so I bought this 56 f100 project truck that has a 390 fe & c6, the cab comes off on Tuesday and goes to the media blaster so I think it may be a good time to see if the 390 actually runs or not, which will be a factor in whether I keep it or go with ford must 5.0 and AOD, my question is, as there is no wiring what so ever, can I just connect a couple leads to the starter and a little gas in the carb, just to see if it has any life? Or is there something else I need to do?
Thanks in advance

 

It will depend on how the ignition is set up. Post some pics and someone may be able to help. At a minimum, you will need to run a power wire to the coil and another wire from the dizzy to the coil. If it has an electronic distributor, it will need a control box wired in too. If points and condenser, it will be basic.

Also, I would pull the valve covers and prime the oil pump until you see oil (new oil and filter too) coming up through the pushrods to the rockers.