Tentative restoration and rebuild

[Wolfe_83Conti]

(posted: 4-19-06) I'll be recording the progress on my 1983 base Continental in this thread, updating with running commentary when possible.

To start, the car is in running condition, the body is sound, all unique trim is present, and the seats are still somewhat comfy. The interior trim was in shambles when I started, and I am removing each to evaluate what needs to be done. The dash is first, and is halfway disassembled.

The only working features in this car are the front seats. Only one window goes all the way down, but requires assistance to go back up; the rest are shot. The dash is now inoperable except for the mechanical odometer. The lights are covered in my other thread, "Lighting problem", and are the priority job. The radio is shot, the speakers long gone. The HVAC system is screwed up; AC gone, heater is always on, but the fans and directionals still work decently.

The headliner is my roof, as the insulation and paneling are long gone. The trunk has no carpeting, the electrical latches for the trunk and gas cap are shot. A chrome trim panel on the passenger side rear quarter panel/fender skirt is held on with wood screws. These will be removed and dealt with harshly.

The driver door is off balance, and I recently replaced the jammed latch with one for an Explorer. Only difference is how the interior lock arm moves.

All of this is minor stuff. The important thing is, I drove this car, after over a year of sitting in the salvage yard, back to my house and had no trouble driving. The engine runs, tranny shifts just fine, burns a little oil, and a few old-car leaks underneath. Only needs a cover for the CFI airbox and she's good. More later, pics when I can.

(update: 4-19-06) Added pics of the Conti. See commentaries. 4pm; found CFI airbox lid. 6:30 pm; pulled gauge cluster.

(update: 4-20-06) Defined my ideas about this car in the commentary.

(update: 4-22-06 am) Working out ideas for wheels.

(update: 4-22-06 pm) Car's taken up smoking. See commentary for details.

(update: 4-29-06) Picked out what style gauges the Conti will have (see commentary). Bought a filter for the airbox finally, and all is secured atop the Windsor. Haven't gotten to the idle problem yet, probably won't until after my finals.

(update: 5-1-06) Got the Conti registered and legal, FINALLY!!!! Now for insurance. . . Further rebuild details in commentary.

(update: 5-12-06) Have all my lights working again, but now the engine sputters out. *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*

(update: 5-13-06) Replaced faulty alternator and fried battery. Car starts right up and all the lights work.

(update: 6-23-06) Have the new starter sitting in its box on the back seat of the 'No, I will not start!" Conti. When the weather cools a bit thisaways, I'll get under there and pull the dratted bugger off and install the shiny new one. Since Real Life is trying to stick its finger up my plum duff at the moment, I have to put off further repair/restoration until my CC acct is paid waaay the heck down. :rolleyes:

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Here's the car in daylight and dry:

764
The inop dash, in half-disassembled state.

765
The driver side, where some idiot got too close.

766
The Rolls-like nose that partly sold me on the car. Imagine a greyhound where the upper star is.

767
The covered up factory paint. I hope to see more of it to know if I need a new paint job. Teal, I believe.

768
The letters and lock cover are gone, but that's what I prefer. Thinking of cutting out the faux hump and installing a real continental spare.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

These were over the 5 pics per post limit:

771
Engine bay. The missing CFI airbox lid has been replaced. No AC compressor.
772
No AC. . . shot windows. . . the horror. THE HORROR!!!:eek:

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the Original Post again.

[pro-five-oh]

You have some nice plans and that car was certainly worth saving. I remember that teal/green color combo. Can't say I'm too keen on your plans for the hood ornament and Continental kit, but hey, you're gonna have one heckuva car when its done.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Altering the trunklid and whatever else probably is more trouble than it's worth. And the greyhound would seem unusual I guess, but nowhere near the stylistic embarrassment that Rolls has given the Spirit of Ecstasy on that thing they're trying to pass off as a R-R Phantom.

