Hi, New to the forum just purchased 1980 Spider with fuel injection at a estate sale. the car has been stored since 1995 when oil was changed and all other fluids were removed (brake, gas,antifreeze). Now what are the chances that the brake system will still work or should I not even bother and just go through and replace everything? My other concern is the timing belt and fuel injection. Is a good visual on the timing belt ok or should i just replace? I guess the fuel injection will either work or not. This car was said to be running at time of storage with 69000 on the odometer.I am off to make room in the garage and get this thing up on some jack stands any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Personally, I wouldn't trust a timing belt which is at least 23 years old. You should be able to refurb front calipers and fit new pads. Same with the rears if fitted. If drums refurb or replace and fit new shoes. Make sure all brake pipes are sound. I would expect the injection to have survived OK.

HTH

Simon

"They" probably not drained the fluids totally so there are good chance that the brakes will still be ok once refilled.
Regarding the timing belt, rubber ages badly and I'd strongly recommend to replace it ASAP ! I know it is very tempting to give it a crank but a single turn can potentially destroy your engine …
Once the belt has been replaced, disconnect the injectors piping and feed the injection pump with gasoil (diesel), this will bring some kind of lubrication. To ease the starter job, remove the sparkplugs and while at it get a few gasoil drops in each cylinder. Once the gasoil gets out the piping, switch back to petrol, crank untill petrol comes out. You can than install back the piping and spark plugs and hopefully the engine will start in a nice cloud of smoke …

Good luck, BRs, Bernie

Timing belts are recommended for replacement at 5 years, even if not used. I wouldn’t be chancing a 23 year old belt even if it looks good - it’s akin to playing Russian roulette with your engine!

All rubber items need inspecting, and I’d think that things like brake hoses, coolant hoses, etc may need attention (might be ok, but need checking). You’ll certainly want to change plugs, leads, etc - they will all be long past their best (I’d they work at all) and easy to replace.

If it’s been well stored it should be fairly straightforward. Don’t be surprised if the brake master cylinder or radiator give up a year or so after you start using it though - they sludge up through storage & you’ll potentially have rust issues in the coolant system if that was drained.

Good luck & enjoy the car.

Nice car

Personally I wouldn't trust:
1. Brakes - your life depends on it!
2. Any rubber element of Fuel lines
3. As above the timing belt - that needs to be replaced

Also consider:
- engine and gearbox seals
- suspension and steering bushes
- axle and steering gaiters
- gearbox and axle oil
- shox/struts
- fuel tank for rust
- fuel filter

Assuming you have already checked the body and metal parts of the suspension and steering for corrosion?

Likely the injection system will be stuck/corroded, you might need to bump start the car.

Also assume you will get oil pressure up and think about running some oil down the bores with the plugs out to clean and lubricate the pistons