<VV> Inherited car "service list"

[NicolCS@aol.com]

Here's what I would do:
1) Lube wheel bearings (front inexpensive and common, rear uncommon and more 
costly) Figure front at $50 and rear at $300 or so.  Rear takes a specialist 
(Same as 63-82 Corvette, so they're out there.)
2) Replace all five brake cylinders and four hoses. $250 in parts, something 
less than that in labor.  Unless your dad put silicone brake fluid in the car, 
there is almost no way these parts will function without leaking (loss of 
brakes).
3) Replace fan belt and lube fan and idler bearing $50 (but lubing the 
bearings takes an uncommon tool that you will have to buy or borrow. Purchase a 
spare belt and carry it.  Original type fan belts are basically trouble free.  I 
suggest getting them from a vendor rather than "one that fits" from an auto 
parts store.
4) Have your carburetors "rebuilt".  Don't get exchange carburetors, yours 
are among the lowest mileage units out there and they are exactly the right ones 
for your car. $200
5) Carry a replacement fuel pump  or replace the existing pump and retain for 
a spare. $50 Again, purchased from a vendor, there are some unreliable pumps 
being sold throgh auto parts stores.
6) Replace ignition points.  Have the mechanic examine the plugs, cap, and 
wires and replace if needed.
7) Change oil and filter $25
8) Check trans oil and service if needed
9) You will probably need a new battery $50
If it were my car, I'd have the mechanic pull the distributor and operate the 
oil pump with an electric drill before I started it up.  This will circulate 
oil to most of the right places and can prevent "dry" engine parts from 
potential damage.  Easy to do and very wise precaution.
10) Likely to replace tires $300

That's about $1400.  Your dad probably had modern "viton" oil seals put into 
the engine long ago.  If it begins leaking oil as you drive it home, keep 
checking the oil and have the seals replaced when you get back home.  If it is 
currently dry on the bottom, it's probably OK to drive.  If the underside is 
dripping, you might as well have the seals changed before attempting to drive it 
home.  
All of the above is subject to local evaluation.  Sometimes things are better 
than anyone might expect.
Congratulations!  Many of us in the club dream of getting one of these low 
mileage gems!
Craig Nicol