[BaadAssGremlins] Hi everyone

Background: I purchased my first '79 AMC Spirit with a 304 5-speed manual back in 1980 and had that until I tied the knot and had kids. Had to sell that and boy was that a bummer. Picked up an '83 Escort wagon and life was never the same. Well this year, the kids are out of high school and I finally was able to put together the coin for another '79 Spirit GT that someone placed a 401 into. I bought it on Evil Bay. I was told it had been stored in a barn for 8-9 years in Indiana. Has the Indiana title. They didn't connect the A/C or the power steering pump on the engine. The carb is an Autolite carb. Has a floor shift 3 speed auto. When I picked it up the engine was started for me by pouring some gas in the carb. So I know it runs. I made the first decision to change the oil when I go home, as it was started with oil that was blacker than the Ace of Spades. Not what I would have done. The fuel tank was completely full, so I don't know if it has rust in it but the gas is probably a little old. First thing I have to do is pull the radiator and get it boiled out, as the guy said he pulled the thermastat out and it was not recognizable. He put in a fuel pump and starter in it just to get the engine running. He said he had them around and had put them in.

I plan on getting the mechanical stuff done to get the car drivable. First all the fluids and filters, plugs, wires, distrib. cap, the brakes checked, and the radiator. Oh, and some new tires. Does anyone have any suggestions for me before I get that done and forget to do something important that will cause me some headaches?

P.S. Bart, for a new site like you mentioned, check out the Maverick Comet Forum at www.maverick.to. I have to go there as I'm helping my son restore his old Maverick. Sometimes they don't come in on my dialup connection, but they appear to have a format similar to what you were talking about.