Howdy, I just bought a 1954 235 motor that was pulled straight from a 1954 chev 1/2 ton. The casting numbers confirm its a 54. The truck was parked for a year maybe more before the current owner bought it. While it sat someone swiped the carb and manifolds. Supposedly it ran and drove fine before it was parked. I currently have a 1958 235 in my 41 and bought this motor to rebuild and eventually replace what I am running now.

This will be my first rebuild so I guess my question is where should I start? Should I tear it completely down first or should I clean it up, change the oil and try to start it before tearing it down?