New to the board, got a couple of questions...

[Vanilla Thunder]

Hey guys, I'm new here. In fact I'm new to classic cars if you will. I'm actually heading out to Alabama to pick up my first. It's a 1963 Lincoln Continental Vert. Needs some TLC, but it runs and she's straight. I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions of what to look for on this car, what I should avoid, etc.

thanks from the newbie

[Vanilla Thunder]

Oh yeah, I guess an intro would be nice. I'm 28, from The Colony, TX. I've owned and worked on quite a few Fox Bodied Mustangs, but never a classic. The Continental has been one of my favorite cars since I was a kid. And now I finally have a chance to own one, and fix it up for me.

[porknbeaner]

Look for your standard stuff, rust is a biggy. Be sure and look underneath at the frame boxes on the front end and the spring perches on the rear.
Next Iwould probably check out all the electrical stuff like the windows the seat etc. Any of that can be repaired but its time consumeing and sometimes a real pain in the neck.
Oh and welcome.

[cosmo]

Ask for the manuals, and don't forget the electrical manual for the convertible, as even the rear windows are weird on that car (when you push the door button to get in, the windows first go down about an inch or two, THEN the door opens; the opposite when it closes). Get anything a little off, and you have serious problems.
Actually, I think I'd almost rather buy a good one of those than one with problems, because those cars are REAL complicated electrically.
Cosmo

[Vanilla Thunder]

thanks for your help guys. Looks like I'm making a 10 hour road trip to pick the car up this weekend.

[MBL]

1963 is a pretty good year....before the 64-65 elictrical problem cars....the 430 is a great mil and reliable. I know of several using them as daily drivers. With the convertable you will soon become an expert on relays because they like to malfunction. They are similar if not the same as the T-birds of the same era and believe me you're gonna be messing with them...They have alot of goodies and they are quality cars that have lasted pretty well in many cases. These are some of the cars that I personally think the manufacturer got right the first time. They look custom they way they came. But thats just me. Good luck and when you get it I am sure that DrknLncn on the hamb could help point you in the right direction for some stuff.
Tim
MBL

[Vanilla Thunder]

MBL I agree, this is one of the few cars I think looks great the way it is.

I really don't plan on doing a whole lot to it. New Top, Paint, and a little TLC, but all in all just keep it simple.

Since the onset, of what I like to call, the BLING Phenom, everyone I talk to tells me I need to put 22s on the car. To me that just ruins it. Give me some Steelies, or some nice clean stock hubcaps, and i'm good to go

Thanks again for your help guys

[MBL]

The stock caps are cool I think...but I also think they are 14 inch rims....stock anyway. I'd leave em.
Tim
MBL

[Jive-Bomber]

I had a buddy with an early Continental Convt. and like all of them, a top relay when out, while the top was down. He had to crawl in through the trunk and mess for a few hours just to get to the problem. Crazy. They are great cars, but like many luxury cars of the era, they are packed with complicated, antiquated power systems. Have patience with it!

jay

[Mr 42]

All "new" used cars i get. I will change ignition parts. and a oilchange, gearbox and rear axle levels is good to check to.

take a look at all rubber hoses in under the hood to.

Then its good to checkout brakes, and steering stuff (usually do that before i buy).

Its not bad to to check the wheels for dry root to.

Then drive it....

[Drnkn Lncln]

Great car man, congrats, converts rock. Don't do the 22s, I've seen too many ruined by them. I own a 67 Coupe, and although some consider this the "lou grant" era, they have some similar traits and "common problems," but let me tell you they are a great classic and feel like "new" cars in many ways; you should enjoy it. My good friend owns a swank '62, which is almost identical to your car. Here is Florida, I have been blessed to have, in my back yard, two world known shops that deal only with classic to modern Lincolns. If you have any questions, drop me a line.

Mike