Filthy Former Human Trafficking Vehicle Restoration - Unreal!

**Coach Steve** · 03-05-2016, 07:17 PM

As the title implies, this is the story of a vehicle which was seized by the Border Patrol somewhere in the desert near the Mexican border which had been used to smuggle people from Mexico into the U.S.

My next door neighbor got the car for free due to the fact that no one would bid on it because of its condition. I was baffled by the fact that it wasn't immediately sent to the crusher. But, it wasn't and as a result, I have a story to share that will surely be one for the ages.

A couple of weeks ago, my neighbor and good friend came over and asked me to come give him a quote to detail a little car he'd just picked up and left it at that. As we approached the car, I noticed there was no shine whatsoever to the finish. As we got closer, I saw that the paint was so oxidized, it was incapable of reflection. It appeared the car had been primered with flat white paint. At this point, I look at my neighbor who now is grinning from ear to ear like he's about to start laughing. I asked him if this was some sort of joke and what the deal was with this car. He told me to hold off on my questions and to seriously look at the car and he'd explain when I was done assessing it.

As you will see in the following pics, this car was hideous from top to bottom, inside and out. When I finished my walk-around, I asked him flat out, "So, what do you want me to do with this piece of crap?" Before he could answer, I mockingly asked, "You're not seriously thinking about cleaning it up, are you? Are you?!" He then told me the story of how he came to own it and the back story and went on to demonstrate how well it ran due to the nearly new engine and tranny that had been installed just prior to it being seized - the car runs like a raped ape, it really does!
It was at this point that I realized he was serious and wanted me to give him a quote to restore it inside and out.

It took me a couple of days to decide whether or not I wanted to touch this thing let alone take on the arduous task of transforming it. If it were anyone else, my answer would have been no. But, he's a good friend and the more I thought about it, I might not ever get the chance to do this kind of unique project again and I sorta wanted to do it.
I told him I would do the job but that he would have to trust me on the price when I came up with one and that everything I needed would be paid for by him. Every ounce of product, every trim panel retainer, every part - all of it would be itemized and that my labor would be in addition to everything else.
(I seriously had no idea how much I was going to charge him because I had no clue how long it would take.)
He agreed to my terms and gave me the keys.

The Vehicle:
1993 Honda Civic EX Sedan 5 spd. Manual.
276,000 miles
White w/ Mystic Brown interior.

Missing or broken parts:
Both emblems
Glove box latch/lock
Rear-view mirror
Civic EX decal
Numerous trim panel retainer clips
Door pillar garnish
Shifter boot
HVAC selector knob
All 4 speakers
Radio head unit
Wheel covers
Various misc. things...

In addition to parts listed above, I quickly opted to replace the carpet rather than attempt to clean the biohazard currently lining the floor boards. Good choice, Steve!

Rather than cluttering up this thread with dozens of hi-res pics, I created a photo essay/video. I recommend pausing occasionally to examine the depth and extent of the filth and contamination present on any given area of the vehicle.

I will follow up this post with the details, i.e., time spent, products used, etc.

Enjoy!
I highly recommend you watch the videos in full screen mode. You'll be able to see the depth and intensity of the filth and carnage that way.

Part 1:
http://youtu.be/Vj8gWNNZgkY
Part 2:

Here are a few teaser pics...

**Priyaka** · 03-05-2016, 07:39 PM

Talk about trashy! I don't think I've ever seen a car so filthy.

**JohnMcFarlane** · 03-05-2016, 07:46 PM

Wow, good luck with that! Keep us up to date, would like to see the finished article

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**axel06** · 03-05-2016, 08:30 PM

looks to me it was in a flood and is still running very impressive

**axel06** · 03-05-2016, 08:33 PM

wow great job

**Coach Steve** · 03-05-2016, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by JohnMcFarlane

Wow, good luck with that! Keep us up to date, would like to see the finished article

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The car is finished. The video shows the process start to finish with before and after pics.

Originally Posted by axel06

looks to me it was in a flood and is still running very impressive

That was the first thing I thought when I saw all the silt and dirt in the trunk.... FLOOD CAR! But, nope. That's all dirt from the traveling the dirt roads of the desert along the US - Mexico border for years and years.

**axel06** · 03-05-2016, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by Coach Steve

The car is finished. The video shows the process start to finish with before and after pics.

That was the first thing I thought when I saw all the silt and dirt in the trunk.... FLOOD CAR! But, nope. That's all dirt from the traveling the dirt roads of the desert along the US - Mexico border for years and years.

**LEDetailing** · 03-05-2016, 09:52 PM

Incredible turnaround. Well documented video, great idea. How long did you spend on just cleaning the floor boards and trunk? Good idea on replacing the carpeting.

Ballpark what did it cost with all the missing/broken parts replaced, plus your hours of hard work? If you don't mind me asking. I'm guessing $750-1200 range.