[lifeinpune]

Dear BHPians,

Posting this on behalf of a friend who has a Chevy Spark that has been lying unused for 6+ years. From what I have been told it has not even been started once in this time. All the tyres are flat and unfortunately car has been still the entire period. Location is Bangalore, car is parked in the basement and hasn't seen rain or sun during this entire time.

I looked up a couple of threads on this topic

- https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/suvs-...lked-away.html (Toyota Innova, unused for 4 years - Worth considering? EDIT: Walked away!)
- https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...an-1-year.html (What things can go wrong if a car is kept idle for more than 1 year?)

The friend wants to know whether this car can be revived at all and if so what all things will need to be inspected / changed and what would be the likely cost. Given that this is a Chevy Spark, I am very skeptical. Will try to upload some pictures of the car exteriors and interiors.

[IshaanIan]

The spark is a very simple car to work on and source spares for. This ought to be a sub 40k expenditure including new tyres, mounts, battery, brakes etc. Other BHPians would be able to help better outline what exactly needs to be checked and done.

[hgps]

Check the electrical system for rat damage before doing anything. See if timing belt is okay. Check air filter for rat damage.
From my limited knowledge of owning a spark (and keeping it idle for 3-3 months in one go). You'll have to procure the following parts.

Immediately:
1. New engine oil and oil filter (1200-1600)
2. Brake fluid (for complete flush) (150 inc labor if done at workshop)
3. New battery (3500-4000)
4. Refill tires, see if they retain pressure

See if the car starts. If it does. take it to nearest garage and get the following done.
1. Coolant flush and refill (250 including coolant, 5L of distilled water and labor)
2. Change timing belt (Should be under 1000, although not sure)
3. Wiper blades (500-600)
4. Inspect/replace spark plug (should be under 1000)
5. Fuel filter might need to be replaced
6. AC gas recharge (1200-1300)
7. New air filter (300-400)
8. New tires (~14k)
9. Check all bulbs
10. Check brake pads/shoes and clean rear brake drums. Handbrake functionality.

[arjab]

From your short description it seems that the vehicle has been weather protected well.
In that case: i suggest you take up the work in two stages:
A) First: get the car cranked up
B) Second: Once its cranked and idling, next stage would be to set it right dynamically.

So, keeping this in mind, for A:

1. Change all fluids and lubes (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering oil) etc. During the change process keep a keen eye out for potential leaks from hoses that may have turned brittle.
2. Change all filters.
3. Disconnect the radiator from the thermostat side and flush out remnants of old coolant from the engine block, bleed the block and re-fit thermo.
4. Flush and bleed radiator and refit.
5. Change the spark plugs. Check the plug wires
6. Borrow a new battery or a battery with some life
7. Check the water pump and alternator drive belts
8. Check the starter motor solenoid connections. Open the terminals, clean and refit.
9. Open up the throttle body, clean it thoroughly and refit. Clean air intake as well.
10. Open the manifold air pressure sensor and throttle position sensors. clean & refit.
11.. Clean the petrol tank and the filter inside the tank thoroughly. Check all fuel lines for any leakages etc
12. Check for any rodent damages to any wires etc
13. Before new battery fitment, disconnect the ECU, clean and refit the couplers.

Now try starting the car. If it starts and idles smoothly , then 70% of the battle is won.

Now for B) (assuming A has worked out)
1. Change all tyres (rubber cracks after 6 years in any case)
2. Change brake pads and shoes
3. Suspension bushes may need to be changed
4. Front struts and rear dampers may not be "articulating" its full compression/rebound stroke due to gumminess / damper valves seized up. You have to replace the strut units. No need to change the coils as they are not a perishable commodity.
5. Clutch actuation. If there is judder while engaging gears, clutch plate may need replacing.
6. While turning right or left , under full steering lock, keep an ear out for "clicking" noises. If yes , then you need to change the constant velocity joints at either ends of the driveshafts.

I think if you come this far the car would be a decent runner. Spark parts are available till now in the market.

Good luck!

[condor]

Good points by @hgps and @arjab - pretty much all points covered by them.

I will also suggest: greasing the hubs, cleaning up the AC system (ducts), a proper interior job - esp the seats. Replace seat covers too. May help to give the seats some sun time.

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by arjab

1. Change all fluids and lubes (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering oil) etc.

Most importantly, flush & clean the fuel tank, tubes and hoses before cranking.

[GTO]

Good, used, running Sparks are available for anywhere between 60,000 - 125,000. I would honestly scrap this car that's been parked for so long and pick a used example that's been running daily / weekly.

