my wifes 67 convertable straight 6 cyl has not been started for 10 years. we wish to get it back on the road but i am concerned that if i attempt to start it, i may cause damage without first checking that the engine isn't frozen. any suggestions as to any procedure i should follow. are additives helpful if they are added to the cylinder beforehand. would appreciate any direction. thank you. bob

 

Remove the spark plugs and squirt in some engine oil.
Use a breaker bar and socket to turn the crank via the damper bolt on the front of the crankshaft.Turn the crank thrugh several revolutions to evenly distribute the oil film and to make sure the internal parts move freely.
Replace the points,condenser,rotor,and distributor cap.
Clean and gap the old plugs if they are useable,replace and check the gap on the new plugs if they are not.
Get some fresh 87 octane gas and dump it into the tank.Make sure the old gas didn't evaporate completly and leave the gas tank with a layer of varnish in the bottom.
Make sure all linkages on the carburetor are lubed and operate freely including the choke.
Change the oil and filter.
Crank the engine with the starter untill you get oil pressure.On most engines you can prime the system through the distributor hole using an electric drill if you have the proper tool.
Replace the spark plugs.
Get a can of starting fluid or a squirt bottle of gasoline to prime the carburetor.
Get a fire extinguisher.
Have a helper crank the engine.If there's no start,quit cranking and squirt a little gas into the carb throat.
Crank the engine some more.If you get a hit but no start,try the gas in the carb routine again.
Keep the fire extinguisher handy.
It's going to take awhile to get the engine running again but it's a lot of fun trying.There are all kinds of things that can interfere with success like clogged fuel lines,corroded electrical system wires,and bad fuel pumps.

 

thanks for the advise. my wife told me if i get the car started, i won't have to sleep in the garage anymore. bob