Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1980 MGB, radiator repair, rear drums

Question
Hi Howard,
I am starting to work on my daughters 1980 MGB.  It has not ran for 3-4 years. What should I do prior to starting it; i.e. drain out all the old gas, squirt some oil in the cylinders and turn it over without the plugs installed, etc.?  Thanks, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,
3-4 years is a long time to have a car sit so you should do as you say but first change oil and filter, and probably you will need to remove the fuel tank and have it cleaned (most radiator repair shops do that kind of work), clean out the fuel lines and check the fuel pump and clean the carburetor out and be sure to check the diaphragm for tears. You should also check all hoses and belts to see if any have hardened and need replacing and flush the cooling system. After putting oil in each cylinder you should first rotate the engine by hand (wrench), then pull the valve cover to see that all the valves are moving their full travel. Then you spin the engine over a lot keeping note on the starter motor heat. Then run a compression test. Then change the fluid in the clutch and brake system. Be sure to use DOT 4 fluid. Remove the front wheels and look at the front brake disk and if they are rusty you should remove the brake pads and use a disk sander to sand both sides of each disk and replace the pads if worn. Check the transmission and differential fluid level and if the hand brake does not stop the car when just hand pushing the car you should remove the rear drums and hand sand the rust off of the drums and reinstall and adjust the brakes. Only after doing all of that and being sure it all is correct should you try to start the engine.
If that car was brought to me in a shop, that is what I would recommend and if it were my daughters car I would not even consider doing one thing less than that. Even then you should drive the car for a week or so before handing it to your daughter. I know that is a lot of work but cars are replaceable, daughters are not.
If you are doing the work yourself feel free to ask any advise as you proceed.
Good luck,
Howard