1923 Cadillac start up

[Nolan396]

I'm the new owner of 1923 Cadillac (limo??). It has been in our family for many years and restored by my uncle years ago. However, it has not been ran since early 70s. My cousin says he prepped car for long term care by draining all fuel.  Where should I start on getting this old girl back in shape?

[Big Fins]

You can start by putting up a few pictures of the car. Exterior, interior and engine bay. A 1923 car has to be so cool. I hope you live in an area where you can get it out without being plowed into by some moron on a cell phone.

But, I would start by pulling the spark plugs, drain and refill the sump and rolling it over by hand to see if it's free.

[James Landi]

"But, I would start by pulling the spark plugs, drain and refill the sump and rolling it over by hand to see if it's free."

I respectfully add to Big Fins suggestion that you fill each cylinder with Marvel Mystery Oil so that the piston rings and cylinder walls are fully lubricated BEFORE you attempt to roll over the engine.    Additionally, I urge you to do some indepth research on reviving long slumbering engines... This is not technically challenging information to learn, but it's extremely important to do it correctly.  James

[Big Fins]

I re-read my post and omitted that bit of information in error. The error being that I hadn't gotten at least one cup of coffee in me at that time and was suffering from brain fog. I side with James on that.

[James Landi]

Thanks "Big Fins" for your generous response. Your omission touched a nerve.  One of my entertainments is watching Youtube videos of guys taking on the  challenge of getting long neglected and generally worthless cars  going. Having done some of this work over many decades with no one observing my mistakes and ignorance, I'm  now very familiar with the process.  Some of these Youtubers chronicle some truly self-defeating efforts that forecloses the possibility of success.