vx find, but has been sitting for 12 years!

[bryn]

so i found a civic vx i think its a 93, sitting in the woods parked 12 years ago. ran great when parked but, thats a long time. the guy wants $150 ish for it, interior is shot! would need seats and carpet at least. engine compartment looks good, no evidence of mice etc. looks clean, oil looks good. there is no rust at all.
at 150k miles if i had to redo brakes etc. that would be ok, but i am wondering what else i need to look out for before i try to get it running, i was told i should pull the plugs and pour some marvel mystery oil down each cylinder before i try to turn it over, any other wisdom you guys might have before i make any stupid mistakes. my internet is spotty but i will check back as i can thanks for any thoughts even if you tell me to walk away now and never look back!
thanks-bryn

[bryn]

the bad news is that of course i find this one two weeks after selling my first vx for parts after it rusted away to nothing

[Ryland]

Why was it parked?
Brake lines, cylinders, calipers, everything is going to need to be checked over and most likely replaced, valve springs might be compressed and no longer any good, timing belt is going to be shot along with the water pump, bearings on the alternator.
$150 is a good price, treat it like you are just getting a shell and that you are lucking out every time you find something that doesn't need to be replaced and you will be fine.

[JasonG]

^^
Plus the oil seals may be dried out and leak like a seive.
Be wary of the brake master cylinder as well.
I disagree about the valve springs though, unless they are rusty.

If you're going to keep it as a daily driver, start with a full engine and brake system rebuild.

Been down this road before, fun but it will be a frustrating start.

YMMV.

[Christ]

For $150, you can't lose. Junk prices are like $260/t last I checked. Its well worth it.

[bryn]

it was parked because he inherited a newer car from someone and just never got around to driving it again. thanks for the optimism i'll let you know how it all goes

[robchalmers]

pull the plugs and crank the engine over to build up some oild travel beofre you let start burning dino fliud

[Christ]

If you pull the plugs, might as well put oil on the cylinders to lube the rings while cranking it over to get oil pressure.

[robchalmers]

good point well put

[bryn]

yep i was going to let some oil soak into each cylinder, rings etc. i looked a little closer under the hood today and there does seem to be some mouse damage. a few vacuum lines and some wiring, were chewed through. the drivers window has been broken for quite a wile. drivers mirror and one wheel/tire are missing he parked it with the spare on and does not know what happened to the flat tire/ original wheel, he said he will find the title but i am starting to think this may be more trouble than it is worth