Just took delivery of 1978 Pace car. I have no idea the last time it was started. It has 3900 miles and was stored in a garage it is in showroom condition. It is my mother in laws vehicle and has ended up in my garage. I am wondering what I should look for before starting the car. We believe it has been sitting for at least 10 years. All hoses and belts and wires look great. I know I have to change fluids. I do believe the gas was treated before being stored. Please any advice would be greatly appreciated. The vin shows it to be number 4198. I could not believe this car when I uncovered it. She also has a 77 with 12000 miles that has been sitting for just as long, please help I would love to get these running.

 

Congrats on the "new" Pace Car. I am not sure on where to start on a car that has sat that long. My understanding unless properly stored and maintained you may be looking at as much work as one with 150,000 miles on it. I would start with the brakes and definitely change all the fluids. I have heard of people using Marvel Mystery oil when starting a car that has set for a long time. I am sure some people will post what you need to do.

In the meantime lets see some pics!

I am restoring my 78 Pace Car. It is being painted right now, there is a link on this forum if you want to see how it is coming along

 

Congrats on the new car. Please fill out your profile, and post some pictures of the car. You have come to right place for information.

Does the engine turn over, or is frozen?

When you get it running, DON'T drive it until you have at least gone over the safety items...

Tires
Brakes
Suspension

 

Congrats on the Pace car
My Pace car(L48/auto) is back on Long Island(moved to cali last year) with my sisters(L82/4sp) collection...I have no more room in the garage here in Cali.

 

Nice. Move cautiously and methodically before starting. Locate a local Corvette club or muscle car club and ask for help from a mechanic that understands a thirty year old car. If you drain fluids, save some for the purpose of examination. You want to see if oil was breached by gas or water...if it's old used oil, etc. Brake fluid...same thing...moisture?

A mechanic may have a scope they can put down into the cylinder thru a plug hole to check cylinder wall condition. At some point, you'll turn the engine over without fire (distributor) to lubricate the cylinder walls with fresh oil before firing up.

In the meantime, as the CF contributor suggested, put it up on all fours and check brakes, suspension and other underneath leaks. Pull tires and go over the brakes carefully. In fact I would not even mess around but probably replace with stainless steel, O ring calipers...but save the old. Look to see if there are signs of corrosion on the caliper sleeves. If so, your master cylinder may also need some servicing but at minimum...replace brake fluid.

Tell us about its options of the Pace Car along with that 77. What VIN is it? (vehicle identification number). I'm including a link to a Pace Car article published in the July issue of Corvette Enthusiast...gives you some background on that Pace Car and will help you appreciate that little find in your garage.

Where are you located? May have some CFers willing to help out.

Pace Car Frenzy

 

That was a great article you wrote Tom. What issue is it in?.

Let me know when you want to work on the interior parts.

 

I know in some cases you can remove all the plugs, squirt some oil in the plug holes, and then manually rotate the crank to ensure the cylinder walls get some oil on them. If it rotates freely I would then put some SeaFoam in the crankcase and fire it up, run it 100 miles or so and then change the oil with fresh. To me, if it runs smooth and clean with no blow by, why spend a ton of money to tear it down? My ex gf's uncle has a '70 Camaro that has sat for 18yrs. with the same gas. Last year he fired it up and it started! The car has 28k on it and I have begged him to sell it. He is one of those guys that won't sell it but won't restore it either. What a waste!

 

first thing change the gas

 

July 08...came out I believe in April/May

I just got back to Corvette stuff having to tend to Jeep repairs and house repairs. Started working on cleaning the seatbelts. I'm thinking of doing an armrest to try it out followed by all the rest of the stuff later. Planning to look for an Oyster or light colored armrest at Carlisle to tinker with and not have to use mine. Pick it up cheap so I can throw it away but practice with prep and the paint.

I know you'll be getting your Car back here what next month. What is your plan for assembling the interior?

 

also if indeed that original i would take a lot of photos before tearing in to it for documentation purposes

 

As quick as I can so I can drive it. , If you are not ready I can always remove the stuff since it is not to hard to get to. Just let me know when you are ready, I am in no rush.

 

My profile has been updated. If anyone knows me or is around me a little advice would go a long way. Thank you

 

So tell us about your Pace Car...options? VIN? Etc.

 

Check your Private Messages. I sent you a PM if you want "a little advice" let me know.