30 years in a junkyard, station wagon with vintage hand painted lettering. Will it start?

After 30 years sitting in the back of a junkyard we saved this 78 Ford Fairmont station wagon from the crusher. It has the 200 cubic inch 3.3 liter inline 6 engine that is completely stuck from sitting for soo long. Can we get it freed up? For those that don't know these are some of my favorite cars in the world, they are lightweight and are on the Fox Body platform just like the Mustangs, and Thunderbirds of the same era which is a proven platform for drag racing. Thanks for watching, lets see if we can get it running.
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Or Send Fan Mail to PO BOX 3411 Riceville Tn. 37370

[@mitchellcronan9672]

I am Mitchell cronan that is the first car that me and Gary Miller had and we grew from that car and run miller cronan hardwood floor Co in benton Tennessee for 31 years so great to see where we cam from almost unbelievable now to look back on that

[@Sleeperdude]

Hey man thanks for commenting!!!!! That’s so cool !!! We love it.

[@markusa5521]

Wow that's awesome thanks for commenting on that.. that would be awesome to see Josh and family getting running again restoring history

[@jeremiahhaugh7974]

Be even cooler to see a 7.3 Godzilla enter into its life and drag race it, hahaha

[@joesmith1067]

That's so cool that you are the old owner and your hear to see it get new life.

[@gerrygwilson2849]

How neat is that

[@albertrodriguez3330]

The best part of these videos is not watching the cars start ,but the family time spent with your kids and wife. And teaching them something that last forever. God Bless Thank you.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@b-genspinster7895]

And no cussing!

[@dwainecobb2904]

@@b-genspinster7895 unless you count saying tires? Apparently the swear jar gets rich every time y'all talk about casings? Go figure lol

[@JoE_Songs]

exactly. next to the saving of old cars, I so much vicariously enjoy the family life around it. I think we all do. I am still so happy for Ralphie's Corvette. godbless 'em.

[@dustinwilson1981]

Amen brother. Makes me want to take my family out to the farm and tear into my mother in laws first car, 1978 Buick skyhawk 2 door 4 speed

[@ryancooper2826]

Wish there were more channels like this one.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

That's what keeps this channel so very special!

[@One-Crazy-Cat]

Yeah. So many start cool and drift off

[@rsprockets7846]

@@Sleeperdude the goat and animals make it rea

[@johne.hilbert2046]

That tractor has been a legit investment of time and money. Good stuff

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes for sure

[@dwainecobb2904]

And momma bear found that for $ (two fiddy) ta'boot! Good job mom

[@jayneabadie4039]

I had to watch this one in sections. Had to fix dinner, but refused to turn it off. I love seeing ya'll interact. Very heartwarming.

[@PatrickCurrie1]

I look forward to your videos. It's a pleasure to watch a great family working as a team. You're both great parents and have raised really great kids. My dad is a good man but we never had the close relationship you've developed with your kids. I truly salute you.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you so much I really appreciate that

[@jorydunlap3335]

Very true

[@mnbsay9548]

Wawa’s face was priceless when she got the bolt free!! You just got to love them kids!!! This was a great video and fun to 🎃

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@DankoStojanovic]

Wawa power!

[@aaronwilson8768]

Those straight sixes are definitely great motors

[@dandunlap8638]

Your videos can’t come out often enough to please me…keep them coming 😊

[@waynekyle4431]

For sure!

[@josephhead2748]

I agree! More videos please.

[@adamantvermont]

Ralphie better not shoot his eye out with the PB Blaster.

[@Sleeperdude]

Hahaha your right

[@tallat8888]

I just wanted to say thank you all for the great content. It brings a smile to my face during some rough times.

[@joelbridges3864]

I learned a lot about how a combustion engine worked today. I appreciate how you are teaching your kids (and everyone else) how things work in a simple, easy way to understand. You are the best "reality" show I've ever watched. Keep doing what you're doing. 🙂

[@akhill4898]

The 200 I 6 had a redesign for 1980 , starter location and bell housing flange, they are known as big bell 200 . I’m just guessing here but I think it was done so they could put a v8 in the car and keep the same transmission,

[@MyNewYorkCity.]

Best family on KZbin,love to see everyone participating ❤️🤞🏽. Forever memories.

