I bought an 89 Formula 350 yesterday. It's in need of restoration. It had a bad coolant leak from the radiator. The PO pulled the car in, turned it off, locked the doors, and let it sit like this since June 04. So, you can imagine the condition of it after suffering 5 years in North Texas weather.

I want to restore it and give it to my daughter when she turns 16. This will be a father/daughter project, and we are very excited. The car has lots of potential. I have some experience with third gen F-bodies as I had an 83 Z-28 that required alot of work to be road worthy. I still have some questions, and I'm sure there will be many more before this project is over. First question...

I want to get the car running first. What is the best way to get the gas out of the tank? Can I just put a new battery in it, disconnect the fuel line under the car and let the fuel pump pump all the gas out? Should I siphen it out? Advice? Second question...

Once I get fresh gas in it and fix the radiator I will change all the fluids. I'm sure the fuel injectors will need to be cleaned out. Can this be done before I try to start the car, or should I just start the car (if it will start) and then get it to a mechanic so they can clean the injectors? Anything else I should consider? in advance!!
Travis

 

Because the car sat so long, you may actually want to drop the tank and inspect the inside, could be really dirty or even rust. Siphon as much gas out as you can so it's not so heavy when you drop it.
The fuel injectors should be okay to start and take it to a shop to get cleaned. Before you start it the first time, cycle the fuel pump a few times(allow the fuel pump to prime, then turn it off, allow it to prime again, turn it off.) Then actually start the car.

 

Pull spark plugs and squirt a little oil in the holes to lube rings as they could be "stuck" to cyl. walls and let sit a couple of days.
Drop tank as described above.
Raise and set(jackstands) rear wheels. Have seen auto trans plates and clutches stuck together and car wants to move by itself.
Look for critters in air filter housing and air intake areas.
Turn over engine by hand(big socket and ratchet on crank pulley) to make sure it moves freely(not "stuck" as described above).
After dropping tank blow fuel lines(disconnect from carb or TPI,whichever applies).
While running be looking for leaks(seals tend to shrink after sitting with no lubrication).
Hope this helps.