Miata, Once Neglected, Gets a Much-Needed Wash After Years of Sitting Idle

A 1990 Mazda Miata, having languished in a barn for six years after its owner opted to start a family, is now undergoing a revival. While it was stored indoors and not forgotten, the car’s condition reflects its extended period of neglect. The WD Detailing team was enlisted to restore the vehicle to its former glory, and their work has begun.

This Miata holds sentimental value as the owner’s first car and sports a unique custom light blue paint job, though years of grime and debris have obscured its true color. Concerns also surround the engine and undercarriage, given the damp environment in which it was stored. While it should clean up well, there are uncertainties about its ability to run.

The restoration process starts with a thorough cleanup. Despite its grimy appearance, the Miata is not in terrible shape. The team begins by vacuuming the exterior, particularly the front area covered with wood chips.

Next, the Miata’s original steel wheels are scrubbed clean, followed by an extensive power wash. While the car shows signs of improvement, an unexpected discovery arises: plastic bags stuffed under the engine, likely a nesting place for an opossum. Fortunately, no additional damage was found.

With the hood open, it’s revealed that the car’s original color was white. The engine bay cleans up nicely, although it exhibits surface rust and corrosion. The interior, despite dirt and mold, responds well to cleaning. Rust on the wheels is the only remaining eyesore, but the rest of the car looks like it just rolled out of the 1990s.

Regrettably, the engine won’t start. It turns over and sparks, but fails to fire even with starting fluid. A compression test reveals approximately 90 psi in all cylinders, indicating potential damage, possibly from the opossum’s occupancy. On a brighter note, the pop-up headlights function perfectly.

The owner was thrilled to see the Miata revived. With hopes for resolving the engine issues, there’s optimism that the car will soon be back on the road.