Hello Chris,
To begin, be sure to proceed with caution. Of course, you know that you should have followed advice given to you by members here to purchase something that runs. This would have given you a chance to evaluate or have someone tell you what needs to be done to make the car roadworthy. However, that is water under the bridge as the saying goes.
Whatever you do, do NOT attempt to start the car in its present condition. I say this for you have no idea right now what harm you will do that would result in very costly repairs.
If I was in your shoes I would proceed as follows;-
A) Find members in your area that actually own a Pagoda. Once you do you can find out from them what shop they use for services of their Pagoda. You can do this as follows.
- post a New Topic simply asking a question what shop or mechanic Members use in your area of residence.
- you can check this by using Google to find a European Shop in your area or nearest city.
- Another way would be to see how many Full Members this site has in your area of residence is to check out the "Members" Menu Option above as follows;
1 - Click on Members
2 - click on View the memberlist
3 - In the Spreadsheet click on Location in the Headings of the table
The listing is now alphabetically sorted by Location. In order to find your area page thru the pages until you find your area, then you can post a Private Message (PM) to another Member with your question.
B) Once you find a shop you can communicate with them how to proceed. I think they would advise you to have the car towed to there shop so they may proceed to inspect your car before trying to start it after such a long time not having run. I assume they would;-
Drain all fluids, oil and replace it (engine and transmission oil, brake fluid, gasoline.
use a borescope to inspect the gas tank for rust (if rust is found this must be addressed first before starting the engine). Turn the engine over by hand and listen to the engine and transmission with an automotive stethoscope while the engine is being turned over by hand for unusual noises.
After that, the shop will provide you with further steps.
C) Once the shop gets your car to run they will be able to give you a fairly good idea (ask for a report with an approximate cost for each item that needs to be addressed; This report and the inspection may cost you $150- to $200- it will be money well spent. This then will help you to sell the car or keep this wonderful automobile for yourself.
Dieter
