In storage for 8 years
 

I just bought an 1987 RX7 that has been in storage for 8 years. It has only 27000 miles on it and was running fine before it sat for that long. I want to be sure I do everything that needs to be done before I try cranking it. I plan on changing all the fluids and filters, battery and plugs. Is there anything else I need to do before starting her up?

I assume "all fluids" includes hydraulic and fuel.

Yes. Hyd, fuel and oil. Thanks

Replace the belts and check other rubber components for cracking/dry rot. I'd probably put a little marvel mystery oil in the spark plug holes and turn it over by hand a few times just so the seals aren't starting bone dry. They are probably stuck from it sitting that long, so it may not build compression right off the bat; it might take a few cranks.

Thanks for the advice!

honestly i feel the "coming out of storage" list is backwards. all i would do is drain and add a few fresh gallons to the fuel system and top off the coolant and attempt to start the car, once it knowingly runs then i would flush the fluids. this is how i would treat a car i am unsure even runs. even running old oil for a short time isn't going to kill anything.

people assume the best when trying to revive a car, but not all stories have happy endings and doing all the maintenance before knowing the lab results could just be a waste of money.

You have a good point. Once I know everything works ok as a stock car, I am then going to start making it a great car. I have been reviewing a lot of the post, everything from wheels to an awesome stereo system. May have to start a project page to show everyone how it will be progressing! So many ideas on how to make this an awesome car that its confusing which way to go! Fortunately I found this car in showroom condition inside and out. I am torn whether to keep it stock as is. If/when I do make changes, I will keep all the stock parts.

A few more pics of the car as it was in storage. Except it did have a car cover over it too. Still the same original tires, almost 30 years old, although just a bit dry rotted!

Post a underhood pic. Is this the one with the black engine bay? Nice pickup.

I don't think so, that one was a 4 lug base model, this is a GXL

Pretty clean find there. Got any plans for it?

So this is not the one with the black engine bay. It's red. As far as my plans..... well I not sure yet at this point. I know I want 17" rims and larger tires but not too big to where I need to roll fenders or make changes in the suspension. Also I want an upgraded stereo system. Outside of those 2 things I don't know yet. I am a newbie on this site and reviewing all the good info. I would like maybe a little input on what I should do to it! I think this will be a great project car!

Might be an idea to remove the fuel fuse to disconnect the supply and crank a few times for a while to properly lubricate the engine, then reconnect fuel and fire it up...

i want one bad. how much did you pay?

I feel like I got a good deal on it. I gave $4500 for it.

So this afternoon I had my first chance to go pick the car up from the folks I bought it from and really look the car over good. I happen to look inside the tailpipes and I can see that rats decided to build them a little nest in there. Wondering if I need to take the mufflers off to see how far back the nest goes or take a metal clothes hanger and reach in to pull what I can out and when I get everything ready to start it and let the rest blow out. What do you think?

theyll be evicted when you try to start the car, since it likely has cats there is no way they could get into the engine.

Thanks Rotary. Wasnt sure how far they could have went in. I thought also to take shopvac which an extension and get as much of the stuff out as I can.

i had a rats nest in the exhaust of the last car i rebuilt, it backfired and shot it's wad, then turned on.

normally the order is reversed, but we are talking about a car, so get your mind out of the gutter. ;)


you could also put something like this on your exhaust:

Fill it full of gas then start it, that'll show them mice!!!















No, i don't recommend this lol

Shouldn't be too hard to remove the mufflers, given they aren't rusted onto the Y-pipe. Might be easier to start the car and let the problem sort itself out. Depends on how cruel you want to be to your tenants. They picked the worst car exhaust to set up shop in. (lol)

No Kidding! Going to suck them out with the vac maybe tomorrow after everyone has opened Santa gifts! So I drained the gas out the tank and then I pulled the fuel pump out to have a lookie inside. I couldn't be happier! I looked like new inside the tank! They had filled the tank completely before they put it in storage. I believed that helped alot to keep condensation down inside. I could not believe how easy it was to pull the pump!

RotaryEvolution.... Hmm... gives me an idea to use on some worthless cats I have around here! lol

Almost forgot! New pics of the car after it got its first car washing in 10 years. Looks just like new!

That is gorgeous