[@angrytrucker420]

you are living the dream. Not everyone can take a break from work and roll their kid around the yard in a barrel. yall are awesome.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s true thank you

[@Patricia-jn7ky]

You said it all brother. I am so happy for them!! Lovely Loving Close Family!! Hard to find that anymore. People do not want to take that time even with their family when they do work, Right???

[@chicagovasko]

Another fun show thanks to the junkyard guy for passing down some keepers.

[@Phazon6]

Crocks and socks? What in the world are you allowing now. Unacceptable. Love the videos. I think y’all have become my new favorite “will it run” channel here on KZbin. Love all the family stuff and humor.

[@fatboydan02]

Even injured,Wah Wah to the rescue....unless Mothra attacks!! Very entertaining video!! Cheese balls and Gatorade is the breakfast of champions goat mechanics the world over .

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I’m glad you liked it

[@edmarkham2632]

Engine gone. Great discovery. Keep doing the right thing with your kids. They will have lots of good memories to tell their kids, some day.

[@marilynyurchick2514]

Love your family and videos. Rocky and the animals just add delight to them. Can't wait to see the tractor all fancied up and looking sharp. Keep up the great work!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you. We hope to redo it soon

[@eamoc9919]

Ya rocky is so funny I think his like the kids they all wanna be a machanic lol

[@dannesvanstrom3408]

Love this family. Engines and vintage cars is my life..

[@DatBlueHusky]

yeah if the motor is stuck that bad where a breaker bar dont free it, it dont hurt to pop the valve cover open to check. Also a good investment is to get a boroscope camera to look down the cylinders first before you lube them up etc.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@cito4633]

“Usually they’re in the junkyard for a reason” Truer words have never been spoken…😂😂😂Cheers!

[@moonbeam7702]

I absolutely loved the baby kitten meowing at the end!! 😊❤️

[@JrZCarZ]

Love the video! Even seeing that it didn't start it's cool to see momma and the kids getting greasy working on it too👍👍

[@shawnbeck2303]

You have to love Ralphie's enthusiasm towards unsticking this engine. Your KZbin Channel watcher's are behind you getting this engine to run. Holding our breath. Waiting for the engine to unseize. As The SleeperDude family never gives up or gives in. Another Ford Challenge. A family that works together stays together. This is why this KZbin Channel is the best right now! Shawn.

[@PS_Projects]

You know i really think you could get that engine running. That back cylinder was REALLY pitted and still made like 110psi. I think there was a video a while back that Mortske did where a rocker assembly was as bad as that one. He soaked it, got it freed up and literately just bent the pushrods back straightish. Surprisingly he got that one running. No money involved and would be absolutely epic. You know you pull off epic all the time right?!?

[@fastfingers1957]

I've seen engines with 1 inch of sludge along the rockers, but never saw one rusted like that while all sealed up, crazy. I know it goes with the territory, but I get sad when I see you guys put all that work into trying and it's still a total no-go, loss. Thanks for doing the 'hard (and demoralizing) stuff' to entertain us! 👍

[@chrischatfield2935]

The loveliest family on you tube

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@jeffbarton4398]

This channels so wholesome. Just a dad and his family working on dorky old wagons

[@sapphonymph8204]

Love to see the wagon back on the road! ENGINE SWAP!

[@alethacriss9308]

It's like a treasure hunt with each car that you work on!

[@highping1786]

The welded bar works better because force is being applied further out from the bolt.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@rsprockets7846]

@@Sleeperdude good tip

[@craigbowley6783]

I know mortske has good luck with prying on the flexplate. But also with what you just did welding something to the crank pulley. That was 👍

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome thanks

[@dleblanc3592]

Oh my God brings me back to my childhood. Thank you. I was born in January 1977. My aunt and uncle had a 78 model black red interior in-line six. They bought a brand new and it got wrecked just a few years later hit-and-run driver. I remember riding around in that station wagon with my uncle and my cousin.

[@2AZSUN]

The most amazing part about this one...there were no busted knuckles. With all that yankin' and pushin', how y'all didn't end up bustin' any knuckles is kinda crazy. Glad it didn't happen, but it sure was lookin' like it was goin' to. The other amazing part about this one...how all y'all got me so wrapped up into all these old junks to see what y'all make of 'em. I have to say, I think this was my favorite so far seein' all that stuff come outa one engine. Woulda never guessed that was ever possible. The best part of all these videos... seeing somebody be the dad he wants to be for his children, and his children appreciating him for being the dad they want to have. Whatever happens with any of these old junks, doesn't even matter if they ever run or not. Being able to watch y'all have fun doin' whatever y'all can do with them is all that matters here.

