ABOVE: The first time many Hoosier Region members met “Buttercup” was at the 2021 Annual Meeting at the Hilltop Restaurant near Spencer, Indiana.  (Photo courtesy of Jeff Shively.)

By Charlie & Becky Griffith

Originally published in the January/February 2025 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 382)

ABOVE:  Photo by Becky Griffith

Charlie and Becky Griffith, LCOC members from Indianapolis, attended with their 1966 Lincoln Continental Coupe named “Buttercup.” The rare coupe was well-received by many of the spectators. Fellow Hoosier Region member George Odom of Fishers, Indiana, brought his 1946 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet. Unfortunately, the authors didn’t get a chance to meet up with Mr. Odom. This was a fun event, and the proceeds go to a great cause. We hope that we can stir up more interest for next year.

Charlie & Becky Griffith are LCOC members from Indianapolis, Indiana.

ABOVE: Many of us have found ourselves in this situation…a former automobile now a two-ton jigsaw puzzle.  But there is hope!

By Pat Corbett

Originally published in the September-October 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 380)

Before I delve into the subject matter, let’s define “repair” and “restore” as it pertains to working on the motor car. Repair in this article refers to replacing a broken or damaged part to make the car function as designed. Restore or restoration will mean to bring back to a former condition or to make new again. Their meanings sound very similar, but in reality, there is a world of difference between the two.

The Lincoln & Continental Owners Club was founded to be dedicated to the preservation and restoration of all Lincolns, Lincoln Continentals, and Continentals. There’s that word again: restoration. But do you truly grasp what that entails?

For the daily user of the modern automobile, maintenance and repair are generally considered to be the cost of ownership. if you drive a car long enough, and that would be past its warranty period, things break. Engineered obsolescence raises its ugly head, and something fails to function. When this occurs, the next step is to identify the problem, get the part or parts, and change out the broken one. Today, that probably requires a code reader or computer to display codes or other information to direct the technician as to what to do. Whether we do it ourselves or take it to a mechanic, we are all familiar with that process.

The author is no different from you, the reader. Our passion for the Lincoln motorcar is evident by our membership in LCOC, as well as many social media sites focusing on one particular style or model. That brings me to the crux of the matter. Having done major restoration work on a 1969 Continental, a 1970 Mark III, a 1983 Mark VI Pucci Edition, a 1973 Mark IV, a 1971 Chevy Impala Convertible, and now a 1977 Corvette, I have learned some things to pass on to the newcomer in the fabulous world or car restoration. In so many ways, I am still a newcomer after dabbling in it for only the last 15 years or so.

Restoration of any car older than 25 years is not for the feint of heart. Especially if, like me, you like doing your own work. You are the focus of this column: the do-it-yourselfer. For some cars like the Corvette, aftermarket suppliers are on every corner, with everything needed to build a Corvette from the ground up. Not so with the Lincoln of yesteryear. It has to do with the numbers in production and, of course, the interest in the particular marque. Too many enthusiasts with a love for the beauty of the classic Lincoln let emotion get ahead of them in the purchase of their dream car, only later to find that parts are hard to find in some cases, and the work of restoration is a formidable task beyond their knowledge and capability to stick to it. Did I mention the lots of spare cash you can assign to the project? Let’s just go with the idea that you are a gearhead at heart with some money to spend.

The last thing this author wants to do is dissuade anyone from taking on the mantra of the LCOC. But to do so, you should know a few things going in if it’s your first adventure. The car of your dreams was built at least 30 years ago when we consider the popularity of the ‘90s Town Cars, many of which are daily drivers among us Lincoln aficionados.

Regardless of the decade, mechanics from that era are few and far between. The first and most important thing when you get the car in your garage is to purchase the authentic Ford service manual, wiring diagrams, and, in some cases, vacuum diagrams. Google and eBay will guide you to them. It’s the best money you can spend. The manual describes how many things work and takes you through a step-by-step process to replace many parts, beginning with “disconnect the negative battery cable.” But be careful. I have found some directives are too overzealous, so study the directives carefully. For example, the procedure for replacing the crank position sensor on a ‘90s Town Car tells the mechanic to “remove” the A/C compressor. Not so! The compressor can be moved to the side enough to replace the sensor and then simply bolt it back in place.

ABOVE: Restoring a vintage Lincoln, whether you do it yourself or hand it off to the pros, can often be a tedious process. The perfect paint job requires hours of sanding to get the surface right.

Today’s YouTube videos, when paired with your manual, allow you to watch the process before tackling it yourself. I highly recommend videos prepared by mechanics in certified shops that do the work regularly. Shade tree mechanic videos can offer shady advice. A mechanic may be required, considering the tools and task complexity. An example would be dropping the steering wheel and pulling the entire dash assembly onto the front seat to replace a $35 blend door actuator in the ‘80s and ‘90s Town Cars. You would think that in 20 years, they would improve that repair process. Nope!

