Hi there Honda enthusiasts. I've recently inherited a near mint condition 1982 Honda Civic 3 dr from my great aunty. It was last used in 1994 and has been under covers in a garage, plus it has only done 15,000km. First up I'm going to get the engine up and running, then I'm not sure what to do with it and am after advice. Do I keep a hold of it and store it for another 5 or 10 or 15 years? Is it worth anything now? Or would it be sort after by some Honda collector somewhere in the world? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Where are you and the car located? Condition? Why did your aunt stop driving it? Pics?

 

I would do a complete tune up and make sure the the gas is not skunky or you will mess up the carburetor. Change out the fuel filter too.
Nice find

 

After 23 years of non start up, the crank bearings are probably dry, to start up the car, you need to prime the oil pump to buid up pressure and give a chance for the oil to reach al those oiling points from crank bearings to camshaft bearings, for the Honda the oil pump being on the nose of the crankshaft, there is no way to hand prime it. your best bet is to remove spark plugs and pour an ounce of transmission oil which is a high detergent oil to lube the piston and rings and let it sit for a day. Then try to rotate the crank to slightly move the pistons and repeat putting oil in the cylinder in hope that the pistons are moving freely.

 

Sorry for the late reply and thanks heaps for the recommendations!

I'm located in New Zealand and the condition of it is pretty damn good. It has a few little dents here and there plus a little bit of surface rust under the drivers door handle, which wouldn't take much to fix, and if they were fixed it would literally be an immaculate example. The interior has also been covered in sheets and is flawless. With her absence of driving it, I didn't know her too well but apparently she was a massive hoarder and her house was literally filled to the roof with junk, newspaper clippings, etc. I guess the car just got lumped into the hoardings? I don't have any pics but it's in the garage, I'll try get around to taking some.

With getting the engine running, I have a mechanic mate who suggested brake fluid instead of transmission fluid, but I've got spare transmission fluid in the garage so I think I'll go with your option. Cheers!

 

Sounds like a great car!
My old 1980 Civic Wagon is worth about $1000 USD according to NADA.com. But it's worth about a million to me. I'd say drive it and enjoy it! Take good care of it and it should last you for many more years.