[pro-five-oh]

Honestly if I could convince you to french in a real continental kit (wire wheel, and get a matching set of four for the car too) where the fake one is and forget about the doggie hood ornament, I'd think you'd have one heckuva Baroque cruiser on your hands.;)

[megaforcer]

Are you planning for a complete resto? Like body off frame kinda stuff or you just want to get the car into decent condition? I don’t know if this car is worth a resto. I think these Fox continentals are very unpopular. Maybe they will have some value down the road. Only time will show.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the OP again.

1. I picked the greyhound because it's the original Lincoln mascot.

2. This car has potential, and I intend to take advantage of it. The chassis in general has a lot of support for the important mechanical bits, read: engine and tranny, and the number of damned electronics can be easily reduced greatly and replaced with the hardware I want with little inconvenience to myself.

The outside body work needs little done to it (driver door notwithstanding), so a frame-off restoration is not neccesary. I'm planning a full-scale gutting of the interior and rebuilding everything to a style more fitting of the bodywork. For one, I'm going with some variation of a cream or tan interior to cut down cabin heat, since I'm not thrilled with the idea of re-installing the AC system after it's been so utterly ruined. I may leave the upper dash pad for a blue over cream style, and debating on walnut, cherry or maple wood for the trim. Most likely, I'll be installing manual windows at the extreme end of things. I'm also considering reworking the grille so the vanes angle toward the center, maybe hinged for cold/warm weather conditions. Since my center seatbelt is missing, I may fit rear buckets and make the car a four seat cabin. The possibilities are there, I just need to pick the ones I like.

As previously mentioned, this car is perfect for what I have in mind, since I'm not taking a pristine special edition and tearing it to bits. And if it was a Givenchy or Valentino, I would take the trouble of refurbishing it rather than redesigning it. As it's a base model, and nothing is working except the drivetrain, I have no inhibitions about pulling the interior to pieces; it was halfway there when I bought it.

If someone my age can turn a Town Car into a 4dr convertible, I can certainly attempt to Bentley-fy my Continental. Any further questions, don't hesitate to ask!

[pro-five-oh]

Like body off frame kinda stuff

Can't take the body off a unibody, dude! :p ;)

[megaforcer]

Hmm, I though Fox conties had a frame. Well, even worse then, then car is not worth anything.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

It is to me, and that is the material point.

Not quite sure what sort of wheels I want yet. The base turbines are better suited for a Mark VII or Cougar. I'm thinking more of a classic style, preferably in the 16" range. Tires: Continental, what else?

[pepsi2185]

I thought i was the only person in the world besides pro who enjoys these contis.

Ill eventually throw my hat in the ring for a 1983 or 1984 continental givenchy. I cant decide if i can give up air suspension, but ive heard the older style actually rides better. 1983 was rare year, keep us posted.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Will do; that's what makes this car so special to me, that and it and myself have the same birthday year.

Updated the OP.

Today's post comes in the form of a question/rumination. Lately, my car has taken up smoking when I shut off the engine. The smoke comes from the right rear of the engine bay as if there's a leak in the tranny seals. However, the smell is similar to hot coolant, with a touch of old grease thrown in for grins. I'm about positive that every seal this car has/had is almost gone. But I don't know if there's a coolant line on that side of the car. Any suggestions (that do not entail trading in this car for something else. . .)?

[pro-five-oh]

There are heater core lines in that area, they can leak on the back of the engine and transmission and make that smell. :)

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Ah HA!! That would not only explain the smoke, but my heater's incessant habit of turning the interior into a sauna! Thanks!

[pro-five-oh]

Cut the old hoses off the heater core. If you don't you'll break the internal plumbing of the core. Just a little tip from the Mark VII forum. :)

[Wolfe_83Conti]

(pro wrote the above as I wrote this. thanks for the tip, pro!)

pepsi2185 wrote: "Ill eventually throw my hat in the ring for a 1983 or 1984 continental givenchy. I cant decide if i can give up air suspension, but ive heard the older style actually rides better."

Meant to answer this. oops :p.

My '83 does ride very well on a regular suspension. I've heard that the air suspension on the '84s and up can be retro-fitted with coil springs and shocks if the air fails, and it often does. Also, there's several companies that sell better air shocks for these cars, so maybe check that out?

