Hey car enthusiasts! Ever dreamt of bringing a piece of automotive history back to life? Today, we're diving deep into the world of classic car restoration, specifically focusing on the OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster. This beauty is a true icon of its era, and restoring one is a labor of love that's incredibly rewarding. This guide is your ultimate companion to get you started on this exciting journey.

Unveiling the Legend: The OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster

Alright, let's talk about why the OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster is so darn special. This car wasn't just a mode of transportation; it was a statement. A statement of style, luxury, and pure American ingenuity. The Speedster, with its sweeping lines, powerful engine, and undeniable presence, turned heads wherever it went. The Auburn Automobile Company, based in Auburn, Indiana, produced these magnificent machines during the 1930s, and the 852 Speedster became the brand's crowning achievement. This car wasn't built to be subtle; it was built to be seen and admired. Now, imagine yourself behind the wheel of one of these majestic vehicles. You're not just driving; you're experiencing a slice of history, feeling the spirit of a bygone era.

Before you even think about starting a restoration, you need to understand the car's history. Knowing the original specifications, the various models produced, and the common problems can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road. Research is key, my friends! Dive into books, online forums, and talk to other classic car enthusiasts. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be. Understanding the car's history will inform all your future decisions about your classic car. You'll soon discover the car's original colors, interior options, and mechanical specifications. All this information is essential in your restoration, so you can make sure to bring the classic car to its original condition. Now, while this might sound daunting, trust me, it’s also an incredibly fascinating part of the process. It's like becoming a detective, piecing together the story of this incredible vehicle. Each piece of information you gather brings you closer to understanding its soul. It gives you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and engineering that went into making these cars legendary. Armed with this knowledge, you're not just restoring a car; you're preserving a legacy. You're becoming a steward of automotive history, and that's a pretty cool feeling, isn't it?

So, what makes the 852 Speedster stand out? Well, the boattail design is undeniably the first thing to grab your attention. It's sleek, streamlined, and embodies the Art Deco style that was so popular during that time. The long hood, the exposed headlights, the flowing fenders - it's a work of art on wheels. Then there's the engine. The 852 Speedster was equipped with a powerful Lycoming inline-eight engine, offering impressive performance for its day. This car wasn't just about looks; it had the muscle to match! You’ll be researching its history, original specifications, and unique features, learning about its engine specifications, the various body styles, and the original color options. This will help you know the real value of the classic car. This research phase is also a great opportunity to connect with other classic car enthusiasts. Online forums and car clubs are treasure troves of information, and the people in these communities are usually more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences. You'll find yourself making new friends who share your passion. They can guide you, offer advice, and help you navigate the tricky parts of the restoration process. So, get out there and start exploring the world of the OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster! You will never regret it, because you can enjoy this gorgeous classic car.

Assessing the Situation: Inspection and Planning for Your Restoration

Alright, you've found your OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster, or maybe you're just dreaming of finding one. The first step is a thorough inspection. This isn't just a quick glance; it's a deep dive into every nook and cranny of the car. Grab your tools, your notepad, and your camera, because you're about to become a detective. You're trying to figure out if it is worth restoring. Start by checking the body. Look for rust, dents, and any signs of previous repairs. Rust is the classic car's worst enemy, so pay close attention to the floorboards, the fenders, and the areas around the wheel wells. Are there any parts missing? Does it look like there are missing parts? Missing components can be a headache, so make sure to take detailed notes on what's missing, you may also note down the condition of each part. You're basically building a roadmap for the restoration process. The more accurate your assessment, the better you can plan your budget and the timeline.

Next, pop the hood and inspect the engine and the mechanical components. Is the engine complete? Does it turn over? Is there any rust or corrosion? Check the condition of the wiring, the hoses, and the fluids. Evaluate the condition of the mechanical components. Check the brakes, the suspension, and the steering system. Are there any obvious issues? You'll be checking everything, from the engine and transmission to the brakes and suspension. This helps you get a sense of the car's mechanical state. You'll need to assess the interior of the car as well. Look at the seats, the dashboard, the gauges, and the upholstery. Is anything salvageable? Or are you looking at a complete overhaul?

Once you’ve done a complete inspection, it’s time to create a detailed restoration plan. This is where you determine the scope of the project. Do you want a full restoration, returning the car to its original factory condition? Or are you aiming for a more personalized restoration with modern upgrades? Decide on a budget, and stick to it. Classic car restoration can be expensive. Prioritize the most important repairs and plan out your spending in detail. You’ll need to make decisions about the level of restoration, the parts you'll need, and the specific tasks involved. This detailed plan will serve as your blueprint throughout the restoration. Next, you need to set a timeline. Be realistic! Restoration projects often take longer than expected, so give yourself some extra time. You'll need to make decisions about the level of restoration, the parts you'll need, and the specific tasks involved. A detailed plan will be your blueprint throughout the restoration. Finally, decide if you're going to do the work yourself or if you're going to outsource some of it. You may also need to source the parts and materials, which can be time-consuming, but the internet has made it easier than ever before. If you're tackling the restoration yourself, then consider your skill level and available tools. If you're unsure about certain tasks, don't be afraid to seek help from professionals. The goal here is to get your classic car to its original, or as close as possible, condition. You need to make a solid assessment and plan to do this restoration. By doing all of this, you'll be well on your way to a successful restoration! It is your project, so do not rush it, take your time and do all the needed steps to get the classic car ready to go.

