1985 Continental Valentino

[Vitas]

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, I am very proud to be the new owner of a 1985 Continental Valentino, with 15K miles.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4591259635

Many thanks to my dear internet Lincoln friend who thoroughly checked out the car for me beforehand.

Cheers,you are the best.

Vitas

[pro-five-oh]

Oh yeah! I had my eye on that one, course not seriously because I have plans for my 83 Valentino.

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to Foxbody Lincoln heaven! You're gonna love driving it.

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by pro-five-oh:
Oh yeah! I had my eye on that one, course not seriously because I have plans for my 83 Valentino.

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to Foxbody Lincoln heaven! You're gonna love driving it.

Thank you!!! I test drove them when they were new, and I was very favorably impressed.

(for a dinky Lincoln) -lol-

[Silver Cobra]

LOL! Reminds me of this one ;)
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=003355

The funnier thing is, I thought of you when I posted it and got the slight idea that you would pick it up! :D :D

Nice purchase smile.gif

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by Silver Cobra:
LOL! Reminds me of this one ;)
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=003355

The funnier thing is, I thought of you when I posted it and got the slight idea that you would pick it up! :D :D

Nice purchase smile.gif

Thank you!!!!!!!

It is just one of those things, I had to do it. -g-

[towncar95]

thats one BEAUTIFUL car vitas. :D
i love it !!! i look on ebay sometimes to see if there are any around. the givenchy is nice too. on the valentino , are there other colors available ? for a small lincoln they did make them nice :cool:

[pro-five-oh]

Vitas, you'll love driving the small Lincolns for their balance and composure in more aggressive driving. Brakes and most of the suspension is ready to go, but things get impressive when you move up to a Turbo Coupe front swaybar, Addco rear bar, and 16"-17" wheels...it will basically alleviate the need for a new(er) car.

At least that's my twisted logic on the matter. Gotta love those Valentinos. smile.gif
http://blizzard.he.net/~foxbody/pics/83linccontivalcobra.jpg

[ November 27, 2005: Message edited by: pro-five-oh ]

[Nick]

I was watching that one. It's a great buy and a rare model. I'm sure you'll love it.

[Jim K]

Love the color combo, killer interior. http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?bg=CCCCCC&image=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/845000-845999/845499_1_full.jpg

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by towncar95:
thats one BEAUTIFUL car vitas. :D
i love it !!! i look on ebay sometimes to see if there are any around. the givenchy is nice too. on the valentino , are there other colors available ? for a small lincoln they did make them nice :cool:

Thanks, Eddie! Sajeev has a nice webpage about that era Continental here:
http://blizzard.he.net/~foxbody/conti.html


quote:Originally posted by pro-five-oh:
Vitas, you'll love driving the small Lincolns for their balance and composure in more aggressive driving. Brakes and most of the suspension is ready to go, but things get impressive when you move up to a Turbo Coupe front swaybar, Addco rear bar, and 16"-17" wheels...it will basically alleviate the need for a new(er) car.

At least that's my twisted logic on the matter. Gotta love those Valentinos. smile.gif
http://blizzard.he.net/~foxbody/pics/83linccontivalcobra.jpg

FIRST thing I want are dualies. From a Mark VII? From a later Continental?

Will Mark VI wheels bolts right on, without offset problems?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nick:
I was watching that one. It's a great buy and a rare model. I'm sure you'll love it.

Thanks, Nick!

quote:Originally posted by Jim K:
Love the color combo, killer interior.

Thanks, Jim!

[ November 29, 2005: Message edited by: Vitas ]

[Nick]

Oh my God does the car need true dual exhaust. Go with a Mark VII/automatic Mustang H or X pipe (catted of course) and then use the Walker OE replacement mufflers and tails if you want a factory like sound and appearance. After I had a new Ford H pipe and those tails installed, it felt just as quick as two singles with 2.25" pipes and some really obnoxious mufflers. It makes a big difference in midrange and top end power, where you need it most for safe passing.

If you need the hanging hardware, www.mustangsunlimited.com (http://www.mustangsunlimited.com) or www.50resto.com (http://www.50resto.com) has a full hardware kit for the dual exhaust on the Fox that looks like it will have most if not all that you will need for a factory install.

I think Mark VI wheels will fit, but '90-92 LSC wheels are a better upgrade and match the cars' styling pretty well. I agree with Pro's comments on the need for the bigger anti-roll bars, but the ride is oh so smooth over bumps. Swap in LSC air springs and the bigger bars and you'll give a lot of cars a run for their money. :D

[pro-five-oh]

I've seen TC wheels on Contis (probably same offset as Mark VI) and I don't like 'em too much. They push out nicely from some angles, but not so much from others.

Mark VII 16" wheels are a better idea. Any Mark VII style dual exhaust would be ideal, yours is a 1985 so you have the correct transmission crossmember for an H or X pipe.

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by Nick:
Oh my God does the car need true dual exhaust. Go with a Mark VII/automatic Mustang H or X pipe (catted of course) and then use the Walker OE replacement mufflers and tails if you want a factory like sound and appearance. After I had a new Ford H pipe and those tails installed, it felt just as quick as two singles with 2.25" pipes and some really obnoxious mufflers. It makes a big difference in midrange and top end power, where you need it most for safe passing.