I'll stick with the simple (read: very reliable) system myself, because I'm averse to non-essential electronics. Reason: I owned an '89 Regal and replaced about 9/10ths of the electronic systems in the car to the cumulative total of around four grand. factor in the tranny rebuild and you'll get approx $6,000, or 1/3 the car's original MSRP. I traded it in for the Saturn for $1,000, and it was worth $500.

The above is why I'm pulling all electronics out of my Conti, planning on installing a carburetted 302, and praying to God that the tranny is a plain mechanical AOD and not an AOD-E or an older AOD with electronic boxes on it. (How many AODs were there??)

Unfortunately for me, the Saturn is 80% important electronic, so I'm out of luck there. But it's reliable, and cheap to fix at least.

I'd look for an '82 or '83, personally. They have unique character, don't look like the other Fox cars, and are a snap to fix. Also, if you want to customize the interior, it's delightfully easy to work with! And if you need door latches, don't mention your car. Demand to see one from a new model. Chances are, it's the identical one; the new Mustang uses the same thing as my old Conti.

As far as engines, a Ford 302 is a Ford 302, just about any block will work in this chassis. Your only decisions are in how it eats (carb, CFI EEC-III{mine}, EFI EEC-IV, SMP EFI, and several HO variants thereof ). Of course there's also tuner options galore! Have at thee! BTW, the block in Mom's '00 Mountaineer is the same thing as my Conti, just different fuel delivery.

For more Conti refs, check out http://blizzard.he.net/~foxbody/conti.html (some features not available with FireFox). pro really helped out with this site.

[pro-five-oh]

The above is why I'm pulling all electronics out of my Conti, planning on installing a carburetted 302, and praying to God that the tranny is a plain mechanical AOD and not an AOD-E or an older AOD with electronic boxes on it. (How many AODs were there??)


BTW, the block in Mom's '00 Mountaineer is the same thing as my Conti, just different fuel delivery.


You have a regular AOD. No electronic controls then, we were only starting to realize Disco sucked back then. Or does it suck?

The Mountaineer block is different, it has a provision for roller rockers. Man, I am anal. :p

[pro-five-oh]

but ive heard the older style actually rides better. 1983 was rare year, keep us posted.

Actually it might. No rear swaybar allows for a lot more wander and float.

The rear suspension is like a 5.0 Mustang, and accepts any swaybar you want. Mine will have a turbocoupe front bar (like the Mark VII guys want) and a 1" Mustang cobra rear bar...sooner or later.

Grabbing a V6 Thunderbird rear swaybar from a boneyard would probably work well with the puny front bar on a 82-83 Conti.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Thank God for the AOD then.

pro-five-Oh wrote: "The Mountaineer block is different, it has a provision for roller rockers. Man, I am anal. :p"

I forgot about the revised heads. :cool:

Let me know how the conversion goes. My car is still kinda floaty.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the OP.

For the dash gauges I want I'll be spending about $300. That's without any other parts I'll need, but it's the style I want.

825
The full kit: speedo, water temp, fuel, oil pressure, volt meter


826
Analog clock


827
Tach

Gauges by Auto Meter

[pro-five-oh]

Nice gauges. Granted I love the star-wars themed dash on these cars, but that's gonna look cool when you're done!

[Wolfe_83Conti]

I wouldn't mind the Star Wars dash in a later model Fox Conti, but the style of this car dictates something classic. Of course the fact that it doesn't work anymore. . . :D

Imagine those gauges set in a full-width wood fascia! Chrome switches, if I can find them.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the OP again. Either the battery got low, or the solenoid on the starter has a short. Either way, the starter has to go.

Checked up on leather and wood prices. Hirsch Auto has the Connolly I want at $412.50 a hide. I'm guessing it will take at least $2000 worth for the seats alone. Constantine's has several woods I'd like to try, namely Honduras Mahogany @ $19.95 per square foot. The dash panel alone (6" x 56") will cost from $50 to $90 depending what I use, and that's not including any other bits I'll need or want.

