DontBreathe's 1992 NSX Revival

[DontBreathe]

Hello everyone,

My name is Ben and I'm happy to now be a part of the NSX family! A little bit of background on the car: for around 3 years, I have been aware of this car which was owned by a close friend's uncle. After a few attempts to buy the car over the years and nearly endless pestering of my friend, I am proud to say that I was able to take it home. The car has been sitting in the Santa Cruz area for roughly 5 years without starting or moving, and due to the extremely damp climate had amassed a considerable amount of mold. The previous owner had been an active NSX club member, and while purchasing the car regaled me of his trips to Japan to visit NSX Fiesta years past, and the years of joy the car brought him. As far as I know, I am the third owner.

Here are some pictures of the car in the state I found it and on its way back to its new home! I have started the cleaning process with a wash to break off the moss, but I plan to clay bar and polish this weekend to see if the shine comes back.

So far I have been ordering parts (all fluids, filters, accessory belts, plugs, pads and rotors, battery) for the first big push this long weekend. Please let me know if there is anything else I should consider before attempting to start, and thanks for reading!

 

[natcc99]

Hello. Congratulations

While checking your plugs also check those rear coils. Because it’s been sitting, especially in Santa Cruz with the constant sea moisture. Water will drip down and land on the rear valve covers. If the seal for the coil pack cover is poor, water can enter and pool up. This will cause the coil packs to rust resulting in misfire issues.

Good of luck with the restoration.

 

[natcc99]

Hi again...

Also check your coolant tank. The system is pressurized and if it’s cracked due to age, you will have leakage problems.
In relation to the tank, make sure the cap still has a good deal too.

 

[MotorMouth93]

Before trying to start it, unplug the injector harness and crank it for a while to get oil circulating.

 

[Jinks]

That poor car! Glad you came to the rescue. Good luck with the restoration!

 

[Jinks]

FYI, I have a mint oem steering wheel complete with airbag and horns if you need.

 

[B2FiNiTY]

Very cool to hear the previous owner was an active member of the community. Then what happened? Why did it sit for so long? Looking forward to your resto.

 

[mwagner10702]

Don't forget those coolant hoses! You'll also need to replace the TB/WP ASAP.

 

[mwagner10702]

Before trying to start it, unplug the injector harness and crank it for a while to get oil circulating.

I'd pull the plugs and squirt some oil into each cylinder and let it sit over night. Then I'd turn it over by hand first before applying the starter.

 

[kennyvb]

Surprised to see the interior filthy as well. Someone definitely drove with muddy hands lol. Best of luck with the restoration!

 

[DontBreathe]

Thanks everyone for the advice, it is greatly appreciated. I was informed that the timing belt was performed only 10k miles ago, but in 2009 or so. Still, it is on the short list of parts to replace. I will definitely be pouring some oil down the spark plug holes and rotating the engine by hand before attempting a start. Luckily, this car has a metal coolant tank from a previous rupture so that won't be an issue.

FYI, I have a mint oem steering wheel complete with airbag and horns if you need.

Jinks, I can't seem to figure out how to PM on this forum but I am definitely interested at the right price. I suppose now is as good a time as any to post some other parts I am searching for as well:

LF Marker Light
LR Marker Light
Right side steering wheel horn button
LF fender in Formula Red
Zanardi/Type S Shift Knob

 

[Jinks]

I can sell you the complete wheel for 200 plus shipping. You cannot message when new here unless donating to the site which I highly recommend. If you’re interested let me know. I can send you some pictures.

 

[NA1_Kram]

I can't wait to see how this restoration turns out!
Good luck!

 

[DreamPowered]

Good luck. Dont foget to wear a proper respirator when doing any work. You dont want any of that mold
getting in your lungs.
Take all the interior parts out and change every air and cabin filter and make sure its safe

 

[comptonassdaniel]

Good luck with the resto, man. Looks like you've got a good amount of work ahead -- I will say that once you get the car on the road, it really feels like no other.

I don't know if you're planning on keeping the leather seats, but I recommend Interior Innovations if you decide on changing out the covers. Not as costly as some other options out there.

 

[CivicLx]

Good luck with resto, i had some mold i got out of the condensor so if you need tips ask away. Additionally, I have a Type S knob if you need one!

 

[DontBreathe]

Good luck with resto, i had some mold i got out of the condensor so if you need tips ask away. Additionally, I have a Type S knob if you need one!

Thanks! I tried to email you back about the knob, but i'm not sure that I did it properly. Very interested though!

 

[DontBreathe]

Hey all, sorry for the late update, been pretty busy since the last one! The car is now ready for the road, we are just working through cosmetics and interior issues now. The next few posts will be some shots of the process.

 

[DontBreathe]

The first thing we did was get the car in the air for the gas tank drain, fluids, and brakes.

 

[DontBreathe]

Next, we drained the fuel. There were about 11 gallons, and it all looked pretty bad. Some guy from the local college ended up taking the fuel for bonfires haha

 

[DontBreathe]

Don't have any pics, but the oil was changed with Mobil 1 10W-30 and a Nippon Filter from NAPA. Trans fluid was changed with Honda Genuine "White Cap" fluid and all OEM crush washers.

Seats were also removed, and the interior was thoroughly cleaned with a biological mold cleaner. Came out OK! Still will be looking for new covers due to wear and stiffness of the leather.

 

[DontBreathe]

Next up was brakes. These were especially difficult due to the holding screws that were thoroughly rusted in. Thanks to a tip from my CNC professor who is a Honda fanatic, I was able to remove them with an impact screwdriver. We averaged about one bit every three screws, but the Harbor Freight lifetime warranty came in clutch.




Brakes were then replaced with new Centric Premium blank rotors and Hawk HPS pads front and rear.

 

[furinax]

Good idea to start on the simple stuff. Glad you took on this job. I hope it all goes well... How's the paint look? Are you going to repaint it at all or just go for some corrective work?