Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1965 Ford 200 not running, power steering fluids, sad shape

Question
Good afternoon - I recently purchased a single owner 65 mustang with the 200 cid I6 and a 3 speed manual gearbox. The previous owner stated that the block was replaced about 5 years ago, and it ran then - but he left it in his field since then. I have general expertise in autos, and this will be my first attempt in getting a non-running car back on the road so-to-speak. I have no clue where to start, and what to do so that this engine runs and the transmission works. The wiring and other peripherals are in sad, sad shape including the cooling system. Can you help me get pointed in the right direction to find out if this original I6 is worth keeping or if a non-matching V8 would be a better option. Thanks!

Answer
Hi John:
Sounds like you have a real project on your hands. Well, I get this question a lot, and what I tell everyone is, "When you are bring a car back to life, the very first thing to do before you even attempt to start it up, is change ALL the fluids.

If this car was sitting in a field for five years, that's NOT good for any car. So, before you can even determine if the car is in any shape to be started and driven, you MUST...

1. Change the oil and filter.
2. Flush the Radiator and fill with anti-freeze.
3. Lube transmission
4. Dump gas tank, clean and refill with fresh fuel.
5. Check Brake and Power Steering fluids (Change or top-off)
6. Check Battery. Change or charge (if dead).
7. Replace air filter and clean carbs with carb cleaner.
8. Lubricate carbs and emergency brake linkage.
9. Check wiring connections and fuses (Replace as needed)
10. Check wheels, brake drums, tires, belts and hoses. Replace as needed.
11. Check plugs, points, wires and distributor. Replace as needed.
12. Check starter wire connection to battery and ground.

NOW, you are ready to try to start her up! Turn the engine over a few quick times to get oil into the cylinder walls. DO NOT start her.

If starter works, try starting her up, but let her idle for awhile while you check out the status of all gauges. Oil Pressure, Battery Charging, temperature, exhaust smoke, noises, rattles, etc. If all checks out OK, start her again and drive her about a block or two to she how she drives.

NOTE: Even after during all of these things, there is no guarantee that she will run or even drive. But this is where you must start. And plan to spend some real money to get her back in decent shape. Around $1,000 to $3,000 if nothing major is wrong. Even more if you run into engine or transmission problems.