Bringing it back to life.

[Slainthrax]

Well here is the story. a bit over 4 years ago I started having overheating issues with my 93 3000GT SL, Diagnosed as the water pump. Was shortly after highschool and I didn't have the money to do it(and as it was not my DD it was not a priority). saved up the money got it fixed and the same day my transmission went (Manual trans fyi), well now that I have totaled my DD(hit a deer doing 35mph, car has 214k on it so not worth much) I have made the decision to use the insurance money to bring my 93 SL back to life.

The question:
After over 4 years, what steps should I take in making sure the car is good to go to be Daily Driven again.

I know I will need a new Transmission, which I have lined up. I am doing the clutch/flywheel at the same time.

I am aware I will need to flush the gas tank and do an oil change, and potentially new tires.

But what other things should I look into to make sure the car is in good running condition?

Thanks
`Spencer

[Hard AttacK]

I would flush/change all fluids. Make sure your timing belt is still in good shape. How did your tranny "go" ?

[Slainthrax]

The problem that 1st gen FWD trans' have with popping out of 56th. attempting to fix that and all the gears bound together. so it tries to go forward and backwards at the same time.

[speedy25]

Dont forget to go over your brakes. Lots of things can seize up sitting around. I'd hate to hear you got it going and hit something on your first drive out!

-SP

[yeoj112689]

Originally Posted by speedy25

Dont forget to go over your brakes. Lots of things can seize up sitting around. I'd hate to hear you got it going and hit something on your first drive out!

-SP

Beat me to it, I had a buddy have this happen. Worked on his mustang all summer, took it out, brake line leaked and he wrecked it into a tree.

Good luck with your restore though! Check the valve covers for oil leaks.

[Warzone]

I think everyone covered it...

It will need tires too... I wouldn't trust 4 year old tires lol...

Good luck with bringing it back, nice to see that people do rather then send it to the scrap yard...which i have been guilty of considering and doing..i sent a vr4 to its death...however it was a bare shell, and had been wrecked.. i saved what good parts it had..

[westcott]

Originally Posted by Hard AttacK

I would flush/change all fluids. Make sure your timing belt is still in good shape. How did your tranny "go" ?

Ditto on ALL fluids. If you have access to an air compressor, a brake bleeder is a real time saver and will suck out most of the fluids like brake, clutch, radiator overflow, power steering, and windshield washer bottle. Any other way is just really messy, time consuming, or both.

I would still be tempted to remove the overflow bottle and clean it with a bottle brush. I would also take the radiator out too and flush it with a garden hose. After four years, the sediment will have settled in all of your fluid reservoirs.

[Warzone]

If it were me it wouldn't be a bad idea just to get a new radiator too. its never a bad choice and you can get a ebay one that r the same as the 3sx ones for like 150$

[westcott]

One last thing. You really need to be careful with fuel. The gas tank can rust sitting that long and lunch everything fuel related. Fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, and fuel lines. A fine dust can be generated and it will get by everything except the injectors. Will clog everything beyond repair.

Even taking the fuel tank out and "cleaning" it is no guarantee that it will be safe. I suggest taking it to a professional and let them clean and inspect it. A lot cheaper than having to replace your entire fuel system.