Steve, Years ago, I bought an 82 Imp that had been sitting for seven years.
It had been started periodically, but not driven. I added brake fluid, trans
fluid, water and filled it up with Chevron Supreme(the only gas I use). I
drove it from Los Angeles to San Diego with no problems. When I got home I
changed all fluids, tuned it up and drove it for almost a year until I sold
it. For the drive you are talking about, I would do all I did plus new
tires. The gas tank is very easy to pull, it might be a good idea to make
sure it is not full of crud. Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve B." <imprl59@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 7:15 PM
Subject: RE: IML: My first message (TEST)
> >He doesn't drive so the car mostly set in his garage with the battery
> >disconnected. Do you think it could be driven to Idaho?
>
> Welcome to the list and congratulations on your fine new car. The
> following advice is given considering your statement that the car hasn't
> moved much in the last fifteen years..
>
> The brake system is most likely toast.. Brake fluid absorbs water which
> leads to rust. If it were mine I would plan on replacing rear wheel
> cylinders, front calipers, master cylinder and rubber hoses. You likely
> could get away with less, but a 1500 mile trip is the wrong time to find
> out you really did need that rubber hose.
>
> The tires will need to be replaced even if they have good tread. The
> rubber will be dry rotted and the tires could easily come apart on you
> at hiway speeds.
>
> It would be a good idea to go ahead and replace belts and hoses and
> change all the fluids now.
>
> I would also have the gas tank cleaned out if it has been sitting with
> the same gas for a long time or not having a full tank. Condensation
> builds up in the tank and settles on the bottom creating a rust and muck
> that stops up the fuel system (don't ask how many times I have learned
> this lesson.)
>
> Is your car still EFI or has it been converted to carb? If it is still
> EFI I expect some of the experts here on the list might have additional
> advice for you.
>
> You can also ship the car if you aren't able to get it ready out there.
> Expect to pay between $700 and $1K for door to door shipping.
>
> Steve B.
>
>
>
>
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