I'm trying to get my old '76 Dart Swinger (225 w/ a 4 speed) ready for when I get my drivers liscense next fall/spring. Are there things that I need to check before driving it, as it has been sitting for about 3 years. I plan on doing a thurough tune up, changing the: plugs, wires, cap and rotor, pcv valve, and breather. Are there things I am missing, and are there specific brands that you have found to work well on your slant? It has been recommended to me that I also adjust the valves, as the milage is almost to 225,000. Is that something I should be able to do myself, or would it be better to take it to a shop once I'm diving it? Also, is anyone using a k&n air filter on their Dart? Thanks for any input or advice you might have.

A good tune-up including a valve lash adjustment would be a great start.
Set the timing around 6-8 drgrees BTDC and make sure the vacuum and machanical advance (in the distributor) is working.

You should drain-out the 3 year old fuel and put in fresh gas before starting the car.
DD

I would also change all the fluids. New trans fluid, flush out the power steering fluid, bleed the brake system and flush new fluid through it. Make sure the cooling system is good i.e. no rust or deposits, no leaks. Hmmm, a fresh fuel filter and maybe a carb. rebuild. Also, (I hate to go against the guru), you can set your timing up to 12 BTDC with no problems, though some slants like less (I set mine at 10 BTDC). I like Autolite plugs, some like Champion or NGK's. As for filters, stay away from Frame oil filters! The last couple I've had on dropped my oil pressure 10-15 psi. Purolater or Napa Gold or Silver or Wix are good quality filters. Frames other filter products are fine and what I also use. Have fun, sounds like an excellent first car!

Is the timing something I can do myself? From looking in my Haynes manual, it looks kind of complicated.

Yeah, I was planning on changing all the fluids, I just forgot to mention it. Can I get at the fluid in the rear diff, or is it sealed up?

My parent's have had the car since '78, so it's not exactly a new car to me. But they're not car people, so routine maintanence wasn't routine... If a car needed to much work, they sold it. Needless to say, the Dart has seen a few cars come and go. I'm on a tight budget, so we'll see how long it can go before a rebuild. 224,000 and counting!

I've done a bit of work on it already, and am moving on to the engine now. It also needs a brake job (closer to drive date), and a paint job (badly), but I think I can do the engine stuff myself, so that's what I'm working on now.

Thanks for the imput.