Well guys i have been looking for a chevelle for almost 3 years and i finally bought a 1968 with a 350 motor and trans yeaterday. it starts and runs(i was able to drive it around the neighborhood and get it on the trailer) but i want to know what i should do first before driving it. It sat around for the last few years. What preventative maintinance/ fluids should i change. I was thinking tranny and oiil, plugs, but is there anything else i should be looking at that i can do in the driveway? Thanks for the help.

Brakes, tires, and all hoses and belts.

Yeah. the tires are shot. I was thinking more along the lines of fluids that could cause damage. The brakes will need to be done eventually and i will change the belts and hoses. Thanks for the info.

If the gas smells funky, definetly drain most of it and fill the tank with fresh gas, change oil, antifreeze. Jim

Since it runs, the first thing to do is to do a thorough brake inspection. Fix what needs fixing, flush the old brake fluid out. Engine before brakes it putting the cart before the horse. While doing the brakes, check the suspension out looking for cracks in the A Arms. Check/grease the wheel bearings.

Like George said check out the brakes and look for rusted brake lines. It would be a shame to get it running nice then rear end a big truck because a brake line was rusted or wore thin at a bracket area. You did a good choice on your first Chevelle. Have fun with it and enjoy.:thumbsup:

well i had it running for about 10 minutes then it cut out. now i cant get it to fire. it will turn over but wont fire. looks like there is some smoke coming from one of the breathers on the head. i might just change the oil, how many quarts do i need?

5qts - Post up some pictures. You did check to see if there was oil in it right?

LK

Take it to a good shop with a lift so they can properly inspect all the important stuff, money well spent.

Yeah, you might have sucked something into the filter in your fuel lines, or who knows at this point.

Make sure you have 5 quarts of oil in it and good gas. As already mentioned I would make sure the brakes are in good shape before driving it again. At least bleed them and check the fluid levels. Mine sat for about 3 years in my garage and when I bled the brakes I got some junk out of it even then.

well i had it running for about 10 minutes then it cut out. now i cant get it to fire. it will turn over but wont fire. looks like there is some smoke coming from one of the breathers on the head. i might just change the oil, how many quarts do i need?

Eric,

Not bashing, but dude, not knowing how many quarts of oil a 350 needs for an oil change ..... Also an oil change has squat to do with an engine starting unless there was no oil previously and the engine froze up.

You need to get on the learning ladder here real quickly! Got an owner's manual in there? Do you have any CHEVY 'how-to' books?
Check garage and estate sales for Chilton and Haynes repair books as well as the MOTORS big blue books.

Bad gas and sediment have probably clogged the fuel filter as mentioned.
Not much to these old cars.

68's a nice year.post some pics up when you have time.

Hi Eric :waving:

Thanks for the support gentlemen. I changed the plugs, changed the oil, and have a new fuel filter to install tom( it got to dark and cold in the driveway) I took a quick look under the car while the oil was draining but couldnt locate the fuel filter? I just changed the one in my truck and one on an older BMW, both were on the side but i'll find it. And kettbo, like i said its my first american muscle car and i just wanted to be sure how much oil to get while at the store. Stupid questions are better than no questions. I picked up 6 quarts and then found the answer when i got home. i know oil doesnt affect the car starting but i figured i might as well change it while i was doing the plugs and fuel filter. no tellin when it was last changed. That was the hardest oil filter to get off in my life, even compared to our big diesel work trucks. Hand tight my A$$. Oh and the car did FIRE UP after the plugs were changed. Not sure if it was because it had cooled off or because of the plugs. I have the 3 manuals recomended on the way in the mail AND the manual all about the Chevy 350. When they get here i'll try to stop asking amatuer questions but it will be hard because i love to ask questions. My ladder is being build as we speak. Again thanks guys and i will post some pics in the mornin.

Eric,
The fuel filter may be where the fuel inlet is in the carb. It may also be in the fuel line between the pump (pass frt of engine) and the carb. Ya won't find a fuel filter under the car on the frame of a stock old Chevy. Send a link to some pics.

I'm pretty sure there is a TC member somewhere near you that could drop by, give you a little tutorial.

Kettbo, seriously thanks. i know it seems i should know but i'm used to trucks and older BMWs. I am just trying to learn as fast as i can without screwin anything up too bad. Again, i cant help but ask questions. Thanks

For future refrence when you buy a car that has been sitting for a long time it is wise to change the oil and filters BEFORE firing it up. Best to pre-lube it if you can to get the oil moving. Not busting your balls, Just trying to help.

LK