I intend to make door panels entirely out of wood, as well as a rear console for between the seats I'll have made. Not sure what to do about the dash pads up front. Will add a second glove box to go over the lower factory one. Will make new doors for them. Still looking for a wood steering wheel that doesn't look like a racing type. No luck so far. This is fun!

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Here's the Connolly swatches I have in mind:

848
849

Blue over Magnolia, actual R-R colors! Info taken from Hirsch Auto.

Some wood types in mind:

850
Bloodwood (dash panel, maybe)

851
Curly Maple (same use as above, will be stained similar)

852
Honduras Mahogany (for most of the interior pieces)

Info from Constantines Wood Center

[Nick]

The dark bloodwood and dark leather are a stately color combo. I'd use one wood color to tie the interior together.

[pro-five-oh]

Something about these cars with a charcoal grey interior with blond wood works for me. What interior/exterior combos do you have in mind?

[gadget73]

If you'd like to make this thing handle, poly bushings from a fox body Couger should work for you. Poly bushings, air suspension, and SuperCoupe or aftermarket sway bars coupled with a 16" H or better rated tire will make this thing into a mean road machine. I know the Fox Coogie bushings work on an 88 Mark VII, but I can't confirm or deny that they'll work on an 83. Probably they will.

The Mountaineer engine could be one of two things, either its got GT40 heads (1996) or GT-40p heads (97-00 i think). The P heads require a special header, but nothing else really. The truck cam in these has a LOT of low end torque, but it runs out of steam over about 4500 rpm and it'll start breaking up from valve float. Total powerhouse under that limit though. My friend put a 96 Explorer engine in an 88 Townie and it screams. Not sure of your plans engine-wise but just so you know that stock CFI is not going to allow much of anything, assuming it even works still. 1983 was EEC III CFI, which is pretty much a disaster. EEC IV CFI wasn't much better, but the parts at least are cheaper. If you'd like to retain EFI, I'd suggest 86 and newer SEFi injection, or if you're not partial to EFI, just gut it and drop a 4 bbl carb on a nice new motor. If you're gonna keep the stock motor, stick a 2 bbl carb on it, since a 4bbl on that motor would be like flushing a toilet into a soda bottle.

I like the fact you're documenting this. I think its cool what you're doing, but then I'm kinda doing the same thing on a base model 86 Town Car, so I understand. Doesn't make sense to the rest of the world, but who cares about them :)

[Wolfe_83Conti]

(deep breath) Ok, I got a lot of feedback this time, so I'll need a minute :D!

Nick, I was thinking that exactly. The bloodwood has the color I want, so anything else would be similar in color to it, unless I get brave and attempt inlay work, ha ha.

pro, the interior combo I've listed is pretty much the final choice, since light leather won't get so hot in the sun as other colors do, and grey makes me feel depressed. As for exterior paint, here's the basic look I'm after:

857

Aaand gadget73, I'm thinking about dropping a carburetted 302 of some kind in the car, not sure if it'll be a 4bbl or 2bbl. Mostly depends on budget (and gas prices) and whether it'll fit the AOD without too much trouble.

Performance mods will be hidden on this car. Give the import kids a shock when their Hondas are outstripped by my old lady Gracie! I have Bentley as my template here, so it'll look stock and run quiet, but the giveaway will be when I put my foot down. I'm saving the racing style for when I redo the Saturn.

The big thing right now, though, is the Saturn's door glass (see my Lincoln Lounge thread for explanation).

[pro-five-oh]

I like where you're going with the car. Preformance mods are no biggie, I'm slowly getting the parts for mine too. Remember 82-83 Contis have the same front suspension as a Mustang SVO, so there are good options there.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

I know. . . Bwahaha! :D

[Wolfe_83Conti]

After a meet with cason1, we both detirmined that the solenoid on the starter is shot. The motor spun, but did not engage the flywheel.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the OP. Lights are all working, but the engine stalls now. :faint:

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the OP.

Replaced the alternator and battery, and now the car runs like a, well, a Lincoln! All the lights work and are shiny, and the engine doesn't rev high like it was. Maybe having a bad alternator was doing something to the EEC? Now to fix that heater core.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Updated the OP again.

