July 2001. The classified ads struck again. As usual I was perusing the classified ads on the weekend when I came across an ad for a "triple black continental sedan." This series of cars is pretty common in the paper and I usually don't call on them, but when the ad says "triple black" I couldn't resist. The ad also said it had 80K miles and working A/C. The asking price was $1500. I called immediately.
The seller indicated the car was a one family owned car originally purchased by his in-laws new in Houston where is was kept in a carport. The car sat outside the last few years that the seller had it. After describing the general condition and problems I agreed to view the car that evening.
However, before evening came I drove over and looked over the car to see if it was something I was interested in and see what type of offer I could make. The car presented all of the standard cosemetic problems of a car that spends too much time outdoors. The paint was poor and the vinyl top was coming apart and rust was developing behind the rear window. See details of the car's condition. I decided if nothing major was wrong mechanically later in the evening I'd offer $1200.
When I got to the house later in the evening, there was already some people looking at the car. I was relieved and kind of hoped they'd buy it out from under me so I wouldn't have to make any decisions. But after some poking around and finding a big gas leak underhood they departed.
So there was gas leaking big time from the carb, but the air did blow cold. The was exhaust manifold leaks, but the windows all worked. The turn signals didn't work properly but the interior was in good shape. There was strange localized rust on the left fender and it wasn't a fully optioned car and it really had 85k on the clock but the owner did have books and records. It was a mixed bag. With the gas leak and lord knows what else wrong I decided $1000 was my first best and only offer. Hopefully I'd be refused. I need another one of these cars like I need a hole in the head. The decision was quick. He acceped. Uggh. What have I done!
I handed over the cash on with the final condition that the seller drive it out to the storage place. I wanted to remain in denial about this new money pit so I covered the car up and said I'd look at it in six months. I lasted three days. I wanted to play a bit with my toy.
The gas leak tuned out to be nothing more than a busted fuel filter. I fixed the turn signals. I got a new turn signal lense cover. But then I discovered the electrical system wasn't charging. So then a new alternator and regualor. (a one hour job turned into two days due to electrolysis of the alternator bolts). While under the car I discovered the tires had serious wear on the inside. A front end rebuild perhaps? New tires, front end checked out okay, and realigned. Brake hoses sprung a leak. Replaced them. (electrolysis again - a two hour job truned into four). Blead the system. The car was getting hot on those 100 degree plus Texas days so I flushed the radiator. Tons of sediment came out. I also wanted to replace the thermostat. Both bolts to the housing broke. Electrolysis again. A 15 minute job took two days. One day digging out each bolt from the intake manifold. Remind me to never again buy a car that was anywhere near the the coast.
So gradally the mechanical things are being addressed. I've driven it about 800 miles now and I guess I'll be keeping it since I've invested blood and sweat. There are tons of little things to be done. The interior is going to get a thorough conditioning next. I'm not going to paint it for a while. Just drive it!
Update 10/2001: I sold the car! I was beginnging to use it almost every day, putting about 2000 miles on the clock. But something more tempting came along on Ebay ('78 Thunderbird T-Roof convertible)and I wanted to bid on it. I contaced Tim Childress who had expressed an interest in the car earlier and offered it to him for what I paid. A deal for him considering I had already done some things to the car, but a loss for me (amazingly my first in old cars). Tim decided quickly enough to buy the car, but alas I was not the high bidder on the Ebay 'bird. So the car is gone and I have no new 'bird but probably both are for the better.
Tim will likely give the car the restoration and care it deserves. He is the webmaster at ClassicLincolns.com, an excelent Lincoln resource.
HOME