Fresh fuel, don't trust the fuel tank or lines.
Fresh oil and change filter if it has one.
Rebuild the carb or replace it with good know working carb.
Clean and set the points.
Fresh battery and clean cable ends.
Flush the coolant system and fill with water, no need for coolant yet. Pull block drain plug and use coat hanger wire to clean out the block. You need clear water running out. Wouldn't hurt to pull thermostat to avoid air lock and overheating.
Pull valve cover and check for loose or damaged parts,
Rotate engine by hand watching rocker movement and push rod movement
If you trust yourself, pull the distributor after marking its location, and prime the oiling system with electric drill and pump driver (cut off screwdriver works). Watch for oil at the rocker shaft while spinning the oil pump. Think of the vacuum advance unit on the distributor as a arrow with the vacuum hose at the feather end of the arrow. The "arrow" is pointing the direction you rotate the oil pump. If you take the time to mark the distributor housing location accurately along with rotor location and keep track of the motor rotations, you can replace it and be right back in time. Motor needs two full revolutions to stay in time from where you pulled the distributor. Clean the block and distributor house really well and small chisel mark on both will be all you need.
Transmission in neutral, back tires off ground if theres any doubt about clutch sticking or hanging up. Check for oil in trans, you can change it later if you want.
Once oil is up to the rocker arms and shaft and you have fresh fuel in a good carb, try and start it up.
Joe
