DIY Network

1962 Ford Thunderbird: Pre-Startup Engine Inspection From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-302

	In this episode, the 1962 Thunderbird undergoes close inspection and an initial test-startup after having been in storage for quite some time.
	Figure A

Thus far, we have conducted a close inspection on our project car, and have verified that it is a legitimate Thunderbird sports roaster -- one of only about 1600 built in 1962. This is a very unique and collectible automobile, and its most distinctive feature is a fiberglass tonneau cover that fits over the back seat to transform the car into 2-seater (figure A). In this episode, the '62 T-bird undergoes further inspection and an initial test-startup after having been in storage for several years. In this segment, host Steve Magnante conducts an initial inspection of the car's engine.

Materials:

Standard automotive tools (socket wrenches, extensions, combination wrenches, open-end wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
Spark-plug socket-wrench
Multimeter

Safety Equipment:

Work gloves
Safety glasses or other eye protection
Fire extinguisher

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending on model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

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We're uncertain how long our project car had been in storage before this project began, or how well it was maintained before it went into storage. Here's a list of some basic checks conducted on the car's engine prior to a test startup.

Check all fluids including:

• Motor oil;
  
• Engine cooloant;
  
• Brake fluid;
  
• Power-steering fluid;
  
• Transmission fluid.

Checking the fluids in a stored vehicle involves two things: checking for their presence and their condition.

• Check the engine oil using the dipstick. The proper way to check the oil is to remove the dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert it, remove it again and read the level. Our vehicle read full for motor oil, and the oil appeared to be in reasonably good condition (figure B).

• Check the engine coolant by inspecting inside the radiator overflow. Our vehicle had coolant, which was green in color -- not brown or rusty -- indicating good condition.

• Check the brake fluid reservoir. Our vehicle had brake fluid, which appeared fairly clear -- not "muddy" -- again indicating good condition.

• Check the power-steering fluid in the power-steering reservoir. Check for existing or leaks in the reservoir or hoses. If a leak exists, power-steering fluid may be sprayed out when the engine gets started. On our car, we found fluid to be present (figure C), and saw no signs of leakage.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• Check the automatic-transmission fluid. Under ordinary circumstances, it's best to check this fluid with the engine running. Since we weren't ready to start the engine, we simply checked for the presence of transmission fluid on the dipstick.

With all of the vital fluids checked, physical inspection of the engine itself can get underway.

• Begin by "rocking" the motor by hand, to check that crankshaft and pistons are free. Grab the harmonic balancer and rock it gently back and forth. If the crankshaft and pistons are stuck in position, damage can occur when the engine is started for the first time.

• Check the water-pump belt and fan belt to ensure they aren't loose. Tighten as necessary using open-end wrenches. On our car, a 1/2-inch or 9/16-inch wrench does the job. If the fan-belt is nonfunctional at initial startup, the engine can overheat and cause serious damage.

  Remove the air-filter housing to access the carburetor. Check the carburetor and fuel-lines (figure D). Do a general inspection to ensure that there aren't any cracked or missing fuel lines.

  Important: Check closely for any signs of gasoline leaks, as this could present a fire-hazard at initial startup.

  Remove the distributor cap and check the condition of the distributor, points and cap (figure E).

  Using a spark-plug socket, pull the spark plugs and check their condition. Ours show signs of some carbon buildup (figure F), but appear to be in good enough condition to start the motor. If the sparkplugs appear to have substantial buildup or wear, go ahead and replace them with new ones.

  Use a multimeter to check and see how much charge (if any) is left in the battery. Follow the directions that come with the multimeter. Ideally, we're looking for a readout of between 13 and 14 volts. Our reading of just over 12 volts is slightly low (figure G), but should be sufficient to start the engine.
  

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896

T-birds.com
T-Birds.com
A website dedicated to the appreciation of 1961 through 1963 Ford Thunderbirds. Hard-to-find restoration parts and materials, including reconditioned original t-bird body parts, can be found through t-birds.com.

Thunderbird Restoration Guide, 1958-1966 (Motorbooks International Authentic Restoration Guides)
by William Wonder
Published by Motorbooks International, June 1997
ASIN: 0760303908
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Illustrated Thunderbird Buyer's Guide (Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide)
by Paul G. McLaughlin
Publisher: Motorbooks International (July 2000)
ASIN: 0879388706
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Vintage Thunderbird Club International
www.vintagethunderbirdclub.org
The Vintage Thunderbird Club International (VTCI) is an organization dedicated to the restoration of Thunderbirds and is an excellent resource for many aspects of restorations. The organization establishes juding rules and offers technical advice and production data.