[@Sleeperdude]

I did get hit in the face with the pry bar handle. Thank you for watching. We are blessed

[@rambo46r13]

I’m Super excited every time you guys post a new video makes my day thank you.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks for watching

[@rambo46r13]

@@Sleeperdude Thank you for posting new videos.

[@Tatman1212]

“I can’t think of a better place to live than a carburetor” 😂 I love that the kids still enjoy being kids ie. Ralphie rolling in the blue barrel. I’m convinced Wawa is tougher than most boys. She isn’t afraid to work with a broken finger. Rocky knows when the camera is running. He is a true performer and a scene stealer.

[@Patricia-jn7ky]

You nailed it!!

[@danswartwood4580]

Thank you for sharing and the appreciation to your subscribers Josh, it means a lot.

[@williamjavier1653]

One of my favorite channels. May God bless you and your family , all of you reinforce my hope for humanity . He gave us everything ....

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you we appreciate it

[@tomdixon1213]

I am so moved by the kindness you all have for your animals. It speaks volumes about your character. I watched the whole video at normal speed because of that goat.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@rsprockets7846]

@@Sleeperdude your animals need a separate channel maybe the girls can whip one up...

[@crewchief2842]

The wagon is sweet and You got yourself a 9 and 6 tenths wrench 🔧!

[@Sleeperdude]

😊😊😊

[@jerrycurtis2310]

Hahaha good one crew!! Ya never have enough 9/6 tenths wrenches !!!

[@crewchief2842]

@@jerrycurtis2310 😂

[@ronburnett9421]

The highlight of our day is when we get to spend some time with the Sleeperdude crew 😊😎🙏🙏🙏 ps 289 V8 for the wagon !!!

[@donaldfrazier5244]

Awesome to see everyone involved with your projects and the children are absolutely the cutest!

[@rsprockets7846]

naw the goat is better

[@paulwaffler8208]

Highlight of my week watching your latest video so much fun watching all the family helping out .

[@sumthinsumthingarage7913]

It is awesome that your whole family gets involved.

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

I would love to see this one running again, with just another 200 six!

[@rsprockets7846]

302 4 speed

[@nowhereman7398]

Those Ford engines of that era had a bad problem with sludge build up, and condensation too. Sometimes the valve cover would be heavy with all the build up, and the oil filler cap would be rusty. I think it was from the smog control system they used.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@RCALivingStereo]

Only channel I watch the whole video through Best channel on KZbin

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome thank you

[@aydenanderson7916]

I’m 15 years old and I’ve wanted to be a mechanic since I was six and I got to say I really look up to you and it’s my dream to move to Tennessee when I graduate! Thank you for teaching me so much and I love your new truck!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome Ayden! It’s great to here that you are learning something from our videos. I started doing this kind of work when I was very young as well

[@WigFliper-xx3ol]

YEP, NICE TO SEE YOU ALL WORKING TOGETHER.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@silvertonejunky]

Oh ya, make it fast, keep it simple. That paint and body style is priceless. So much soul, can’t wait to see it rip!

[@wyatt1519]

Love these guys!!

[@graemejohnson9025]

I am an Aussie 61 year old.. When I was a kid playing with old hand me down outboard motors.. for my junk boat... I was taught by family friend. That was a engineer on Rolls Royce Spitfire engines in Ww2.. Don't throw out spark plugs.. stick in vice, pore some methylated spirits on them. Set them alight. And bingo, you have a clean spark plug... the metho also works if you have a engine full of water..

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@graemejohnson9025]

@@Sleeperdude if you have a engine that has had water in it.. pore metho down the carb... hand crank it.. the metho absorbs water... It's what you do if you Flip a boat.. and sink... saved many a outboard that way...

[@lbindert]

That is exactly the same Fairmont I had while stationed in Germany. Mine was originally silver but I got ahold of a gallon of black enamel paint. Later I put a 460 and transmission out of a wrecked mercury. Ignition module too. Stock wheels and tires with the turbine hubcaps. Imagine the fun of running down the autobahn in 'moms car' and passing Mercedes and BMWs

[@lbindert]

Another funny note, I worked on the other side of the post where the barracks were. Time to time troops needed a ride back to the rear and I would of course give them a ride. There was always someone in the bunch who would make fun of the car and such. Such, "Moms Car". I would tell them a passage from "the "bible"". It says "Oh yay he who picks on the driver or his vehicle shall be forever known as pedestrian."

