Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1953 CHRYSLER, wheel cylinders, chrysler town

Question
HELLO PAUL,

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1953 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY WAGON.  IT HAS 81000 MILES BUT HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR 40+ YEARS.  I WILL DROP THE TANK AND CLEAN OUT FUEL LINES. POUR A FEW DROPS OF OIL INTO EACH CYLINDER BEFORE CRANKING. DRAIN OIL AND RADIATOR FLUIDS.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?

ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU COULD MAKE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS,

JOHN

Answer
What do I think?

I think you're on the right track, but have a lot more to travel...

The 40+ years, if the car has not been properly de-commissioned (as Rolls-Royce terms it) for storage, will have taken their toll on every single unprotected part on the car.

Every soft seal will be suspect. Your motor may see some damage unless it had fresh oil put in before storing it. The brakes should get a 100% thorough going through, rebuilding the master and wheel cylinders and replacing all lines and hoses. There's no feeling like travelling 40 mph down a road or street in a 4000 pound missile and finding out you have no ability to stop...

So, it's not just a matter of getting it running. There's the matter of getting it to stop once it's moving, and then there's the biggest challenge of all--making it reliable so that it can be enjoyed as an object of beauty instead of a source of stress.

--Paul