Detailing '64 New Yorker engine compartment

The car has 64,000 miles. The interior and body have been kept over the years and look really good for a 55 year old car. The engine compartment on the other hand has been ignored but not abused. The engine is very sound but could use gaskets, hoses, belts and so forth. Then there is all the crud and gunk. Want to bring the engine bay up to the same level as the rest of the car. Would you pull the engine and go for broke to detail it or leave it in and work with it? It is an A/C, PS, PB ride.

Body and interior. The front seat has a few small separations but the rear of it looks like new. This is not a restoration but a fix up and clean up.

Protect the exterior paint with something. Try washing the whole thing with simple green and a soft brush. Spot clean greasy areas with that purple cleaner. Rinse well and final rinse with deionized water in a hudson type sprayer. Dry well with cloths and air.

Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of everything, treat the compartment etc with a spray on preservative/clear finishing agent and wipe off excess. You can find specialty products for the job on-line at places like Griot's and others.

If needed touch-up painted surfaces replace lines etc. Be careful not to destroy the patina on sensitive items. I remember seeing an example of ruining an otherwise amazing example of a stock engine compartment when someone scrubbed a clean spot on a 426 Hemi survivor Challenger's valve cover that effectively destroyed what would have otherwise been a time-capsule type state of preservation on the car.

I agree with the simple green, Start with a STONE COLD motor and douche it with the simple green. Repeat if needed before rinsing. If needed warm the motor, let it dry and repeat the process. Do be careful with the Purple stuff as it is AGRESSIVE.

All I can say is that's one fine looking New Yorker you got. Good luck with it and keep pictures coming.