Reddit mentions of Popular Mechanics Complete Car Care Manual

First off look up how to turn the engine by hand. If it turns, you probably won't need to tear the engine apart.


Start out with basic troubleshooting. First check all fuses (They will visually look burnt) and make sure there's good gas in the tank. Replace your fuel filter (Takes like 2 seconds on most older cars). See if your battery is good and has charge, probably needs to be replaced if it sat for 15 years. Then see if you can turn the key and the starter will work. If the starter works and the engine doesn't fire; check the spark plugs, distributor, and associated wires, etc. If the car still doesn't run install a fuel pressure gauge (Easy to do, plenty of youtube guides) and see if you have fuel pressure. If you don't, that usually means you need a fuel pump (Also easy fix). Just read about each component and take it one step at a time and it should go pretty easily starting out with electrical (Fuses, Spark, battery, and starter), moving onto fuel delivery (The gas it's self, fuel filter, carburetor, fuel pump, fuel lines, etc).

https://www.amazon.com/Popular-Mechanics-Complete-Care-Manual/dp/1588167232

That book is massively helpful on doing/understanding any essential repair, troubleshooting, or maintenance on older vehicles

This is my go-to suggestion. It'll teach you all the proper basics about how to repair and maintain a car alongside of how all those different components work and what they do.

I wouldn't suggest you repair a salvaged car as your first project, that can be an inordinately huge money sink resulting in a car that'll be extremely difficult to sell later on. I'd suggest just buying some cheap 90s car in good running shape and just fix random things as they break.

1. Take photos of the undercarriage. Pay close attention to the rear most back bumper area, brake lines, floor pans, and exhaust. Note any oil leaks and transmission leaks. It’s a dodge so it’s safe to say there is oil leaking ;)
   
   
2. Pull one of the wheels off the back and front to see the brakes. Back is drum, front should be rotor and pads. Take a photo. Edit#1- Drums all four corners.
   
   
3. Pop the hood and inspect the shock towers. Take photos.
   
   
4. Around the wheel wells (using a cloth) run a magnet to see if it falls off and doesn’t stick. This is an indication of bondo.
   
   
5. Spray water on the front windscreen look on the inside of the car for water leaks. Also check the cowl for rust and send photos.
   
   
6. Jack the front end of the car up and wiggle the front wheels 9 and 3 is for tie rod ends, idler arm. 6 and 12 is ball joints. Inspect and take photos.
   
   
7. Pop the trunk, check for rust. Also check the gas tank straps and gas tank itself.
   
   
8. Go back under the hood and take a video of the engine running.
   
   
9. Dry rotted tires. Take a photo.
   
   
10. Take a photo of the master cylinder. If it is a single master cylinder, you just found your first and foremost upgrade. Trust me. You want dual master cylinder.
    
    
11. Do a vin check and make sure there is a title. Older cars sometimes find their way into Liens or missing titles.
    
    Honestly, it’s a $2,600 Car. I wouldn’t go all out beating the guy up on everything, but I would argue that paying more than $2,000 for that Car might be too much. You’re going to have probably $1,500 Worth of cost to make that Car road worthy and safe-ish.
    
    If you can do those things and report back all the photos and a video, then we as a collective group can help you out better. It’s just too tough to say with just one photo. Above all else you’re in control of this purchase, do not feel rushed.
    
    Also, if this is your first project Car, I highly recommend this book for gaining some knowledge about tune ups. It’s one of my favorite books!
    
    Edit #1: I believe this Car has drums on all four corners. My bad on the brakes.