Winterization Blues - Water Heater Question

[BrianRegan]

We recently purchased a '66 Safari that had spent a long lonely life north of Green Bay. The ad: "Ready for any trip!" Heh - perfectly accurate depending upon your definition of "trip". So we are recovering from less-than-optimal winterization practices (everything dowstream of the water heater is gone). We have one last repair to the plumbing, which is the length of copper running from the water heater to the T that routes the water to the kitchen and bathroom.

Before I repair this section, I would really like to make a judgment call about whether or not this water heater is going to work at the end of the day. If we feel lucky, then I will fix the line going up to the heater. If not, then I can fix the plumbing and replace the heater all in one shot. My question is whether there is any way to judge the health/readiness of an original 60's A/S water heater except by hooking up the LP, filling it up, turning it on, and waiting for hot water. We are total novices so I am not sure whether to be pessimistic or optimistic.

I would be very grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks,

Brian and Tonia