The next best thing you can do is to develop your brain-trust circle of vintage mechanics. Most of the mechanics who serviced these cruisers when they were new have long since retired or may have even passed away. This is where club membership with like-minded people pays off. Some of these mechanics have a love for these classics, too, and getting to know them can be most beneficial to your quest.

I mentioned the factory service manuals and YouTube videos as a guideline for repairing and restoring the classic. This is true, but there is another element brought to you by these gray-haired gearheads: the “art of mechanicing.” There are unique techniques for doing certain tasks and an unwritten order that should be followed in some cases that are not printed in any manuals. If you don’t follow a prescribed practice, then possible premature failure will arise. For example, if you are familiar with the 460 CID engine and replace a water pump, it is imperative to put gray gasket compound on the threads of the bolts to prevent the coolant from leaking into the block and mixing with the engine oil.

The advice here should be clear. Surround yourself with experienced people who know your car and its quirks, and you won’t be disappointed. These folks are generally happy to share their experience and wisdom with you as we carry on the American tradition of classic car restoration or even simple repair. Some still work for money, and I can tell you it is good money spent considering some of the special tools needed they have hidden away in their tool chest collecting dust.

Dangers are lurking in a few places that can maim you. The scissor action of the power window regulators in 1960s and 1970s Lincolns must be supported securely, considering that when you remove the electric motor, the heavy coil spring can collapse the regulator, catching your fingers and relieving you of their function. The same thing applies to working on suspension control arms. Using a spring depressor can be dicey at best, considering the potentially catastrophic results of a coil spring unleashing itself against human frailty. Many tasks require literally a bigger hammer with forces applied that may seem unnatural to the inexperienced DIYer but are required nonetheless.

If you are lucky, some wise mentors will join you to tackle a more invasive task or project. I would not have rebuilt my first Lincoln engine without the oversight of an experienced veteran mechanic guiding me and, in some cases, assisting where four hands are required to do the job correctly.

By delving into the world of auto restoration, you are taking a major step into a potentially satisfying as well as disastrous world of seemingly never-ending work. Go into it with your eyes open and ears hearing. Not many things are as gratifying as taking a senior Lincoln struggling to survive and turning it into a road-worthy restoration of its former self. You have to forget about the hundreds of hours dedicated to the task, the ingenuity required to improvise where off-the-shelf replacement is unheard of, or two to three times the budget you initially set forth for the project. The deeper you dig into these road warriors of yesteryear, the more you find to work on. Keep your eye on the goal, the end product. You can always sell your project and may even make a few bucks at the end of the day. However, no one can ever pay you for the self-satisfaction gained in making something new again and showing it to the world as you cruise down the highway. Back in the day, the journey was just as important as getting there. It was part of the fabric of the American dream. Your work restoring your dream car of yesteryear is an important contribution to keeping the idea of the great American road trip alive and well.

BELOW:  The effort is worth it. Transforming a rusted, deteriorated assemblage of parts back into a beautiful automobile can be incredibly rewarding.

NOTE: Images of 1961, 1962, and 1963 Lincolns from the sales brochures and The Continental Magazine were used to illustrate this article. Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Co.

Pat Corbett is an LCOC member from Manchaca, Texas.

ABOVE: A Continental Mark II, like the author’s, at the Kellogg Manor near the Gilmore during the Lincoln Centennial in 2022. Photo courtesy of John Walcek.

By Dean Forbes

Originally published in the November-December 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 381)

About 70% of all Continental Mark II automobiles were ordered with factory A/C and used R-12 Freon for cooling purposes. When the EPA banned using R-12 Freon in automobiles, the race was on to develop a replacement Freon.

The new product that won out was Freon 134a. However, the problem with Freon 134a as a replacement for the original R-12 Freon was:

1. It is not compatible with the original R-12 Freon.
2. It also didn’t cool as well.
3. It required the installation of a new dryer.
4. A complete purging of all R-12 Freon from the system is necessary before use.
5. It caused higher head pressures in Tecumseh/York compressors.

When the above was done, and Mark II owners started using the new 134a Freon, several owners reported reed valves in their compressor went out, and the shaft seal started leaking. Those Mark II owners began to suspect the higher head pressure might be the cause.

After having their A/C compressors rebuilt, those Mark II owners, as well as other classic car owners, decided to go back to the original R-12 Freon. In so doing drove up the price on the internet to over a hundred dollars for a single six oz. can of original R-12 Freon. Unfortunately, the EPA took notice and started threatening anyone selling R-12 Freon to non-A/C license holders with legal action. While the EPA did allow U.S. manufacturing of R-12 Freon to continue, only licensed A/C companies could purchase it. That ended internet sales of R- 12 Freon from individuals to individuals.

Next, with R-12 Freon still being made in Mexico, some car owners started buying R-12 Freon from there for their own use. However, I must warn you the R-12 Freon that is made in Mexico does not use the same recipe as the original U.S. R-12 Freon. It contains a lot of propane and is very flammable. For that very reason, I would not recommend using it.

