My 58 is getting closer to being back on the road and one of the next major steps is going to be starting the motor. It's the original motor, rebuilt some time ago, which hasn't run since before the rebuild. It was filled with oil after the rebuild and has been turned by hand a couple times a week since. The PO had the engine rebuilt and he claims it is in "ready to start" condition.

Basically my question is what steps should I do before I try and start the motor? Also, is there any special way I should start the motor / any kind of techniques / any advice? I also don't have the thermostat/air regulator and manual choke hooked up - can I start/run/drive the car without hooking these items up?

I started a list of things that need to be done before I try to start it up, mostly obvious (please feel free to help me add things I might be overlooking to the list):

Install exhaust tubes/heater boxes - Done
Connect wiring
Install belt / shim generator
Connect gas line

If anyone wants to come oversee/assist in this monumental occasion let me know - beers will be provided

Pull the sparkplugs and turn the motor over with the starter for 20-30 seconds or so to get the oil circularing around. Ideally wait for the oil light to go off, but since you don't have one you could use an ohm meter. Anyway, do that first, then replace the plugs and wires and fire her up!

When are you going to fire it up? I'll stop by if I can. Clear Lake isn't far from me at all.

Yeah I wanna be there when you fire it up too! Lets do it tomorrow!

Oh btw....its lookin real sweet

Not sure on the date yet, possibly next Sunday but if not then the following weekend for sure.

You saw the body at the shop, Brad?

No I havent seen the Body. Wheres it at? I was just looking at the pics of the engine and pan.

Marciano's in Pasadena

Does anyone have any suggestion of what weight oil to use for startup? I was planning on filling it with oil to start it with and run it, then drain and refill. Any suggestion for what weight to use after startup, for the oil that will stay in the car?

Shooting for bringing the motor to life this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Hopefully barkeep and veedubcrazy will be there. ffemt300 and kostya, you guys comin as well? I'll get better times when it gets closer to the weekend

I'd say just use 30. I'll come out if time permits.