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'63 Lincoln trunk (conv.) problem

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by rdtreur, Apr 2, 2012.

  1. rdtreur
    Joined: Jul 26, 2009
    Posts: 196

    rdtreur
    Member

    Tomorow I'm going to look at a '63 Lincoln Continental convertable thats for sale.
    The seller said that the roof can not fold down and that there's no way to open the trunk.

    Is there a way to open a '63 conv. trunk if the roof stop working?

    Please let me know, I want to look to in that trunk before buying the car ;)

    Many thanks, Ramon
     
  2. there are 11 or 13 solinoids that run that top down. I've had to repair a few over the years (been about 30 years since the last one) every one had a different problem. get a manual. there is never a problem that can't be solved. the problem with the T=Bird and Lincolns is finding the problem. I wish I was more hellp good lluck
     
  3. rdtreur
    Joined: Jul 26, 2009
    Posts: 196

    rdtreur
    Member

    Thanx for the reply. Solving the roof problem is a problem for later. For now I just want to look in the trunk... Is that posible?
     
  4. I don't think you want to start by passing systems. I think the lincoln is different than T-Birds that the first power unscrews the top (windshield header) then releases and raises the trunk. find and check the relays. I believe the ones to start are under the hood. then after the trunk is open the remander are in the trunk boot area
     

  5. Da Tinman
    Joined: Dec 29, 2005
    Posts: 4,222

    Da Tinman
    Member

    If the top is up you can remove the back seat and lift up the well, slide under and remove the latch from the inside.

    Not sure if this applies to this specific vehicle but its worked for me several times in the past.
     
  6. rdtreur
    Joined: Jul 26, 2009
    Posts: 196

    rdtreur
    Member

    Thanks for the info guys. Just spoke to the owner and he found out that he could lift the back of the soft top, and lifted the trunk by hand.
    Lets hope it's not a rust bucket....
     
  7. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    So how good or bad was the car? Always nice to read about other slabsides in Holland.
     
  8. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    Nope. Not in that. Have to find the correrct sequence of selonoids to jump to unlatch the various latches, screw jacks, limit switches to get things open. Have fun!

    Brian
     
  9. Smokey2
    Joined: Jan 11, 2011
    Posts: 919

    Smokey2
    Member

    Beautiful "Sleds"
    But, YES........Your gonna' NEED A MANUAL, Bubba..........Good Luck !!!



    Smokey
     
  10. rld14
    Joined: Mar 30, 2011
    Posts: 1,609

    rld14
    Member

    The factory manual is pretty helpful, if you get stuck I have the 61 manual and the 62-63 supplement so I can always scan it and email ya the PDFs if you need it.

    On these cars you need to worry more about the decklid itself than the trunk floor.

    These are incredible cars but kinda complex. Most of the Lincoln people seem to habg out on thelincolnforum.net

    On the engine... plan on changing oil pump, oil pump rod, timing gears and chain. Otherwise MELs are damn near bulletproof, though they can drink fuel like a Boeing 747.

    Did ya buy it?
     
  11. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    thelincolnforum.net is an excellent resource full of friendly and helpful members.

    If you bought it, make sure the original timing set has been/will be replaced (the aluminium/nylon cam timing gear will break and clog the oil pick up tube). A high volume oil pump is a good idea, as is replacing your original oil pump drive shaft with this billet drive shaft from Precision Oil Pumps in Ca, (559)325-3553. The original is literally as thin as a pencil and really isn't up to the job. This replacement works for the MEL engines. It is an FE drive that is +.0375" Longer for Main Girdle Applications. This shaft is about .075 too long, but the MEL guys get them and grind that amount off the bottom (pump end) to make them fit. Just use a bench grinder. The shafts are $20.00 plus shipping.
    [​IMG]
     
  12. rdtreur
    Joined: Jul 26, 2009
    Posts: 196

    rdtreur
    Member

    Thanks on all the info guys! The car did look oke and the owner did want to trade his car for my '64 Merc but I need to solve some problems on the Merc first. So I'm busy with that at this time.
    I did find lots of good info on thelincolnforum. Great forum!

    @ Reijer: Als ik de Lincoln uiteindelijk heb, dan ga ik zeker contact met je opnemen.
     
  13. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    Sounds promising. You know where to reach me.
     
  14. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    By the way, a non-operational top is a good reason to subtract between $1500 and $2000 from the seller's asking price. Just take a look at the prices for all the switches and pumps you'd have to order from Baker's Auto or LincolnLand....

    Also, make sure the trunk lid isn't crispy. The '61-65 trunk lids often are rusty because the caulking between the frame and sheet metal attracts and holds water. You'll have a (very) hard time finding a nice replacement convertible trunk lid. Expect to pay well over $800.... for one that needs shipping and body work.
     
  15. Wolfman1
    Joined: Jul 8, 2010
    Posts: 265

    Wolfman1
    Member

    Like Reijer says, trunk lids are nearly impossible to find and the vert lid is different than the hardtop.
    Remember these cars are unibody so if the undercarriage is soft ,stay away.
     
  16. rdtreur
    Joined: Jul 26, 2009
    Posts: 196

    rdtreur
    Member

    I'm trying to post some photo's via the iPhone app later...
     
  17. rdtreur
    Joined: Jul 26, 2009
    Posts: 196

    rdtreur
    Member

    I can't upload the Photos with the iphone app but the Lincoln is sold to someone else...
    I thougt I had a deal but he sold the car anyway.... bummer
     
  18. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    That's a shame. 60's continentals are rare in Holland, the convertibles even more so... hope you can locate another one soon.
     
  19. rschilp
    Joined: Sep 17, 2009
    Posts: 677

    rschilp
    Member

    Good luck on your project.

    The continentals are plentifully here.

    Laat me weten als je er een wil importeren.
     
  20. Jimv
    Joined: Dec 5, 2001
    Posts: 2,924

    Jimv
    Member

    There is two nightmares in automotive history,One is "sequential" turn signals on T-bird & cougars & Lincoln four door convertable tops!!
    I worked for L-M in 1968 and they can drive you crazy, especially the turn signal boxes that got flooded from water leaking into the trunk well!!.
    So good luck & if you really get stuck i might me able to find someone who can help you.
    JimV
     

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