Produced over the course of three generations between 1981 and 2005, the U.S.-spec Chevy Cavalier hit the scene as the successor to the Chevy Monza, offering compact sizing and multiple body styles over the years. Now, we’re watching as this particular Chevy Cavalier Z24 gets its very first wash in nearly two decades.
Coming to us from the WD Detailing YouTube channel, the video is nearly 27 minutes long, and goes over not only the condition in which the car was discovered, but also the satisfying process of cleaning off 20 years of grime.
According to the video hosts, the owner of this particular Chevy Cavalier Z24 (1991 to 1994 model year) went missing in 2006. As the story goes, the owner left for work one day, but never showed up. He was never heard from again, and his company car went missing as well. The first few minutes of the video show the car as it was found by WD Detailing, with nearly 20 years of nastiness covering the exterior and interior. The house above the garage is in shambles as well.
After getting the Chevy Cavalier into the wash booth, the WD Detailing crew gets to work. The driver’s side door is actually rusted shut, and what’s more, the crew doesn’t have the vehicle keys, so instead, they use an inflatable pump to get the locking system free. Unfortunately, the window is shattered in the process, but frankly, that’s relatively small potatoes compared to the rest of the issues on display here. The crew also have to cut the seized hood latch to access the engine bay, which is, unsurprisingly, is covered in filth and grime as well.
With full access to all the areas that the crew need, WD Detailing gets down to cleaning the exterior, starting with the wheels. The paint gets pressure washed, and right away, this thing starts to look much, much better. The interior, engine bay, and just everything else gets a thorough cleaning as well, making for a somewhat surprising transformation.
Check out the full video right here:
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Comments
Cool.
A car from simpler times
Think the clear coat chips off wheels and aluminium oxidizes? Had a neighbor who owned the Motion King Cobra Shelby back in the 60s. He disappeared and family sold the car. Eventually was restored to it’s drag racing heritage. Google it. Amazing Shelby.
I retired in 2008 from the factory that built that car. I probably help assemble that particular car.
Lordstown Strong!!:))
Silly as it may be, back in the day, I really, REALLY wanted one of these. I thought it was a great-looking car (actually, I still do), and, most importantly, I thought it was actually attainable (unlike some of my dream cars) to me at the time.
Funny thing though, I’ve never sat in one, let alone owned one.
Great detailing of all the work put it to cleaning it up! But I really wanted to see the engine start & take it for a ride, that would have been a GREAT ending. Would be great if the owner was found & he got his car back!
Snoopy
Washing a car that hasn’t been washed in 20 years – must be a slow news day.
I’m going with abducted by aliens. Why didn’t the owner of the rental house clear it out sooner?
Must be a slow read day since you choose to read it.
D.B. Sweeny like.
Was the cover in the engine compartment aluminum? Think that white crude was just some corrosion. High humidity can cause it over time. Found this: “Microbiological induced: This is corrosion caused by microorganisms or fungi. It’s common in fuel and lubrication oil tanks. The organisms consume the oils and excrete an acidic compound that causes corrosion on the aluminum. “
Due to the condition that guy kept his vehicle, I wonder if his life was just as messy. I have never seen the inside of a vehicle that was that dirty. I know people who own Great Danes, have children and haul around scrap metal. Their vehicles are cleaner, that the interior of that vehicle. One of the front floor mats had a hole in it. Just trash the floor mats and buy Weather Tech. I bet anything the guy skipped the country and is living in Mexico. Where are his relatives? You mean they wouldn’t have come looking for his things, long before now. The guy that owned the rental, wouldn’t have cleaned it sooner?! The mind boggles. I think the guys did a good job on the detailing. Never been much of a fan of the Cavaliers, but this one must have been decent back in the day. I would like to know what they ended up doing with the car. Did they sell it? How much did they get for it?
There’s something satisfying seeing 20+ years of dirt and grime come off cars like this. Hopefully someone will get to enjoy as a good daily driver
What a waste of good water!!
I had an 87′ Cavalier Z24. Very much the son of a Z28. I loved that car for 2 years until I bought my first Silverado. The wheels had a cheap clear coat on them and they would yellow and chip like you see. In the engine, that white stuff looks like battery acid. Given how the owner didn’t take good care of the care there may have been a battery issue & he just replaced it but didn’t clean it up. I’d like to know if the car will start.