Since 2003 my 1971 Satellite (318) has been in storage in my garage. Due to family deathes, unemployment, marriage and the birth of my first child, I have not had time to keep it running and the fact is I haven't done anything to it since 2003 except cover it w/ a car cover. I don't expect my time to free up anytime soon. What should I do to the car to keep it's shape up ?? I was gonna pour some oil into each spark plug hole and put a tennis ball in the tailpipe. Luckily my garage stays dry, but I want to keep this car as nice as possible because it is a nice rustfree original that was my first car.Thanks in advance guys.. Dave

I did this before and I am about to do this again with my iold 72 Satellite!

The first mopar, and first slant six I ever owned, was a 1978 Plymouth Volare wagon that I got for free from a friend. it had been sitting outside his parent's house for about five years before I got it.

I drove it away (barely) from his house after doing the following:

(1) replace oil and filter.

(2) put fresh gas in tank.

(3) replacing the battery

It started and drove, but was covered with moss and had only one working brake.

To get it roadworthy I ended up having to replace the water pump, fuel pump, fuel filter, oil pump, carb, and rebuild the brakes including brake lines. This occurred over a several month long period, but all were necessary.

If your car has been covered, I would suggest you change your fluids and filters (and be prepared to rebuild the carb), and give the brakes, hoses, and tires a good going over before you put it back into daily service. It also wouldn't hurt to give the suspension and u-joints a good lube.

Remember, when you start itthe first time pull the coil to distributor wireand crank the engine for about 30 seconds (you will need to anyway to get some gas to the carb). This should pre-lube the motor with fresh oil. Then reconnect the coil wire, cros your fingers, and fire it up.

Keep us posted and post some pictures!

_________________
Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Are you asking about how to start a car that has been sitting or how to perserve one that will sit a long time?
If it is the latter than I wouldn't do any of the suggested above until its time to put it back on the road time.
I would spray oil in to the spark plug holes and turn it over with coil disconnected. Remove battery. Completey drain fuel tank and lines. Remove air filter and wrap in plastic baggy and reinstall to plug carb. Wrap tail pipe openning leaving enough plastic bag for expansion. Elevate car a little to unload suspention. Deflate tires a bit, but don't let it sit on them flat.
Some one here likely knows what if anything to add the fuel tank to keep out moister.

_________________
67Cuda,FAST EZEFI,340cu,CR=10.25,RollerCam&Rocker (XR268HR,#20-810-9)(#1622-16)(EddyRPM#60779,#7576), (MSD6AL,#6425) A904, GearVendorsOD, 8 1/4,3.55:1, ClassicAir