i jus bought a 1983 240 tubo (flathood model) and was wondering what i should do first. Its been sitting behind my mechanics shop for 5 or 6 years and it has a considerable amount of body rust. We got it to start but it wont idle (maybe bad gas, it is 5 years old). What should i do first in its restoration? is there anything specific i should check do to the fact that its been sitting so long? Just figured someone had to have been in this boat before and may have some hints or tips.

Oh and i was planning on doing preformance mods as well and was wonderin what you guys would suggest to be the best route.....keep the B21FT or find a B230FT?

Lastly, Upper strut brace (from tower to tower).....Are there any available that will fit on the flathood model??

If theres anything else you think i might need to know or you want to say feel free. all feedback is appriciated.

Thanks,
Ian 88' 240DL sdn 5sp and 83' 240 turbo flathood 4sp w/od (for the time being)