[@daveunbranded]

You have an awesome family and the patience of a wise old man.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@daveunbranded]

@@Sleeperdude wisdom and patience of a guy twice your age.

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

Loved Ralphie's salute to the eagle, and the kitten is a doll.

[@ajw6715]

I love it how your whole family likes to work on the cars. Excellent!!!!!!!

[@andreamills5852]

5:48 Farmer Ralphie plowing up the new ground with the Ford "Farm"ont

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@andic6676]

I remember my Dad showing me an engine spinning without its cylinder head on...brings back great memories x

[@Sleeperdude]

Very cool!

[@michaeldickens7493]

I enjoyed this one a lot especially with Grandma in it

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I’m glad you liked it

[@kenfitzpatrick1230]

As always good fun ,and I like those Ford and Chev station wagons of the Fairmont/ Square body styling era. Great video no can say you didn't try to make the old girl dance. Till next time. Thanks !.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@cynthiawallen4946]

My husband and I love watching you and how your family and the animals work together 😂 honestly you are my favorite channel then Matt’s off road

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@willofalltrades85]

heart felt southern content right here!!!!!!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s right

[@helmutkrahn9337]

Absolutely the best mystery/detective family reality puzzle/game called "Engines"! Totally absorbing, from before school, resuming after school, from sun up 'til after dark, out in the weather, goats wandering through spanners and s0ckets, investigating engine bay and interior and a tree-top eagle watches while collective effort, improvised tools and the physics of longer and longer levers lift the entire wagon nearly off its wheels. Meanwhile the chemistry of solvents and time deal with ancient corosion. Interest never seems to flag in these books of many chapters, subjects and skills; Josh's quirky patter always leading to the next logical how and why. Physically seeing pistons moving (at 200 rpm) trumped my conceptual understanding with blinding instant insight. Pure brilliance. PS. From time to time, my mind re-visits the contrast of this family story with the deserts of so many sad metropolitan lives.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@jaywilloughby4884]

Just wanted to let you know I look forward too your content every time I get a notification! Keep em coming buddy! Jay from Alabama

[@CorollaMAD97]

Never a dull video with josh and the family keep up the great work.

[@lorileewalters2018]

Absolutely the best family I’ve ever seen, how blessed you are to be such a close family and the love you have for one another, inspiring ♥️🙏🏼♥️🥰❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@ffield12]

A Family that works together … learns together and create memories that will last FOREVER … just another great video. Keep up the great entertaining and at times educational videos.

[@dickdickums5409]

Giving a 👍 before I even finish every video

[@cabowabovhnut]

I give a thumbs-up on every video before I even watch it lol!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome thank you

[@cabowabovhnut]

@@Sleeperdude You're very welcome. Did you ever get to see my comments on casings? It's probably been a month ago.

[@mikehendrix6558]

I am 62 years old and that is the Largest Crescent Wrench I've ever seen. WOW

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

The fact that you can keep your family engaged through out the video! Priceless!

[@Patricia-jn7ky]

That I think is the main selling part of the show!! And the animal family as well, that is constantly growing! LOL

[@fillg]

When you're trying to break a bolt loose with a breaker bar, especially if you have a pipe on it, you have to put something that is just the right height under the head of your breaker bar to support it and keep it square to the bolt head. That way all the force you're putting on it goes into turning the bolt and not into twisting the socket off of the bolt head and rounding it off. I like to use a jack stand since they're adjustable, and sometimes a piece of wood to get just the right height.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@townhall05446]

My dad had a wagon like that, I think it was an '80, he bought it brand new. Baby blue with a dark blue interior, 'convenience' group and nothing else. It was pleasant enough but boy was it underpowered. That was the worst of the pollution motor years.

