Congratulations on the purchase of a
truly beautiful and unique car! The first things you need to do are:
1. Get a Maintenance Manual for
your car. Period. This book will be your best friend as you move
ahead. You won't get anywhere without it. These are available from many
sources:
- Search through online auctions.
Auctions will be very valuable in your search for unusual parts - a
necessary and fun part of Lincoln ownership!
- Call or browse one of the many
Lincoln vendors. Just click on "Lincoln Links" above.
2. Take a deep breath.
This is not something you can do overnight. Lincoln ownership will try
your patience at times and can be quite expensive.
- Do this: Make a list of important
repairs and rank them in descending level of importance.
- Then: Read the related section of
the manual, ask questions of your new LCOC pals (you DID join the
LCOC, didn't you??!), assemble the correct parts and tools, and work
on this repair until completed.
- Resist the urge to blindly take
things apart. When you do take things apart, take lots of good
pictures with a digital camera and chronicle your progress.
- Join the Lincoln Forum. Chronicle
your results, search through the notes and experiences of others and
ask questions. Lincoln owners cannot resist the urge to help!
A strategy for starting your Lincoln
project:
1. Get her running again.
This means a good check (and understanding! Read the manual! ask
questions!) of the important systems:
- Ignition. Clean/set/replace
the points/condenser; look at the plugs and wires; Are you sure that
you need a new distributor?; Ignition timing.
- Fuel. Filter replace/clean;
pump & carburetor function; attention to fuel lines.
- Basic electrical. New
battery; cables OK and clean?; check starter solenoid.
2.
Inspect brake system. Replace brake
fluid; bleed lines; inspect master/slave cylinders/shoes. You're
stopping over 2 TONS of car, don't be penny-wise and dollar foolish
here!
3.
Get the car inspected. This
may require some attention to turn signals, brake lights, etc. Once it's
inspected, you can start driving around some! Make sure you have
adequate insurance on her...bare bones won't cut it. LCOC folks can give
you recommendations.
4.
Enjoy the fun stuff. Now you can
start chipping away at the convertible top function, electric windows,
and so on. It is something anyone can learn to do with patience. See
"Take a deep breath" section again...breathe...