The Restoration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the restoration process. This is where the real fun begins! But remember, patience is key here. Restoration takes time, and there will be challenges along the way. But the feeling of accomplishment when you finally turn that key and hear the engine purr is unmatched. We’re going to break down the restoration into manageable steps, because this is going to be a long journey, so we will be taking things one step at a time.

Step 1: Disassembly

First, you need to carefully disassemble the entire car. Take pictures and label everything. This is super important! You’ll want to document everything from beginning to end so that you'll know where everything goes when you're reassembling it. Keep all the parts organized, ideally in labeled boxes or bags. Consider taking pictures of each step of disassembly. This documentation will be invaluable when you start putting everything back together. It's easy to forget where a particular bolt or wire goes, so taking pictures will save you a lot of frustration later. Disassembly is also a great opportunity to assess the condition of each part and determine what needs to be repaired, replaced, or restored.

Step 2: Bodywork and Paint

Next, address any rust, dents, or damage to the body. This is a crucial step, as the bodywork will determine the overall appearance of your car. For rust repair, you may need to cut out and replace rusted sections with new metal. This can be challenging, so consider seeking professional help if you're not experienced with welding. Once the bodywork is complete, it's time for paint. This is one of the most visible parts of the restoration, so it's essential to do it right. You'll need to decide on the original color or choose a new one. The preparation is key! Make sure the body is perfectly smooth and clean before applying the primer and paint. If you're not comfortable painting the car yourself, consider taking it to a professional paint shop. A high-quality paint job can make a huge difference in the final result.

Step 3: Engine and Mechanicals

Now you're getting to the heart of the car - the engine and mechanicals. The restoration of the engine can be the most challenging part of the whole project. Start with the engine. This typically involves a complete rebuild, including rebuilding the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. You will need to disassemble the engine, clean the parts, and check for wear and tear. You will want to replace worn components. Then you’ll need to reassemble the engine. Make sure you follow the factory specifications for torque and clearances. Rebuilding an engine is a complex task. If you're not comfortable with it, you can take the engine to a professional engine builder. Now let's work on the transmission. This involves disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and rebuilding if necessary. Replace any worn-out gears or components, and reassemble the transmission. Inspect the brakes, including the calipers, rotors, and brake lines. You may need to rebuild or replace the brakes. Check the suspension components, like the shocks, springs, and bushings. Replace any worn components to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Step 4: Interior Restoration

The interior is where you'll spend most of your time enjoying the car, so this is another important step. You can restore the seats by replacing the upholstery, foam, and springs. You'll need to remove the old upholstery, repair the frame, and install new materials. The dashboard, which might need to be repaired or restored, can be done by replacing gauges, restoring the wood or metal trim, and recovering the dash pad. You can then restore or replace the door panels. This includes replacing the upholstery, trim, and hardware. Finally, you can add new carpets, and install the headliner.

Step 5: Reassembly and Finishing Touches

Finally, it is time to put everything back together. Now that all the individual components have been restored, it’s time to reassemble the car. This is where all your hard work comes together! Carefully reassemble all the parts, following your notes, pictures, and diagrams. Take your time and make sure everything is connected correctly. Do not skip any step, because every piece is important for the final result. After the reassembly, do the final touches. Test all systems, including the electrical system, lights, and gauges. Make any necessary adjustments and repairs. After the mechanical and bodywork, then consider the finishing touches. This could be things like new tires, chrome polishing, and detailing. Congratulations! You can now start enjoying the OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster!

Sourcing Parts and Resources for Your Restoration

Finding the right parts is essential for a successful restoration. There are a few ways to source parts. Online retailers specialize in classic car parts, and can be a good starting point. You will also find various automotive parts suppliers, and salvage yards. Online forums and car clubs can also be good resources, where enthusiasts might have spare parts or know where to find them. Remember, patience is key. You may need to search for a while to find the exact parts you need.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Restoration projects can be challenging. Here are some of the most common issues and how to deal with them: One of the major obstacles is rust. It’s the classic car's worst enemy. Rust can be difficult to remove, and it can weaken the metal. Take your time when removing rust, and replace any rusted sections with new metal. Finding the correct parts can be another issue. Parts for classic cars can be difficult to find and can be very expensive. Planning ahead and researching various sources is the solution. You can also hire a professional, it can be costly, but the result can be amazing. Remember, classic car restoration is a labor of love! If you encounter problems, don’t give up. The feeling of accomplishment when you finally get the car running is well worth the effort.

Showcasing Your Finished Restoration

Once your OSCII 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster is restored, it's time to show off your hard work! Participate in car shows and events. Car shows are a great place to show off your car and meet other classic car enthusiasts. Consider joining a car club. Car clubs offer a community of people who share your passion for classic cars. You can also share your car online. Creating a website or social media page can be a great way to showcase your car and share your restoration journey with others. Owning and restoring a classic car is about more than just the car itself. It is also about the community. You can now get ready to enjoy your classic car! The journey is going to be amazing, and you will meet new people. Take your time, and enjoy the ride.