When I first fired up my '51 Chevy Fleetline Deluxe, I changed the oil, points and condensor and the plugs and fuel pup ( old 1 had a cracked diaphram ), I got a 6 volt battery for it, turned it over until I saw the oil preassure gauge move, then turned the ign on, pushed the button and, it took a few cranks but, it fired right up and ran/ runs great, the carb needs a new accelerator pump as it cuts out if you floor it quick.. My car has the 235 With powerglide but, the 235 is basicly the same engine as the 216 that came with the 3spd cars.