What to look out for when buying a 36-38 Special?

[Dave_B]

I'm thinking of buying a 36, 37 or 38 Special. I've been looking at unrestored drivers. Besides the wood in a 36 what are the typical problem areas/issues unique to these cars?

Dave

[bobj49f2]

I've had a couple of '37 Specials that were rot bucket parts cars. Seems the weakest spot is the frame crossmember under the radiator. Also, the rear dog legs, the part in the rear quarter panel just behind the rear doors like to rot out. The rear windows have drain hoses that travel down the dog legs, when they fall over the water drains into the quarter panels rotting out the area where the fenders bolt to. Also, I haven't had a car yet with a good back seat. The water soaks into the bottom seat cushion and rots the springs out.

[egor]

It depends on how much you plan to spend. If you're just looking for something that won't leave by the side of the road, check for overheating and torque tube seals. The little eight in the Specials isn't as prone to overheating as the 320 in the big series cars, but gunk can build up in the back of the motor, so you want the cooling system to be optimal. Check at idle, but also at 60 mph. Just about anything you do with the drive train requires you to pull the rear end, so check for leaks. A lot of drivers you see have the gas pedal starter bypassed for a push button on the dash, too. I'd consider that a red flag to check what else has been done to the wiring. Aside from that (in my experience), the cars are bulletproof, incredibly well-built. If you're planning to spend a bit more for a car with good appearance, be sure you're completely satisfied with the condition of the upholstery, woodgraining, running boards, brightwork, paint. It's MUCH more economical in the long run to buy a car already done. If you decide later to spiff the car up, the improvements alone will cost you more than the car will ever be worth.

[Dave_B]

Thanks Bob and suchan, good advice.

Wow, the the back seat springs rusted out? Where did the water come from, is the rear window prone to leaking?

Dave

[bobj49f2]

The rear windows swing out. In the center of the bottom of the trough under the window is a drain with a hose connected to it. The hose goes from the drain tube down the dogleg and is suppose to drain out the bottom of the dog leg. On the four cars I've had all of the hoses, except for one, were missing or just laying in the quarter panel. All of the cars, except for one, had their original interior in place as far as I could tell.

[Dave_B]

Bob, Thanks. A picture is worth a thousand words.

This looks like something to check out even if you don't think there is a problem. At least once every 75 years whether it needs it or not, that's what I say

Dave

[bobj49f2]

From my experience that's one of the places I'd check even if I was looking at a restored car. A lot can be hidden with plastic filler and paint. Look under the rear fenders and inside the trunk if possible.