I just recently bought a 65 coupe. The car hasn't been started in a couple of years.Ran good last time she was cranked. My question is what would be the best way to find out if she needs to be pulled and rebuilt or is their a way to check her otherwise. I've had several people say I could check to see if crank is froze up,or to put kerosene and oil in the plug slots ,,,,etc. I really want to do the right thing but I don't know where to start. She will be a restoration but not down to the frame. This is a 30 yr dream come true, so any Stang Experts feel free to help a Newbie...Bossie  

Its ironic you ask this question.  Are you a Spike PowerBlock watcher.  They did something like this today on Trucks!  From what I saw they basically bypassed the old fuel lines to the fuel tank and used a gas can so that they could be sure the fuel was good.  They also recommended and replaced the plugs with new ones and gapped them properly.  When you pull the plugs you will also get an idea of any ingiting issues.  They did some other things such as replaced points ingnition with electronic like Pertronix.  I don't consider myself an expert by any means, just an avid watcher of PowerBlock who trys to wrench with spare time.  If it has only been 2-3 years you might be okay with only plugs and fuel flush.  

This is my personal opinion.  For me cars are a hoby, not a profession.  That said, I would not try to start the engine. Keep in mind that it has sat for 2 years or more. Depending on the position of the cam a number of cylinders have had valves held open for 2 years. These cylinders will probably have some surface rust. Plus, those vavle springs have been compressed for 2+ years.  There is zero oil in the bearings, valves, cylinders and if you start the engine it will take a couple of seconds to get oil flowing through the engine.  That's metal on metal!

I would take it apart keeping in mind you will do at least a general overhaul.  If things look worse you can decide about a complete rebuild.  

I'd suggest dropping some oil down the cylinders to free up stuck rings and any rust.  Also, remove the distributer and prime the oiling system before even spinning the motor.  Check all wiring under the hood as well as fuel lines.  As said above, may be beat to use another fuel source.  Change the oil, filter and plugs if they appear to need it.  Then, spin the engine over manually with a wrench on the balancer bolt to make sure everything is freed up.  You also may need to do a carb cleaning or rebuild.  As also said above, the PowerBlock did show this recently on Trucks.  Be careful with Powerblock shows though.  They are going down hill fast.  The recent Trucks showed a 66 C10, but an older show with Stacey David before he left showed reviving a 41 dodge.  It can be done.  Just take your time and be careful.  Of course, you could hit the key and it could start right up.  After all, it is a Ford.  

It is important to know what was done to the engine prior to letting it sit, when done properly the valve adjustments can be loosened until all spring tension is removed and the cylinders oiled to avoid what nolan62 indicated, I would add that ALL fluids drained and flushed and fresh fluids used, some simple tests such as compression, vacuum and cylinder leak down can be performed to give you an idea of the mechanical condition, however if the engine was not properly prepped for thid extended rest period, engine disassembly and inspection can be performed at relatively low cost. good luck