Reviving the Abandoned Project: A $300 Honda Del Sol Transformation
In the world of car enthusiasts, taking on a project car often entails a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and the chance to learn valuable skills. Chris Fix, a well-known automotive YouTuber, took on the revival of a $300 Honda Del Sol—a project that began under unexpected circumstances, including a hurricane.
Chris's journey kicked off with a 'turbo Del Sol' project that had been dormant for a while. After experiencing significant flooding due to a hurricane, Chris was inspired to tackle the damp and abandoned project car head-on. An unfortunate situation prompted Chris to breathe new life into a vehicle that seemed to be a lost cause, transforming it into a renewed project car worth the effort.
Initially, Chris sought a Honda with a blown head gasket, perfect for creating instructional content about engine repairs. After searching online using Autotempest—a website that aggregates listings across multiple platforms—he discovered a '93 Honda Del Sol. Despite its rough condition, Chris was captivated by its nostalgic charm. The vehicle had several issues—bald tires, a rickety bumper, and a head gasket leak—but the honesty of the seller and the car’s unique attributes piqued his interest.
After a test drive, during which he noted the car's significant wear and tear, Chris made a $300 cash offer. Ultimately, he brought home a project that was far from perfect but ripe with potential.
With ownership established, Chris immediately set to work, focusing on the most pressing issue—the blown head gasket. Carefully following a systematic approach, he unbolted and removed the engine components, cleaned up surfaces, and installed a new head gasket. After replacing the oil and coolant, he achieved a crucial milestone: starting the engine, which signaled the successful repair of a primary issue.
Addressing Additional Challenges: Rust and Repairs
Often in project vehicles, underlying issues become apparent only after an initial fix. Chris discovered a giant rust hole and detailed his method for addressing it—a process that involved cutting out the rust, welding in a metal patch, and painting it to prevent future degradation.
To ensure the engine looked appealing, Chris also refurbished the valve cover, employing a creative paint job featuring his logo. After that, Chris added a kill switch to enhance security, motivated by the recent theft of a friend's Honda.
Rebuilding the Front Suspension
As safety became a real concern, Chris turned his attention to the car's front suspension, which was original from 1993 and badly worn. Through detailed procedure, he replaced various suspension components, including control arms, struts, and bushings, ensuring that the Del Sol was not only more visually appealing but also safer and more responsive on the road.
The Flood Aftermath: Cleaning the Interior and Replacing the Battery
Following significant interior flooding, Chris used a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water and implemented an odor eliminator to neutralize any musty smells due to potential mold. After addressing the lingering interior issues, the next challenge arose: a dead battery.
Swapping out the old battery for a new, lightweight lithium alternative not only reduced weight but also provided enhanced performance, allowing for future modifications with higher electrical demands.
The Quest for Functionality: Fuel Pump Replacement and Breaks Fix
Another roadblock presented itself when the old fuel pump failed to function, leading Chris to source a replacement. After difficulties finding a new assembly, he opted to retrofit a compatible pump into the existing setup. While the project came with patience and persistence, Chris faced every obstacle with tenacity, ultimately aiming to get the Del Sol back on the road.
Fixing the rear drum brakes was next on the list. Upon inspection, heavy rust indicated that replacements were necessary. Although Chris planned a future conversion to disc brakes for improved performance, he managed to temporarily revive the seized drums until the more comprehensive upgrade.
With numerous repairs and upgrades in place, Chris achieved a significant milestone: driving the Del Sol. Regardless of its imperfections—cracks in the windshield, lingering engine noises, and a rudimentary exhaust—the thrill of hitting the road again was palpable.
Chris also documented his first drag race experience, achieving a quarter-mile time of 18.4 seconds. While not an industry-leading speed, it provided a foundation for the upcoming turbo installation.
With all critical systems operational and performance established, Chris now sets his sights on turbocharging the car. Utilizing a budget-friendly eBay turbo kit, he plans on documenting the installation and tuning processes while also addressing the numerous components needed for a successful aftermarket setup.
From upgrading the fuel system to ensuring proper electrical gauge installations, the turbo project aims to enhance the vehicle to a new performance level.
Chris's detailed journey with the Honda Del Sol serves as inspiration for any car enthusiast. Whether it's the experience of experiencing mechanical failures, overcoming unexpected challenges, or the sheer joy of getting a project car on the road, there's a motivating lesson for everyone. This adventure serves as a reminder that perseverance and a vote of confidence can lead to remarkable transformations in all project cars, regardless of their starting condition.
Breathe life into your own project car and remember, it's not about having it perfect; it’s about getting it running on the road.
Part 1/10:
Reviving the Abandoned Project: A $300 Honda Del Sol Transformation
In the world of car enthusiasts, taking on a project car often entails a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and the chance to learn valuable skills. Chris Fix, a well-known automotive YouTuber, took on the revival of a $300 Honda Del Sol—a project that began under unexpected circumstances, including a hurricane.
