Hi folks,

Will be acquiring my grandfathers 98 Convertible in the coming months. It is in overall good shape (pics in Newbie Forum), but has not been run much the past 5 years as he has slowed down and is now in a part time care home (resort). As such, really focused on obvious things that just need to be done when a car has been sitting... tires, springs, shocks, general tune-up & plugs, etc...

For the cooling system, a couple questions:

1) Which thermostat do you recommend for a warm climate? 180 (Mileage) or 160 (cooler engine / more power)? I care about it running well and lasting, not worried about it being a hot rod. Just a little paranoid about the heat. Curious to hear your thoughts.

2) Parts. Thermostat, Thermostat gasket, flush compound, upper and lower hoses with clamps. Anything else?

3) What is the preferred coolant?

And yes... need to find a factory service manual!

Thanks!

 

What I would do...

For a tuneup, I would just inspect your current parts and if they are in good shape, just reset your settings.
The springs on your car look fine and if the shocks are not leaking and the car rides ok, I'd skip that also.
If the tires are older than 10 years, I would replace them.

If the engine is maintaining temp and the cooling system isn't petrified with calcium all I would do is replace the coolant. If you're going to replace the thermostat, use a 180* Stant Superstat and a Felpro gasket. Most of us use the old standard Prestone green coolant purchased full strength and then mixed 50/50. If the hoses are in good shape I'd leave those also.

 

I agree with^^^.

Change the oil and filter using a Wix, Baldwin or NAPA gold filter. Use a 15W-40 with higher ZDDP used in diesels such as Motorcraft or Valvoline VR1. The motor has a flat tappet cam/lifter setup which benefits from higher ZDDP. Look for 1200 ppm or more. It's a 5 quart capacity with the filter.

I'd change every fluid unless records indicate they were just done.

That is a high compression engine, always use premium fuel or risk internal engine damage.

Good luck, a '70 98 vert is a nice ride. Post pics!

 

You won't find 15w40 in Valvoline VR1, use 10w30. If the transmission fluid is a nice pinkish color, I would leave it alone.

 

I’d give the car a through inspection, replace the obvious wear items, give it a proper tuneup, replace anything questionable, tires/shocks/etc and go from there. If the car was reasonably well maintained when it was parked, it’s probably ok. 5 years isn’t all that long.

I think those cars had a 180 t-stat, that’s what I’d replace it with. As far as oil, I would think after 50 years, the cam and lifters have long ago established a wear pattern, the valve springs are going to be tired, and it’s going to have a very mild cam in it. You could probably use Shell Rotella and be fine. The parts stores around here don’t carry the VR1 oil anymore, when they did all they stocked was 20w50.

 

Even though the car is a beauty make sure you wash and wax the car too. You might also consider using polishing compound on the paint before wax. What condition is the top in?

Don't ever use dish soap to wash a car unless you are prepping it for a paint job. You can go to your local auto parts store and get all the chemicals you need to get it ready for summer parades.

 

Thank you, was going to do more investigation on fuel, but since you mentioned it... I can I use Premium Unleaded (preferably ethanol free) in this? Or do I need to locate some Leaded?

And here are a couple pics...

 

Yes... thank you for the reminder! The top is in decent shape. Grandpa did replace it once, so I know the one on it is less than 25 years old. It likely has some creasing issues or a few pinholes, but seems to seal well and will do for any weather I would realistically take the car out in.

 

You aren't going to easily find leaded fuel. You can run premium ethanol or ethanol free fuel.

 

I suggest ethanol free if it's available. The ethanol may damage some of the seals in the carburetor.

 

A '70 should have induction hardened valve seats and valve rotators, I wouldn't hesitate to use unleaded. I'd actually prefer unleaded. The octane matters a lot, try to use 93 and ethanol free would be an additional bonus.

The best thing you can do for that car is use it as much as possible and NOT for five minute short trips to the store, run it a lot and get it hot!

Have fun!!!