The Story of a Hyundai Tiburon Transformation

Sometimes the best projects start with a little rust, a lot of grime, and a pinch of sentimentality. That’s exactly what happened when a 2007 Hyundai Tiburon landed in the backyard of MXGuy95, the mind behind the project. He chronicles the transformation of a beat-up insurance auction find into a functioning vehicle—all while keeping things entertaining and informative.

A Sentimental Start: Why This Tiburon?

For many, the Tiburon is just another car. But for MXGuy95, it’s a reminder of his first set of wheels and the car that once helped a gif he made go viral. That personal connection made this $700 wreck irresistible. Sure, it was mouse-infested, covered in grime, and missing several panels—but hey, it had potential.

Getting Dirty: Cleaning Up and Diagnosing the Issues

The first step was stripping away the grime—both inside and out. Once the car was cleaned and the damaged panels removed, it was clear that this was no simple cosmetic fix. The engine struggled to start, the alternator was shot, and the battery wasn’t holding a charge. Oh, and let’s not forget the radiator was bone dry, with a dead wasp in the coolant reservoir.

Backyard Repairs Begin: Creative Fixes and Challenges

Replacing the alternator on this Tiburon was an exercise in patience. Thanks to its location deep in the engine bay, the process involved navigating tight spaces and removing suspension components. With the alternator swapped and other basics addressed—like adding oil (finally!)—the engine began running more smoothly.

But the joy was short-lived. A loud clunking noise during the first test drive revealed that the rear control arms were bent, the wheel bearing was toast, and the sway bar link was completely disconnected. Undeterred, MXGuy95 got creative. Using a hydraulic press, a bit of ingenuity, and a lot of elbow grease, he bent the control arms back into shape and got the car back on the road.

Frame Work and Body Repairs: A Backyard Miracle

One of the biggest challenges was the frame damage—a problem left unresolved by a previous body shop five years prior. Armed with a come-along winch, a metal pole, and a stud welder, MXGuy95 tackled the issue head-on, literally pulling and hammering the frame into alignment. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.

For body panels and smaller components, the local junkyard proved invaluable. Fenders, a bumper, various bolts, and even a functional ashtray assembly were salvaged for a fraction of the cost of new parts. For the headlights, he splurged on brand-new ones to ensure a clear, bright finish.

The Final Product: A Backyard Redemption Story

After countless hours of pulling, hammering, and fine-tuning, the Tiburon was finally road-ready. While the exterior might still be a mishmash of colors, the car is now fully functional, drives smoothly, and has a fresh lease on life.

The Cost of Resurrection

All told, MXGuy95 spent $3,000 on the project, including the car itself, parts, and tools. That’s about the same as what a used Tiburon in decent condition sells for today—but this one came with the satisfaction of knowing it was brought back to life from near death.

If you love car projects that mix technical know-how with humor and a dash of chaos, you’ll love MXGuy95’s channel. From backyard rebuilds to vlogs and more, it has something for every car enthusiast. Check out his channel on YouTube at @MXGuy95.