hey there, wow this is my first post too and it just so happens that we have almost the exact same story...I was just offered a 66 valiant yesterday, it was going to be on it's way to the crusher too. he said it ran when he parked it there in 2001. it's a 4 door (can't say I'm too fond of the 4 doors, but, hey, it's a free old mopar.) I haven't even gotten it home yet to try and get it running, but can't wait.

also, anybody have any cool pics of 4 door valiants or ideas to make it cool? I've seen in magazines people have made 4 doors into 2 doors but I'm guessing that would take a whole lot of fab work. or maybe chop off the top and have a convertible 4 door, I don't know. just brainstorming here. don't beat me up over it.

also sorry I didn't mean to hijack your post I just figured I'd jump in here since our story is darn near the same.

-Cory

p.s. what did you do to get it running? I'm guessing I need to get a battery, change the oil and plugs, some fresh gas, and maybe clean the carb? Am I forgetting anything? Also, mines been sitting outside for 5-6 years, hopefully that doesn't make it more difficult to get going than yours that's been in a garage. Let me know, thanks.

 

you need to bar the engine over my hand first.
if it has been sitting outside for that long, the valves may have rusted shut, and if you try to crank it, you'll just bend the push rods and possibly the lifters and cam.
A similar situation happened to me with the rusted valves.

 

ok so how exactly would i do this?

thanks for the advice..

 

put a breaker bar on the bolt connected to the crankshaft, and turn. you'll need to put some force in it. if you feel resistance, back away, and try again slowly

 

before you do this though, make sure the cylinders have oil
just squirt some in, and if possible, take of valve covers and give the valves some oil too

 

one more thing, sorry, i just remembered, if your gonna change the plugs, you can just take em out and leave em out when you bar it over, it'll make it easier for you

 

Welcome to the forums 1966valiant hope we can help you in the quest of getting your car up to par sounds like a nice car and when you get a chance can you put up some pic's so we can see it

 

welcome!

Marvel Mystery Oil is a good oil to use on stuck/frozen engine parts.