The Tale Begins: From Abandonment to Motivation
Part 2/10:
Chris's journey kicked off with a 'turbo Del Sol' project that had been dormant for a while. After experiencing significant flooding due to a hurricane, Chris was inspired to tackle the damp and abandoned project car head-on. An unfortunate situation prompted Chris to breathe new life into a vehicle that seemed to be a lost cause, transforming it into a renewed project car worth the effort.
Finding the Perfect Project Car
Part 3/10:
Initially, Chris sought a Honda with a blown head gasket, perfect for creating instructional content about engine repairs. After searching online using Autotempest—a website that aggregates listings across multiple platforms—he discovered a '93 Honda Del Sol. Despite its rough condition, Chris was captivated by its nostalgic charm. The vehicle had several issues—bald tires, a rickety bumper, and a head gasket leak—but the honesty of the seller and the car’s unique attributes piqued his interest.
After a test drive, during which he noted the car's significant wear and tear, Chris made a $300 cash offer. Ultimately, he brought home a project that was far from perfect but ripe with potential.
Tackling the Head Gasket Replacement
Part 4/10:
With ownership established, Chris immediately set to work, focusing on the most pressing issue—the blown head gasket. Carefully following a systematic approach, he unbolted and removed the engine components, cleaned up surfaces, and installed a new head gasket. After replacing the oil and coolant, he achieved a crucial milestone: starting the engine, which signaled the successful repair of a primary issue.
Addressing Additional Challenges: Rust and Repairs
Often in project vehicles, underlying issues become apparent only after an initial fix. Chris discovered a giant rust hole and detailed his method for addressing it—a process that involved cutting out the rust, welding in a metal patch, and painting it to prevent future degradation.
Part 5/10:
To ensure the engine looked appealing, Chris also refurbished the valve cover, employing a creative paint job featuring his logo. After that, Chris added a kill switch to enhance security, motivated by the recent theft of a friend's Honda.
Rebuilding the Front Suspension
As safety became a real concern, Chris turned his attention to the car's front suspension, which was original from 1993 and badly worn. Through detailed procedure, he replaced various suspension components, including control arms, struts, and bushings, ensuring that the Del Sol was not only more visually appealing but also safer and more responsive on the road.
The Flood Aftermath: Cleaning the Interior and Replacing the Battery
Part 6/10:
Following significant interior flooding, Chris used a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water and implemented an odor eliminator to neutralize any musty smells due to potential mold. After addressing the lingering interior issues, the next challenge arose: a dead battery.
Swapping out the old battery for a new, lightweight lithium alternative not only reduced weight but also provided enhanced performance, allowing for future modifications with higher electrical demands.
The Quest for Functionality: Fuel Pump Replacement and Breaks Fix
Part 7/10:
Another roadblock presented itself when the old fuel pump failed to function, leading Chris to source a replacement. After difficulties finding a new assembly, he opted to retrofit a compatible pump into the existing setup. While the project came with patience and persistence, Chris faced every obstacle with tenacity, ultimately aiming to get the Del Sol back on the road.
Fixing the rear drum brakes was next on the list. Upon inspection, heavy rust indicated that replacements were necessary. Although Chris planned a future conversion to disc brakes for improved performance, he managed to temporarily revive the seized drums until the more comprehensive upgrade.
Getting the Del Sol Back on the Road
Part 8/10:
With numerous repairs and upgrades in place, Chris achieved a significant milestone: driving the Del Sol. Regardless of its imperfections—cracks in the windshield, lingering engine noises, and a rudimentary exhaust—the thrill of hitting the road again was palpable.
Chris also documented his first drag race experience, achieving a quarter-mile time of 18.4 seconds. While not an industry-leading speed, it provided a foundation for the upcoming turbo installation.
The Future: Turbo Charging the Del Sol
Part 9/10:
With all critical systems operational and performance established, Chris now sets his sights on turbocharging the car. Utilizing a budget-friendly eBay turbo kit, he plans on documenting the installation and tuning processes while also addressing the numerous components needed for a successful aftermarket setup.
From upgrading the fuel system to ensuring proper electrical gauge installations, the turbo project aims to enhance the vehicle to a new performance level.
Conclusion: Motivation for Every Car Enthusiast
Part 10/10:
Chris's detailed journey with the Honda Del Sol serves as inspiration for any car enthusiast. Whether it's the experience of experiencing mechanical failures, overcoming unexpected challenges, or the sheer joy of getting a project car on the road, there's a motivating lesson for everyone. This adventure serves as a reminder that perseverance and a vote of confidence can lead to remarkable transformations in all project cars, regardless of their starting condition.
Breathe life into your own project car and remember, it's not about having it perfect; it’s about getting it running on the road.