[speed_racer]

Just acquired a 76 Bird that has been sitting in someones garage and had around only 1500 miles driven since 4/2000...

It had $4k of work done in 4/2000 including: body/paint... cap/wires/rotor/plugs... radiator... fan... water pump... thermo, thermo housing.... gabriel shocks, front susp kit, wheel bearings, total brake job, and new shocks....

Hoses seem O.K... but not perfect, so i know they will need to be replaced soon, but hopefully not right away....

Never really touched a vehicle that has been sitting in a garage (or anywhere for that matter) for that long, what all should i do before i try to put any miles on it... should i drain n replace all fluids, or due to budget should a top off be ok?

Should i pull the valve cover to see if theres any buildup inside? or due to the low miles am i safe to assume that all should be ok??

Basically, new to the classic scene, and just want a headsup on exactly what i should be looking for, dont wanna have to learn the hard way! haha

[2manyT/A'S]

Providing vehicle was started & driven periodically over the storage period,this info applies.
If it HASN"T been started for a LONG TIME,you will need to look at a few things more seriously before initial start up.

As long as it was stored in a DRY garage,fluids SHOULD be OK.
It couldn't hurt to change engine oil & filter.
Automatic trans? If it wasn't serviced with everything else in 2000,it also couldn't hurt. check the fluid color. S/b bright RED if serviced recently
Keep a close eye on things for the first 1000 or so miles.
If it ain't broke,don't fix it!
Sludge in the crankcase doesn't build up from sitting. It is created by infrequent oil changes & non detergent oil.
Pull the oil cap,look inside & stick your finger in the hole. (you can check for sludge there)