bolt to turn over the engine?

856666

Hi Matt,

Welcome to the forum

Two things come to mind

1. the engine is froze up/stuck. If you put the car into gear (key off) and rock it front to back can you get the engine to move?
2. Check all the battery connections (battery, starter, ground), if ok the starter is stuck- can you have someone turn the key and verify the starter is making the clicking noise?

Tap on the starter with a small hammer and try to start it again

Phil

Bluestripe67

I agree with the idea it is with the starter bendix being stuck creating the whine sound. As suggested above, get someone to help rock the car watching for the engine to rotate some before you make anymore attempts to start it you need to see that the engine will turn over manualy. If it won't, then there is a larger issue. If the issue is that the engine is locked up, the cause must be found before you do anything else. Dennis

MikeM

How much oil did you put in the cylinders?