I would check the oil level, borrow a battery, turn on the ignition. If the gages indicate that it has fuel, crank it for 10 or 15 seconds. If it starts, let it run for 30 seconds and turn it off, then inspect all the fluids. If it doesn’t start, you will have to do some diagnostics. An engine needs fuel, compression, and spark to run. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Of course, it’s possible to restore a car that’s been sitting for 10 years. And it won’t cost thousands of dollars to do so, unless you’re paying a shop to do the work. Why does everyone here make things sound so complicated?
Not that the replies are making it complicated but what would be necessary just to get it running without causing further damage to the power train.
While I like the styling of those Sevilles I would not invest any time or money into one.
Yeah, this is a project I’d take on if I thought that car was GREAT, and worth my time. If I’m going to take on a project, I’d rather have one that I’ve been wanting, not just one that was convenient and cheap.
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This reviving of an old vehicle that has been setting for 10 years ( why is unknown ) is not complicated for a decent mechanic . But for someone who has little knowledge of what it takes then yes it is complicated.
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I’d think about it if it was the prior gen Seville, I’ve always liked them, especially without the vinyl top.
The ‘bustle back’ ones do nothing for me.
if you checked you would see Volvo has been a member since 2012 so your off base with that.
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Yep, there’s only one @VOLVO-V70 . I have no problem with his opinion that restoring an antique car (that’s what a 42 year old car is) would be VERY challenging for somebody with no tools or experience, easier for a ‘decent mechanic’. There are many failed ‘project cars’ where the owner couldn’t see it through to completion. No reason to conceal that.
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I would say VOLVO-70 has more than likely forgotten more than you will ever know judging from the comments you have been making here.with out the knowdledge to back you up.
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Some young guy wants to take a battery out to an old car, put some gas in it, and see if it starts. It could very well start up since it was working when parked 10 years ago. Why would someone spent so much of their time on a discussion forum trying to discourage someone from doing this?
Well like Bruce Williams used to say when he was alive: “do you want me to lie to you or tell you the truth?” I don’t always agree with Volvo and visa versa but when we do agree, it’s pretty solid. Personally I always thought those cars were boring.
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Someone could discourage this to prevent a well intentioned young person from going down a rabbit hole of expense and disappointment. We have no idea if this car was “running when parked” or even if it runs on gas or diesel fuel.
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[quote="old_mopar_guy, post:73, topic:180183, full:t. We have no idea if this car was “running when parked” or even if it runs on gas or diesel fuel.
[/quote]
Agree as we are not there t see it and have no idea of the history behind it
Also agree as we have all been young with with stupid ideas once upon a time.
You will love playing with the engine if it is the 4.1. Hope it’s a 1983 to1985 with the engine mounted like a RWD, Subaru style. The camshaft is removable without pulling the engine out. Don’t try to remove individual rocker arms because they won’t screw back into the “self tapped holes.” The PCM cost me $100 dollars on my own Deville 85, It is solid state electronics so it is an easy remanufacture job. The memory (prom) chip doesn’t fail often. Good thing because it is expensive, maybe $300. The 83 Seville I worked on had V-belts with easy tighteners on the accessories. Lood Guck to you.
The OP indicated the video was of a car that matches the one he’d get, a 1980.
Reminds me of the old Seville my college son recieved from his granddad.
As others have said just check the fluids, drain / replace the gas and see if it runs and go from there .
In my son’s case that “sweet ride” turned into a family joke when he was driving home from college in Grandpa’s Seville with a " cute little girl" because the Northstar slipped a gasket and they had to stop every couple of hours to let it cool off and replenish the radiator…
By the time they arrived they both looked like drowned rats and because the value of the Caddy was less than the cost to repair it went to join other similar Caddy’s at the junkyard
Restoring an old car and be able to drive it brings you immense satisfaction. However, throwing down few grands on a car that is too expensive to be roadworthy is not worth it. imho.
OP will be better off going to an auction and getting a newer car for couple of hundred dollars and play with that. Atleast he can either re-register it and use it or even sell it to recoup his money and make a profit. He’ll also get to quench his thirst to get dirty and fix up a car. That is a win-win in every way.
My 2 cents…
Couple of points. The OP said 80 with an “s” which to me denotes anywhere in that decade. Later with FI might be more problematic due to complexity and higher parts costs.
He also said free or cheap if I remember correctly. Free is great; cheap is great depending upon how much “cheap” is.
If someone is thinking a grand because of the current used car market and for a car sitting for a decade with a claim of running when parked, which may or may not be true, then no way.
If cheap is great then I don’t have a problem with it. If he gets it going, details it, then he can probably flip it for some profit while gaining some knowledge along the way.
I started learning at 12 years old with the James Dean clone next door who taught me a few things about old Harleys. By the time I was 15 I understood how engines and other components worked and also had learned to operate all types of woodworking and sheet metal equipment. Everyone gotta start somewhere.
Here’s where the OP said a 1980 was ‘the same car’:
My first restoration was a 60 Morris Minor in 1966. I sold it before the mechanicals started. Over the years I’ve looked at a few: 54 Ford, 51 Hudson, 61 Corvair, 63 Thunderbird, and some others that I don’t remember. Oh yeah 66 Mustang, about a 34 Ford. Always gave it some thought, then said no and I’ve never been sorry. Suit yourself but don’t be afraid to stop and kick the dust off your boots.