As stated, got the new starter finally and waiting for cooler weather to put it on. Heater core and lines will have to wait for $$ to come in; financial obligations come first, like car insurance! :D

Also on the list, I want to lease a storage space at work so I can free up space at home, and (bonus) Bossman will let me work on the Conti in the shop. This means I'll have easy access to tools I don't have at the house, yay!

Slooowly moving along, but moving along nonetheless.

[Nick]

How do you find a Conolly dealer? I'd eventually like their hides gracing the seats of my Mark VII.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Here, have a link! :D

www.hirschauto.com

[Wolfe_83Conti]

After the car has stranded me for the 4th time since I've bought it, it's continued future in my ownership is becoming increasingly shaky. I have been through the charging system countless times, and yet it still is failing to keep the battery hot. The transmission is starting to act up on it, a major red-flag item for me. I know I've been hot on this car in the past, but if it keeps up this tack, you will be seeing it up for grabs in the near future. . .

[pepsi2185]

What is the tranny doing? When is the last time you changed the fluid? (no offense intended here) have you checked the fluid level?

With the chargins system, what is going on with that? We can probably point you in the right direction with that.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

The charging system is being a royal beyatch, that's what! :cool: I replaced both the battery and alternator, rewired as it was before, and made sure the connections were connected. :dunno:

As for the tranny, I talked to my coworker/mechanic dude, and he said that what I was describing wasn't the tranny, but the engine running out of juice from the dead battery (it was shuddering under accel. before dying out). I probably do need to change the fluid/filter tho'. . .

Got the car on the ramps today, so now I just have to get the energy to swap the starter out and rootle through the spaghetti junction of wires.

[pepsi2185]

It sounds like the charging system isnt working at all, and if it is its charging at 12 volts instead of 14. here is what im gonna say for things to check. First, have the battery and atlernator tested for free at autozone, or murrays or whoever you live around that does it free. I know they are new, but you have to double check. Does it have the dual pigtail setup for the main power outlet on the altnernator. Ford recommends changing that whenever the alterntaor is changed. Im not saying change it right now, but keep that in mind. Second, and what im thinking is your problem is testing the wiring from the alternator to the batter. As the car gets older wiring gets brittle inside the sheathing. The copper begins to break and the wire causes resistance. There are usually two fuseable links as well between the alternator and the battery. The hard part is testing them, because they will show continuity. What I would do is to make up a short term wire to go the battery. The problem here is that wiring at this point in the vehicle is very sensitive, in that any sparking can cause fires and component damamge, so there is usually no easy way to rig up a new harness to the alternator. My old 88 was having issues so i just re did the whole thing, and it wasnt much fun. But it is a small issue. I would also question the battery juncion point (if the conti had this in 83 i dont know) at the solonoid on the firewall next the battery. If you have all of the wires for the vehicle tapped here it can be a problem. Crimps go bad in those connectors and there is little continuity along that post. If you dont have what i described dont sweat it. But what is the main junction for the wiring in the car if you can see it?

[Wolfe_83Conti]

There seems to be more than one, but the most visible is the solenoid on the fender. I've replaced that, since you're supposed to when changing the starter, and also replaced the positive battery cable. I think I'll have to move the battery cable to the bottom of the stack of wires on the solenoid post, since it'll probably get more power that way. Not sure how well this'll turn out, since the car is in rough shape and was not cared for by the previous owner.

[pepsi2185]

I dont know if i would screw around too much with those. First that terminal is very cheap and breaks and bends easy, especially when new. Secondly, even though you move it to the bottom of the stack, there is still null continuity through the aged rings and bolt and thread. That is always a very touchy thing for me. I absolutely loved it when they killed that setup in the 90 towncar. Anyway, none of this advice helps you trying to find your problem.

The cable between the alternator and the stack at the battery cable is your possible issue. Moving that cable will probably not do anything for you, but possibly give you more issues.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Replaced the positive battery cable and the solenoid some time ago and TADAA! Car starts every time with no slow grinding from the starter (which looked brand-new anyway. . . hmmm). Now the thing smokes worse than a factory. Probably every seal in the engine getting ready to blow out. Joy. I can't wait for cooler weather.

