Complete cosmetic restoration of a Mitsubishi Cedia Sports

The Mitsubishi Cedia Sports came to me for a post-purchase refresh.

BHPian Viraat13 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey guys, back with another new thread, this time it's another cult favourite - the Mitsubishi Cedia Sports, which came to me for what was a post-purchase refresh.

The owner bought the car sight unseen, and then immediately sent it to me for a few minor repairs, the list prior to me starting the project was:

• Mitsubishi Logo (for the front grill)
• Front and Rear Bumper Repair (Plastic Welding)
• Engine Mount/Gearbox Mount
• Throttle Body Clean
• Headlights Polish
• Repaint of 2-3 panels

After inspecting the car, I added a few more items to the list:

• AC Gas Top-up
• Power Window Repair (Front Right + Left)
• Rear power windows service
• Under Bonnet Insulation

All of this was relatively straight forward, and most of the work was done in 2 or 3 days, but after seeing detailed photos of the car in bright day light - the owner decided to go in for a complete repaint!

Without much ado, I'll get right to the meat of it (contents):

• Before
• WIP
• After

Before

I'd gone to pick up the car from the previous owner and clicked a few photos after I got it.

The first look, pretty average condition for an 11-year-old car that's seen not only Mumbai traffic but Delhi too.

Rough around the edges.

No major dents, but plenty of small stone chips.

Faded headlights completing the incomplete look.

Reason number 1 why bird poop is bad for car paint - acid stains.

Detailed look showed that pretty much every panel had dents that needed attending

The rear quarter panels.

Front right, featuring the bad dent under the headlight and the faded yellow light itself.

Front grill with dent on the bonnet, and missing logo.

Battle scarred rear bumper with skirt.

The other faded headlight.

Some more dents.

Faded and worn decals.

Even the roof wasn't spared!

Screw marks on the rear bumper.

Worn out mount

Dirty intake

Crumbled hood insulated. I later learnt that this happens to all Cedia's of a certain age.

Worn out patch of leather on the driver's seat back.

Worn out split Momo steering.

Still, overall a decent starting point.

Continue reading Viraat13's restoration process for more insights, information and BHPian comments.