Reply To: New member – Looking for help on restoring a Big 15

[Larry LewisParticipant]

1st- remove the starter. It won’t be stuck on the gearbox but would be stuck on the ring gear on the flywheel. Have the starter rebuilt.

2nd- Put some oil down the spark plug holes, such as Marvel Mystery Oil if that is available in the U.K. I have heard that Red X is similar. Let sit for  a few days, then try and crank the engine by hand. If it moves easily, great, if not then the engine most likely will need to come out.

3rd. Are all the wheels stuck? Jack the car up and try to move each wheel. You will probably need to back off on the adjusters on the backing plates but they should move. If not, remove the drums and see what is going on. A proper front brake drum puller will take the drum off even if it is stuck.  The rear drums should come off by beating on the rear sides using a sledge hammer and a block of wood. Then do the needful for the brakes.

This is all for starters, but how was the car stored? In dry conditions? Exposed to the weather? Up on blocks? 15 years really isn’t that long if the car was stored properly. Keep us appraised of your progress.