Well after one year, and more that a few hours in the garage. Tomorrow I plan to drive my car around the block. The quick list of what I have done is:
replaced gas tank and fuel lines
new 3 row radiator and hoses
carb rebuilt by Pony carbs
pulled oil pan and cleaned
new urethane sway bar bushings/end links
cleaned engine top end (search for pics )
replaced valve seals
new plugs, wires
pertronix ignitor
flamethrower coil
new battery
lubed cylinders with Mystery oil before starting etc.
Changed oil 3 times (so far) after abour 1-2 hours run
time each change
replaced brake lines
new master cylinder
rebuilt 10" drum brakes all around
cleaned and painted everything I touched during
rebuilds etc.

So, what should I be looking for when I take it on the street tomorrow? I figure something will probably break, so I will have my tow guy's number with me. I'm expecting to go down the block and back, that's about it. (no tags, registration, or inspection yet)
Wish me luck!!!

 

I would just check some safety stuff first. Namely that your brakes (parking included) work. And that your throttle linkage runs smooth and doesn't stick. Of course, buckle up.

 

1) if it starts and runs
2) if it moves under its own power

if yes for both 1 and 2

drive it 1 mile...fix everything that breaks / doesn't work
drive it 10 miles...fix everything that breaks
drive it 100 miles...fix everything that breaks
drive it 500 miles...fix everything that breaks
drive it a 1000 miles...fix everything that breaks

Drive it anywhere

-Gun

 

Have a great ride! Take some basic tools with you in the trunk and hopefully you will not need them. Nice to have though just in case. Let us know how it goes.

 

Well, around the block twice, after some brake adjustments. Picked up my mother in law and daughter for the second lap.
Runs great. Sounds great. It's a 4-speed manual, and it took me a few minutes to figure out where everything is. It takes ALOT of gas to get going in first. I think I was just babying it, but I'll get used to it. Second is no problem. That's as high as I got. Nothing broke, so next time we'll go farther.
Tomorrow I'm off to DMV for registration, tags etc. I took some pics, which I'll post soon. Woo Hoo!!!

 

Shouldn't be hard to move in 1st.

 

carb might need some dialing in or just some more run time.

 

Could it be old dusty clutch?
I think I'm getting better at it. I drove it to the store for some beverages, and it was a tiny bit better, maybe. Reverse picks right up, but into first it shakes if I don't gun it a bit.

 

Ok, that is how mine used to act with my 3 speed. Never could really get it to start off without shaking. With the 5 speed I have no trouble.

 

I think you need to change the oil again.

You may need to adjust the clutch take-up.