Donor Checklist/ shake down

[suttonb3]

Ok, after months of searching you've finally found the perfect donor. Problem is, you don't get to find out just how imperfect she is until you're committed and have spent some time together. Only then do you see what must be worked on and what gets done for fun. I know it's been covered in various ways, but I was thinking we could put together a concise list of things to check when you first get the donor. This could help you know the condition of items you plan to sell, or diagnose issues when assembling your kit. I just got my donor, and was lucky to find that it runs and drives. This got me thinking that I should check a few things out before I start tearing apart, including:
Compression test
All lights/switches/knobs
Cooling system
A/C

This is just a quick list, and I'm curious to see what you guys think is important.

[billjr212]

if you're going to be selling off parts, it's a good idea to do a quick run through to make sure things work (and maybe even take pictures if applicable) before you unplug them - ex: Radio, Mirror w/compass, dash top clock, light in glove box and ash tray, power steering pump, a/c blowing cold air, cruise control...(this list could go on and on, I imagine)

As far as the mechanicals that are used in the kit, maybe try to lock up the brakes to verify everything seems okay and that the ABS kicks on if you plan to use it.

[K3LAG]

Also check for bent suspension parts. You might want to replace some of them anyway, but if you are hoping to use all of them from the donor look them over real good. I actually had 1 bent rear knuckle. The portion that the strut bolts to was bent inward and slightly twisted. I didn't notice it when I looked everything over at the beginning, but when we got the rear suspension all together we noticed the left side didn't look right and started investigating.

Larry

[AZPete]

Loosen the suspension bolts, especially the long bolts on the rear lower control arms, before disassembly. It's much easier when on the car.

[DodgyTim]

I'm going to run the cruise control, it is the only thing I haven't been able to get working while the donor is still in one piece. I think fixing all electrical items before the harness is trimmed will make troubleshooting much easier later on.