I am buying my self a 88 firebird in 2 weeks for $250 needs new master cylinder(brake pedal falls to floor) needs some body work and interior work, last ran 3 years ago, i pulled the dip stick oil was pure black and looked overheated, no engine coolant in overflow reserve. to get it running i was planning on making atf fluid and putting it in every cylinder letting it sit over night, give it an oil change, hand crank the motor, then turn the motor with the starter without the spark plugs in to lubricate everything further, put back in spark plugs try running it, run the old gas through put new gas in run that through then put more gas in, replace master cylinder for brakes hope that is all thats wrong in terms of brakes, $100 later the car is running and has brake then do the body work to it. I have a friend looking to buy a camaro so I will sell him my 2.8l camaro for 1000 and put that money into the firebird.

 

did you try to turn the engine by hand?

 

first off, did u check to see if there are any busted/rotted brake lines? thats such a larger occurance than master cylinders failing. check the brake reservior to see if there is even any in it. if not, fill it up. pump the brakes and watch for leaks under the car. then repair the line (if it is a line). i have had to replace brake lines on soo many cars where i worked, but only on 3 of my own camaros, iv had to do brake lines but never had to replace any masters on them.

 

you're buying a $250 project vehicle, what is there to think about?

You certainly aren't thinking you're gettng a daily driver with only $100 in repairs and $250 purchase price.

snap some photos of the restoration and repair project and always allow a few extra months of it up on jack stands than you think it really requires.

 

well i will be posting pictures of the repair process, and im not sure about the brake lines this will not be a daily driver until everything is in good working condition, i dont want to put myself behind the wheel of a death trap. I also didn't have enough time to hand turn the motor or check the brake fluid container... All I know is it will be at my house in two weeks then I will start doing everything necessary to make it run... On a side note I plan on keeping the original radio in the car and i want to find the steering wheel controls for it. it is missing its horn button.