[@stuartkarshagen6274]

Man, that motor is baaaad. 😱. Fingers crossed that you get the next one running 🤙🏻. Back to the galaxy please 😃

[@iangrice329]

I have never seen a pushrod so bent. Rocky is just so funny 😁 🐐 great to see the Eagle. Her in the UK we are getting huge numbers of buzzards and red kites re colonising the country, its great👍

[@Sleeperdude]

Oh wow thank you

[@tooslow01]

Thank you for keeping your content clean and family friendly . Very educational and fun to watch. Keep up the good work.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks so much

[@paulfellows2094]

hi there guys i will say you put out some great videos content is great and the way you all dive in is team work even rocky helps you have a great family good to watch all the best paul uk

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@ve2vfd]

Engine swap would be pretty cool, and that demo at the end was real nifty!

[@Patricia-jn7ky]

Well here I go again... Posted a comment or so I thought and it did not post. I am in Ocala,FL and I can not tell you how much we enjoy your show! We were hooked from the first video! You and your family are Awesome! You are truly blessed to be able to be hands on with your children and to teach them valuable lessons in life. I am so happy you get to live your dream with your lovely wife, children and of course animal family. Hello Rocky!! He is a trip... Love him and all the other babies. So sorry about Puddin'. Growing up my Mom had a Ford Falcon. Red Red Red. So awesome. Never forget memories in that car. Keep them coming we ALL LOVE them!!!

[@twobabejinkins1736]

Save the wagons ! Great video a V8 swap will get it going again ! Take care !

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@ltdjag7577]

Josh, you could pull the rocker shaft. The valves will be easier to get to and try to free up. Maybe a little heat will break them free?

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah maybe so

[@johntahash761]

It's good to see all the family getting-r-done.

[@mikecooney3379]

Valiant try...and the way everyone is involved, even Squeezy! You will get it goin..don't give up on it! Excellent video as usual!

[@robertsmith6999]

Love the video. Awesome that Ralphy and Wawa stayed in the fight lol no slinking out for them. The eagle was the perfect fit for your awesome American family. Just laying here today after starting my second round of chemo, but yall brought several smiles to my face. Thank you all for sharing with us. I saw your post this morning saying there was a video coming out and I kept checking the clock. Can't wait til the next one.

[@tkdterp8]

The Charles Manson head and the Little Hand appeared in this episode! LOL! I've said it before and I will say it again, I am in no way a mechanic or have any real knowledge on how engines run but your videos are so educational for how you explain things as you go. It's so neat to see the entire family (pets too) participating in trying to get the vehicles running again. Keep the videos coming because I really enjoy watching them! God bless you all!

[@juanpabloarena2724]

Sleeperdude and his family continue to make tedious jobs fun.👍

[@rickylaporte6750]

It was awesome seeing all of you working together. A Family mechanic together stays together. Looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@larrypowers2749]

Josh, we look forward to watching you and your family through each video you make! Our love to you and wife and kid's , Larry and Allan in Orofino, Idaho

[@Docmiller4425]

Another excellent video of you all working on your project cars. You ought to find a little 302 and drop in this wagon and make it a mild street cruiser. Since you have to change the engine, don't put a 6 cylinder back in it. Or, you could go crazy and big block it! Anyway, I always look forward to your awesome videos. Have a blessed week.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah that would work

[@rockme1492]

I had a new 1978 Fairmont 4 doors, one of the best cars in my life.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes!!

[@sallyb3]

Get the wagon on the road! Also this is a good technical shop video for the students 👌

[@Mountainbaseddweller]

Love it! Amazing find!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@martinmcdoniel4551]

all right all right all right Thats what I like about Josh and his family They make videos and I watch!

[@daveedson8607]

I bought a 78 Fairmont wagon new, 302 auto loaded. Treat her gently, I loved that car..

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@Lotsaslots6747]

As always a great video even though she just can’t run, through no fault of your own.

[@tommyhall2768]

Hellow guys an gals good to see y'all again great luck with the cars an trucks an rocky too take care buddy

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@robertforget6369]

that's a perfect car to put a 302 ci in or 427 ci but that would be hard. keep eye on your small animals with a eagle fling around great video

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes for sure thank you

[@davewallace8219]

yes! that eagle is looking for a meal.... they can fly away with a small dog!

[@garfixit]

I'm impressed with your entire family love you guys

[@dianecolquhoun5003]

Love this family show.Its delightful to watch the family and animals .Your an awesome family.🙂

[@davidgwin4540]

I would like to see an "old style " 5.0 swap! An engine and hopefully a 5 speed out of a 79- 93 mustang or something 😎👍

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you