Nick, please explain the difference between the Ford H pipe and the two singles.

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by pro-five-oh:
I've seen TC wheels on Contis (probably same offset as Mark VI) and I don't like 'em too much. They push out nicely from some angles, but not so much from others.

Mark VII 16" wheels are a better idea. Any Mark VII style dual exhaust would be ideal, yours is a 1985 so you have the correct transmission crossmember for an H or X pipe.

Which has better flow, X or H?

I am asking about the Mark VI wheel cross fit simply because I have an abundance of extras.

I was initially looking for a 2003-2006 TC for year round use. Once I actually see the Valentino, I am going to have to make a major decision.

[Vitas]

I talked to the original owner of the car. He says he drove it, 2 miles and back, from church, on Sundays. He said that one reason that he bought the car was because of the tires, because he is in the tire industry.

He says the car has the original tires.

He garaged the car from new, and never took it out in the winter.

I have a hunch I may be getting a museum car. We shall see.

[ December 06, 2005: Message edited by: Vitas ]

[Nick]

It sounds like a museum car to me and the pictures looked as much. I wouldn't drive very far on the original tires for safety though.

The exhaust shop slapped two pipes, one on each header, with a cat on each and a muffler on each and ran it to the back. There was no crossover pipe. The mufflers were obnoxious and the axle contacted the pipes at full upswing. Basically, it was a piss poor job Ray Charles could have spotted from a mile away. I eventually got fed up after a week of driving rolling racket and had my mechanic install the Ford H pipe and OE style tails because I knew they worked and sounded better.

You want an H or X pipe because the crossover helps the gas have a scavenging effect, improving flow. It also helps improve torque and sound. You would have two 4 cylinders for sound without a crossover. The original Viper had a less than sexy exhaust sound when it had the side exhausts because they never had a crossover. It sounded like two five cylinders according to magazines. From personal experience, I noticed an immediate difference in low to mid range torque with the H pipe vs no crossover.

The X pipe will flow more and it will also sound a little different from the H. It was described to me as having a more refined sound. Either will work fine for the car though and I suspect that the H will be good enough with the engine that's in there.

If I remember right, the H pipe was $300 or somethin between $300 and $400.

[pro-five-oh]

X-pipes are way better in terms of flow and resonance cancellation, though on a 140hp 5.0 the difference will be minor between both designs.

The car sounds too perfect to modify. Though if you plan on driving it and rack up some miles, a 2-2.25" exhaust is a worthwhile addition in the HP department.

The VI wheels should work fine, not a problem.

[princessmaggie]

Hello everyone! I'm new here, and decided to register after my friend Vitas referred me to this site. Some of you I recognize from another heavily trafficked site.

Regarding this lovely Valentino, I have to tell you that this car is as close to a "barn find" as you will ever get. For a 20-year-old car, this one is almost mint. I am ecstatic for Vitas! If it weren't for the fact that I had a good friend interested in it, that and the lack of cash laying around getting moldy, I would have jumped on this car in an instant. I can't wait to hear what he thinks of it when he sees it in person! smile.gif

[Vitas]

Princess, of Lincolns, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to check this car out for me! Even if it is just a 95 point car, I will be thrilled!

Some of you may think that I am goofy, but I remember this car when it was new in the showrooms. I actually called dealers to see if they had one, with a sunroof.

I have a 1985 brochure that is on my desk, with a great picture of the Valentino.

It will arrive Sunday, I can't wait!

[ December 09, 2005: Message edited by: Vitas ]

[princessmaggie]

There's nothing goofy about it. It might sound goofy to someone who is not a car fanatic, but not to me!

Once the newest addition to your stable arrives, you must share the story. There is nothing more fun than living a wonderful moment vicariously!

[Nick]

As a Fox Continental owner, I am ecstatic that someone has found and purchased a great condition car and will truly cherish it. They are certainly becoming rarer and I am happy to see others beginning to take interest.

[pro-five-oh]

Its nice to see the new classics are attracting so much interest! :cool:

Take pictures, lots of 'em.

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by princessmaggie:
Once the newest addition to your stable arrives, you must share the story. There is nothing more fun than living a wonderful moment vicariously!

I just took delivery, drove it a few miles. It is drop dead gorgeous!

Thanks again Margaret!!!

I will drive it tomorrow and start figuring out a plan. Too good to be a winter car, or not (garaged, low use)? Save the original tires on the original wheels for shows? How are the Continentals on snow? I will need a front license plate frame, does anyone know the part number?

[Nick]

My Continental is fine in snow with some snow tires. I'm using 4 215/70/15 snow tires now with the rears studded. My rear end is open. I had 0 problems getting out and over the foot tall bank created by the snow plow. I just backed out of my parking space while I laughed at the other people digging out their cars. I then drove around on unplowed roads with 6-7" still laughing at everyone who was having trouble. I did raise my rear end via the height sensor so maybe that has helped a smidge. I will raise the front too when I get a chance as UConn does a piss poor job of plowing. I think the car's stock ground clearance is more than newer cars so the chance of getting high centered or dragging has been reduced and helps a lot. I didn't get it stuck try as I might and I went through small banks. You do get some wheel spin, but keep your foot on it and you'll keep moving.