[nicholas77586]

sweet, glad its starting for ya. since its been sitting a while its probaly normal to smoke a little.

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Actually, no. I've been starting it once a week to keep this from happening again, but obviously Ye Olde Car Gods like screwing with me. Right now, I'm afraid of blowing the heads or something, since it's smoke from oil. . . A LOT of smoke. . . :eek:

[nicholas77586]

Havnt heard that to much from these motors though, but hey anything is possible. Either way glad you havnt given up on the car yet

[Wolfe_83Conti]

We'll see how that goes. . . I want to get some work done on it, but I'm waiting for cooler weather.

In other news, next project; disconnecting the heater lines and bypassing the coolant back into the radiator to keep the car from boiling me while driving it. In the meantime for cold weather? Sterno. (Hey, it worked for my Dad. . .) After the heater lines? Replacing the hoses and , if I get brave enough, some of the old seals, starting with the head gaskets.

I wish we had a garage. . . :rolleyes:

[pro-five-oh]

Maybe I missed something, but these 5.0s are known for loose valve covers after so many years on the road, just retorque them, de-grease the motor and see if the leaking stops.

[nicholas77586]

Ya, Gaskets were bad on mine and it caused a bad smell, no smoke though. just oil dripping on the maniflod. By the way lets start a new thread this one is wayyyyy to looong lol;) :D :eek:

[Wolfe_83Conti]

Don't bother.

After much thinking, and not-so-subtle hints from Mom, I decided to donate the car to the National Kidney Foundation. As much as I'd like to keep it, it's just too far gone now. The problem has escalated to non-stop oil smoke pouring out of the pipe, smoke under the hood, and bad brakes. It wasn't a fun decision, but since I'm living here pretty much free, Mom has the last word. They're sending the paperwork soon. BUT - - - If anyone wants it, make an offer. You'll have to get it because I can't ship it. It'll drive, but with a cloud behind it. I suggest a trailer.

On the other hand, as Tevye puts it, this will allow me to begin hunting for an InTech Conti once I have a decent job, or maybe a Mark VIII if I'm lucky. The big thing was, we don't have a lot of room for 4 vehicles and our camper, and the Conti got the short straw. . .

I have learned though that older cars are best left to folks who can properly work on them and have the money and space to do so.

At any rate, I'll stick around here, and maybe later I'll have a nice shiny InTech to show off.

[pro-five-oh]

If you were closer I could use the extra parts. Hey, that reminds me...

How are your taillights, sidemarker lights (the ones with the chrome headlight trim around them) , rear chrome panels (the ones with the reflector lights in them) trunk lock cover, grey bumper panels, grey license plate frames (if they are still on there) windshield trim (where the wipers sit) and the chrome/wood parts inside the car?

Maybe I can help you out with your InTech budget and maybe you can ship me some spare parts...

[Wolfe_83Conti]

I'll have to sleep on the parting out thing. If I can't get an offer for the entire car, I want to donate it intact.

[pro-five-oh]

No sweat. :)

[Wolfe_83Conti]

It may be a money pit, but I kinda got attached to it. When it leaves, I will live with the idea that it's been comepletely fixed and is driving around somewhere. Silly, but that's just me. I just don't want to start getting THE ultimatum from Mom about it. . .

[towncar95]

you should sell the saturn. the lincoln is way BETTER , even if it needs fixing. :)

[Wolfe_83Conti]

I don't think so. Out of the 4 years so far that I've owned the Saturn, it's only completely failed once, when the clutch cylinder went out last spring. It has never stopped running. In the nine months I've owned the Lincoln, it has failed several times, stranded me at least three times, and has successfully run a cumulative total of two weeks. When NKF comes to get it, it will be doing a lot of sick people more good than it has done for me. :cool:

(Update ~ 09/18/06: sent the title to NKF today. Will wait to hear back regarding {shudder} removal.)