Guest jg_105 Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 I just found a good(what looks like anyway) 1938 Special I dont have much more information on it today, but I wanted to know if there is anything I should look at before completing the transaction? Body looks good (some of the rubber is dry rotten), interior looks spotless for its age. It was parked in a very dry barn (wood floor and walls) for the last 14 years. Assuming I close the deal -Any sugestions of things I should do before trying to start? The owner assumes that all it should need is OIl change, Fuel drained and cleaned, new battery and Carb cleaned. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-g-g0 Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 (edited) For one thing, pull the plugs and pour some Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders and let it set for a few days. Try turning the motor by hand using a socket and breaker bar on the front crankshaft pulley. By trying to turn it by hand you might avoid bending a push rod. Might consider dropping the pan and cleaning it along with the oil pump screen. Edited February 25, 2016 by g-g-g0 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 (edited) Probably needs tires for any real driving assuming they are at least 14 years old. Take the belt loose and make sure you can move the water pump easily by hand. If not, the pump may be seized. Of course these aren't necessarily deciding factors when deciding whether to buy the car, just things to plan for if needed.Lastly, keep a fire extinguisher nearby when you first get power to it. Edited February 25, 2016 by 39BuickEight (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAS VEGAS DAVE Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 (edited) Mine sat for 32 years, but it was driven once a year to the inspection station to get current tags. Each year exactly 30 miles was added to the speedometer as shown on the inspection papers. When I got it the original tires were still on it so they were replaced. I also replaced the brake shoes in the rear. All of the wheel cylinders were also replaced. The radiator needed to be back flushed and the block cleaned out to make the cooling system work its best. I also removed the plugs and squirted Marvel Oil in the cylinders and then SEA FOAM DEEP CREEP to free up some stuck rings in one cylinder. I put new plugs in it at that time and changed the oil in the engine and transmission. I drive it almost daily now with no problems, I hope yours works out as good, they are great cars. Edited February 25, 2016 by LAS VEGAS DAVE (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I'm a firm believer in dropping the pan on an engine that hasnt run in a long time. Gunk can accumulate and block the oil pump screen. I have seen more than one engine that has been ruined because of a blocked oil screen after sitting for years. A gasket is cheap insurance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jg_105 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Thanks Looks like Ill be picking it up Next week!!Not ready for a full restoration, but hopefully I can get it on the road for some basic driving this summer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jg_105 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Im Sure ill have more questions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-g-g0 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 We love pictures! Also consider joining the BCA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jg_105 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 As soon as it home Ill snap some pics!!Thanks Any idea on Oil grade for the car? and Fuel pressure? (he added a fuel pump but its around 8psi and he thinks its flooding the carb)Ive ordered the repair manual, but its going to take a week or more to come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I use 20w-50 Rotella as it does have some zinc in it that these cars prefer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jg_105 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Here we go! 1937 Buick special. Just out of the barn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_Heil Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 JG How did you find this site? (Glad you did and that you are here). I was asked by someone how people find this site is the reason I ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Stock Posted March 6, 2016 Share Posted March 6, 2016 Don't trust the brake pipes after this long sitting around. Get them renewed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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