I have used just 2 non-studded rear tires before and it was OK. I think the front end had a little more understeer though, so I will recommend 4 snow tires because they're relatively cheap and they do make a noticeable improvement. What will you use for the winter now? I'd save the original wheels and tires for winter. If you want perfect wheels for shows, John Dancy is hoarding at least 1 set of NOS wire wheels that he probably wouldn't mind selling.

I can find the plate holder P/N when I get home Saturday off my plateholder or maybe through my literature.

[Vitas]

quote:Originally posted by Nick:
I have used just 2 non-studded rear tires before and it was OK. I think the front end had a little more understeer though, so I will recommend 4 snow tires because they're relatively cheap and they do make a noticeable improvement.

In Boston we don't get the amount of snow that you get inland. Knock on wood, -lol-

On my Mark VI 4-door I get away with all season tires, with few problems. So I am wondering if the smaller Continental RWD can get away with it also?

quote:Originally posted by Nick:
What will you use for the winter now?

It is an ongoing issue. I would like to avoid insurance issues with swapping to the Mark VI 4 door, and then back again. I'm going to have to study this some more.

For a minute I thought that a spare Mark VI front license plate holder might do the trick, but it does not appear to be the case.

[Nick]

I'm not sure if you can get away with all seasons. I have driven around my block with them with maybe 4-5" of snowfall, and it was OK, but I didn't try any hills. It was definitely looser though. Conversely, I drove my LSC through snow that had been driven through a lot and had the look of mashed potatoes. It had 225/60/16 tires on at the time and they were getting towards the end of their life. These all seasons filled with snow and become a giant slick. I was lookin through my side windows more than the windshield trying to crawl through the parking lot. I guess you'll have to see.

lol buy an Escort for a winter car.

[Vitas]

Thanks Nick, I think I have an idea of how it would handle with just all seasons.

I remember in the late sixties a seasonal ritual was to get studded snow tires put on in November, and that was on 5,000 pound plus 1966 and 1969 Lincolns. But then they did not have all season tires. And they did not have fancy -read expensive- aluminum wheels. Buy a couple of spare steel wheels, put studded snows on them, it was easy.

In the blizzard of '78, a 1969 Continental with studded snows got through anything like a Sherman tank. Really fun ride.

The part number for the front license plate holder for 1984 - 1987 Continentals is E45Y17A385A. According to the Lincoln dealer computer I found the last one in, off all places, Virginia, where the ebay seller is located. It is on the way.

[Nick]

I can't believe you found one. That's great! Have you found a new or used front bumper strip to replace your current one? The plate holder mounts via two holes behind the rub strip. Two holes about the size of gallon milk jug caps have to be cut in the strip so that the holder can be riveted to the bumper in the front and then there are two holes under the bumper that also get rivets. You can replace the rivets with stainless bolts and stainless nylock nuts. I'd try and save your rub strip as the holeless ones are rarer.

[pro-five-oh]

quote:Originally posted by Nick:
I'd try and save your rub strip as the holeless ones are rarer.

And will be worth a fair bit of cash at some point.

IIRC, the Contis used the same bumper and grey rub strip as the Mark VII. That would mean finding a rub strip with the holes in it should be easy to find.

[Vitas]

Yet another complication. I don't want to distort the strip.


Where does the front plate go, on the driver's side, or in the middle of the bumper?

Is there an after market holder that will attach to the holes at the bottom of the center of the bumper? Auto zone says they have various versions of the "Bell" brand.

I just want this car to pass inspection, for now, in my state.

[Nick]

The plate holder goes in the center of the bumper. You might be able to attach it temporarily only to the bottom of the bumper. I am not sure if they will be strong enough, but those push in fasteners might be able to hold the plate and holder. I used them in the front holes for a little while I think before I replaced them with the stainless hardware just to be safe.

I am not sure about aftermarket plate holders attach.

lol I should mail you my bumper strip for a few days. Can you zip tie it to the grille temporarily? It looks bad, but maybe it'll get you passed. I don't see you finding a new strip easily or soon so maybe this will be your best temporary solution.

[Vitas]

Hello everyone! I'm new here, and decided to register after my friend Vitas referred me to this site. Some of you I recognize from another heavily trafficked site.

Regarding this lovely Valentino, I have to tell you that this car is as close to a "barn find" as you will ever get. For a 20-year-old car, this one is almost mint. I am ecstatic for Vitas! If it weren't for the fact that I had a good friend interested in it, that and the lack of cash laying around getting moldy, I would have jumped on this car in an instant. I can't wait to hear what he thinks of it when he sees it in person! smile.gif

Hi Maggie!

I drove the car today, after the roads were dry after our last "storm," a great mild winter so far, and I can't even begin to tell you how great, and how much fun, this Valentino is!!!

EVERYBODY loves this car.

If it were not for you checking out the car beforehand, I may not have bought it. Many thanks for being there, and for being my Lincoln friend. !!!