Thanks for all the welcoming messages, I am still not sure what I am going to do with the wet cat that has used most of its lives, the key is my most pressing problem, like getting the car home on my trailer without being able to steer it and without the rear wheels turning, undo the drive shaft to roll and undo the steering somehow to be able steer it. I will most likely move this post to a more appropriate forum, don't know which one yet. I am still astounded at how clean and straight this car is, I hope I can do something with it.

 

(moved this post from your Intro thread)

Looking forward to seeing pics of the 'after Sandy' condition and as the project progresses.

Graham

 

How extensive is the damage? Was it fully submerged?

You might be well served by swapping over the good parts to a car with a straight body- corrosion is going to be a gift that keeps on giving otherwise...

(wires, connectors, body seams, gas tank, suspension etc)

 

If you remove the little plug on the gear selector (looks like a TORX head) and press down you should be able to move the trans into neutral. (that's what the tow truck drivers do to move a disabled car)

Just a thought !!

 

If that car got water up inside I would leave it! Too many computer modules and all that wiring in the floors, fuses and etc. As previously stated, RUST will surely come! If water didn't submerge the engine, that may be salvagable, but then again??? Salt water ruins.

 

Decision time has arrived, or is at least looming. The car arrived today, the seller used 3A so the transport issue became a non issue though I still need to be able to steer and move the car. The 3A driver had a nice 4 wheel dolly for the rear and an under reach. Thanks Roger77 for the tow truck driver trick. Upon further inspection it appears that it was submerged at least up to mid dash in nasty flood sea water. When the coil pack cover was removed, water was filling the area, though the dip stick shows no signs of water.
The interior must be removed as well as the insulation, wiring, door panels, dash board, center console and all electrics of any sort. Get to bare metal, but leave the steering column and brake system in tact. Then pressure wash.
Remove the engine and trans and determine if the engine is mechanically sound, sure would make a nice hot rod engine. All that's needed is spark and fuel.
Then either part it out or stuff some sort of high hp Chevy in it, add a 9 inch Ford, keeping the body looking bone stock, it is such a beautiful car.

 

I'm with Coastal on this- the corrosion will be in places you don't expect and tracking down the issues may drive you insane. EVERY electronic component that was submerged WILL corrode and stop working/glitch.

Salvage what is still good- (I am guessing the motor is still good, and maybe the trans.) along with trim pieces/some body parts etc.

If it were me, I would part it out and use those funds to procure another one.

 

hopefully you got this car for NOTHING or next to it because this is a gift that will keep giving in the wrong way...even if you pressure washed it like you said you're gonna still have corrosion. If it was submerged in fresh water you'd have a lot better chance. Drain the oil out of the engine and tranny and part that thang out = get a running car!