Not knowing the mileage of the engine, just knowing that is was running when the wiring melted, i planned on at least new rings and bearings, if the rest is good, prob just rebuild as is. I have the advantage of knowing it ran when parked, and where it has been the last 30 years. To me running it b4 seemed like a waste of time. There is no way i would not tear it apart, so i didnt/dont see the point of trying to run it first.
I am not a classic car aficionado, i know hondas and bmws.
So if this was slash is a grave error, let me know.
Technically all i would have to do to try i guess is put the valve cover back on and hook up a bat and get some plug wires.