Crosley All Systems No-Go

When restoring an old unused car where all systems are no go, the re-builder can fully disassemble everything or work on one system at a time. If you have space for boxes and the separated body and chassis, then you can do the former. You can organize by system  or by area removed from; engine compartment, rear, etc. You can clean, evaluate, order replacements or recondition as parts are removed or as you reassemble. Processing during removal is better if you have to wait for replacement parts.

In the garage, but on a trailer

Working on one system at a time, might be the way to go if you do not have space for a fully disassembled car or some systems are go while others are iffy. You might be able to start the engine, but critical systems are in no condition to go for a drive. You will need good fuel, cooling and lubrication systems to start the engine. You will also need parts of the electrical system to test the engine.

In any case, first time dissemblers, should photograph sections as parts are removed to document condition and aid in reassembly. You might make a list of systems needs and work on one or a couple at a time. The order of work should make sense. A lot of parts need to be removed or protected in order to do body work or painting on the interior or exterior. You need brakes if you are going on a test drive.

The major systems include; body, frame, suspension, steering, rear drive, brakes, engine, transmission, fuel, cooling, electrical, lubrication, and interior. 

Extra crispy hydraulic brake cylinder dust boot

One plan for system at a time restoring is to get the car rolling and stopping first. This is my plan so that I can get it in and out of the garage and get it fully cleaned before further systems renewal. The amount of dirt and grime made working on the car difficult. It needs a lot of pressure washing and de-greasing.

Tires and brakes was my first priority. The car would move if the tire were pumped up and we used a winch to control it. Both the emergency brake handle and foot brake were frozen in place. Also none of the tires would hold air of long. Lucky for me there was a spare to replace one of the tires that was rotted flat and would not hold air at all. That let us guide it onto a trailer. I wanted to be able to push or tow the car on it's own wheels and have a driver stop it and set the brake. That would allow me to move it easily in and out of the garage, turn it around and take it places.

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