Hi. I am a new member with a 1979 Firebird Trans Am. I had to store the car for roughly 6 years, while I was in school and grad school. Unfortunately, my folks did not start the car, and I was unable to get home often enough to start it with any regularity. The end result is that the car basically sat, unmoved, for 5 to 6 years.

I pulled it out of the garage yesterday, and the body is in amazing condition, with only a few rust areas, and nothing noticeable without a very close examination. Now I have the itch to get the car back on the road and start a restoration project.

So my question: are there any recommendations before I start the car fro the first time. I have heard a lot, and some conflicting ideas. The basic thing I hear is that I should try to crack the engine manually (which I am not sure how to do). I have also heard I should get new gas (which is not a problem, because there was next to no gas in it when I put the car away). Today, I planned to change all the fluids (oil, rear axle), but was unsure about the transmission fluid and whether that needed changed.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone, and I hope to have my car back on the road in the next few weeks!

Changing the fluids is a must. Read the article titled "Waking Up Sleeping Beauty" from the link below:

http://www.classiccar.com/garage/blog/i ... l#extended

After all that, and to get things fired quickly, I'd recommend squirting some starting fluid into the carb's primaries. This helps reduce dry start and gets the fuel flowing faster.

Oh and by the way, welcome to Screamin' Chicken Chasers! We'd love to see some ride pics once you get the chance.

--jim--