After all, time is money. These restorations take a lot of effort and even then, end reliability is an unknown. Sure, if it was a special vintage car or offroader, rejuvenating it would've been worth the effort. But a budget hatchback that is available for cheap in the pre-owned market? Simply buy that (or another Maruti / Hyundai model for 1 - 1.5 lakhs).

[lemedico]

Properly overhauling this particular car would certainly cost more than the market value of it. Go for it, if sentimental. Else there's good money in scrap and parts. The RTO deregistration would be required and it doesn't cost a lot.

[abhishek46]

Originally Posted by lifeinpune

The friend wants to know whether this car can be revived at all and if so what all things will need to be inspected / changed and what would be the likely cost. Given that this is a Chevy Spark, I am very skeptical. Will try to upload some pictures of the car exteriors and interiors.

My guesstimate for replacement would be:
1. All 4 Tyres
2. All Rubber parts (Hosed, Seals, Beadings)
3. Battery
4. Engine Oil, Brake/Clutch Oil, Gear Oil, Coolant, Oil Filter, Air Filter
5. Spark plugs

Additionally, The fuel tank should be drained.
And then, the fuel lines, and pump would need to be cleaned.
A flushing of the engine could also be carried out.

Wheel Bearings should be lubricated or replaced if jammed.
Brakes shall be overhauled.

Wiring Harness, High pressure Hoses should be inspected, for any damage due to Rats etc.

[A2B]

Convert the car to an EV. Think this is a blessing in disguise.
See the below thread.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/elect...vehicle-7.html (Converted my Chevrolet Beat to an Electric Vehicle!)

[som9729]

Originally Posted by lifeinpune

Dear BHPians,

Posting this on behalf of a friend who has a Chevy Spark that has been lying unused for 6+ years. From what I have been told it has not even been started once in this time. All the tyres are flat and unfortunately car has been still the entire period. Location is Bangalore, car is parked in the basement and hasn't seen rain or sun during this entire time.

I looked up a couple of threads on this topic

- https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/suvs-...lked-away.html (Toyota Innova, unused for 4 years - Worth considering? EDIT: Walked away!)
- https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...an-1-year.html (What things can go wrong if a car is kept idle for more than 1 year?)

The friend wants to know whether this car can be revived at all and if so what all things will need to be inspected / changed and what would be the likely cost. Given that this is a Chevy Spark, I am very skeptical. Will try to upload some pictures of the car exteriors and interiors.

Follow steps in above posts regarding getting the car repaired.
But bear in mind, that if the condition of the car is too bad, then your expense might be too much.

So have a meaningful budget limit, like 25k-30k, and if that limit is breached by a large %, at that point consider scrapping the car.

Point being that if the car can be genuinely repaired within the 25-30k, its worth doing.
Else its not.

Also factor in expenses for a interior 3M wash with AC vent deep cleaning.
Costs around 3k
Exterior wash - 800rs

Do consult a pro mechanic to actually evaluate the car before hand, and come up with actual estimates (incl his labor charges)

[adityadeva]

Originally Posted by A2B

Convert the car to an EV. Think this is a blessing in disguise.
See the below thread.

This is probably the best and unique point of view. 2 birds in a single shot. Anyways some money needs to be spent them why waste it. Most of the engine oil change etc can be done away with.

[Geo_Ipe]

Originally Posted by lifeinpune

Posting this on behalf of a friend who has a Chevy Spark that has been lying unused for 6+ years. From what I have been told it has not even been started once in this time.

Could you please tell us the circumstances which led to the car having to lie idle for 6 years? Also, why does your friend want to restore it?

If it is for sentimental purposes or as a fun project, maybe yes. However, if it is for daily usage I would recommend against the restoration. How much ever you repair it, new issues will keep cropping up. Complete overhaul will cost more than the market value of the car definitely. If the intent is daily usage, please ask him to get a other used car in better shape.

[2000rpm]

I think. Your starting points is to get the engine running. Give the car a wash inside and outside. And take things from there....

For scrapping, I think there is decent incentive with scrap value and government benefit value.

[lifeinpune]

Firstly, thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and recommendations. The power of this community is just amazing !

Originally Posted by Geo_Ipe

Could you please tell us the circumstances which led to the car having to lie idle for 6 years? Also, why does your friend want to restore it?

The friend is not an enthusiast. In fact, he has never owned a car nor driven one. He just wanted to know if it can be restored and what might be the cost involved. The car was purchased by his wife in Pune before their marriage. I can't explain the reasons for how it got to the present state. AFAIK they didn't need the car and didn't use it either. Likely a case of neglect.

Regarding scrapping the car, it's a MH registered car but currently present in KA with no change in registration and KA taxes not being paid yet. Does scrapping require an NOC from RTO and if so in this case NOC needs to be obtained from which RTO ? Would not having paid the taxes get in the way ?