Barn Find Flip School
Lesson summary: Avoid damaging the car or creating safety problems during the first revival attempt.
Goal
Keep members from destroying engines, damaging cars, or selling unsafe vehicles.
Transport Basics
Non-running cars usually need a trailer or rollback. Confirm tire condition, rolling ability, steering, brake drag, and whether there is room to load the car.
Before You Try to Start It
- Check oil and coolant.
- Inspect wiring and rodent damage.
- Turn the engine by hand.
- Avoid pulling fuel from an old tank.
- Check for fuel leaks before cranking.
Basic Revival Steps
Use a clean fuel source, verify spark, check compression when appropriate, inspect cooling, and never assume the brakes work because the engine runs.
What to Fix Before Selling
Prioritize brakes, fuel leaks, ignition basics, tires, clean paperwork, cleaning, photos, and honest documentation.
What Not to Fix
Avoid full paint jobs, chrome, upholstery, and major engine builds unless the numbers clearly support the work.