ABOVE:  Owners of vintage Lincolns and Continentals now have several quality options of refrigerants to keep their A/C systems humming like new. Photo courtesy of the author.

I can recommend a modern, new-and-improved replacement Freon refrigerant which is compatible with the original R-12 Freon and made in the USA is as follows:

Refrigerants Plus
1306 Midnight Dr., San Antonio, TX 78260
Phone: Call Donna at 210-710-3483.
Product name: RED TEK 12a. Part # 301 A/C
Refrigerant six oz. can (equivalent to 18 oz.
of R-12). Price: $8.50 ea. plus shipping.

Features & Benefits: possesses similar volumetric refrigerating effects to original R-12 refrigerants. It operates at lower head pressures and offers improved cooling properties, performance, and energy efficiency versus R-12 or R-134a. It is compatible with most common refrigeration materials and lubricants, including original R-12 & first-generation 134a.

AutoRefrigerants, Inc.
P.O. Box 321, Alpena, MI 49707.
800-524-5987
Order online: AutoRefrigerants.com
Product name: Enviro-Safe ES-12a
Six oz. can (equivalent to 18 oz. R-12) Price:
$7.50 ea. plus shipping. Order a case of 12
cans for $90.00 – free S/H.

Features & Benefits: is 100% compatible with every aspect of both R-12 and 134a A/C systems. It is colder, lighter, and easier to compress than either the original R-12 or 134a, with reduced head pressure, hence less drag on the engine, less workload for your compressor, and better gas mileage while running your A/C system.

If you think the regular formula is cold (and it most certainly is), this newer, even colder Industrial 12a will amaze and delight you. It comes in a larger eight oz. can. Price: $10.50 ea. or $125.00 per case (12 cans) of Industrial R-12a (free shipping)

I can attest to having used all three of the above products in my Mark II automobile and was satisfied with the results.

Note: See the above pictures of the various products. When reading left to right, they are RED TEK 12a, ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a, and the last, ENVIRO-SAFE “Industrial R-134a Replacement Refrigerant.”

Dean Forbes is an LCOC member from Houston, Texas.

By Jeff Shively

Originally published in the November-December 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 381)

ABOVE:  The show field at the Gilmore.  Note the variety in the front row alone – 1920s to 1990s, with lost of 1960s and 1970s charm in between.  Ian Macartney’s 1872 Lincoln Continental Sedan is at the left.  (Photo courtesy of Ian Macartney.)

The 11th annual Lincoln Homecoming was held Aug. 7-11, 2024, at the Gilmore Car Museum near Hickory Corners, Michigan. This year’s host club was the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club, although the LCOC’s own Paul Temple and family were heavily involved as per usual. Lincoln lovers from far and wide began arriving on Wednesday afternoon. As has been the case for many years, the host hotel was the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo. One of the benefits of arriving on Wednesday is attending the weekly cruise-in at the Gilmore.

Thursday offered a change of pace from years past. Visits to the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum and the Michigan State Capitol were on the schedule. One of the charms of Lincoln events is that we usually caravan on these outings. As it was farther afield, everyone sat back and let the motorcoach driver handle the motoring chores. Although not Ford Motor Co. related, the Olds Museum is a fascinating place to visit for all fans of the internal combustion engine. Visiting any of our 50 state capitol buildings is a treat for history buffs, and Lansing was undoubtedly no different.

Friday featured a drive from the Gilmore campus to an old favorite- the W.K. Kellogg Manor House. This home is a reminder of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in the early part of the 20th century. Then, it was off to the bird sanctuary to see avians in their natural habitat.

One of the hidden gems of the Hickory Corners area is the Bill Parfet Collection. There were two opportunities to see his cars together. Many of these rare cars are displayed periodically in the different museums on the Gilmore campus, but this is a special treat.

Friday evening’s activity was centered around the Lincoln tent, within easy sight of the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Museum. The fun kicked off with a cocktail hour followed by a Texas-style barbeque. Then it was time for everyone to open their wallets as the auction began, with the chance of getting that rare part or piece of Lincoln memorabilia they couldn’t live without!

Saturday was the big day. There were 34 cars registered, but as always, that number fluctuated as some were sidelined at home and others arrived to take their place. It was an early start, 7:30 a.m., with attendees entering the show field via the Model A Gate. Each Lincoln paraded by our museum on its way to its spot in the shadow of the red barns. Despite a smaller-than-hoped turnout, there was nearly a century of Lincoln history on display, starting with Bill Wybenga’s 1921 Model L and culminating with Paul Temple’s 2020 Continental. There was but a single Zephyr, a 1937 Three-Window Coupe named “Rita,” shown by Andrea Irby.

ABOVE:  Andrea Irby with her 1937 Lincoln Zephyr Three-Window Coupe named “Rita”.  (Photo courtesy of Ian Macartney.)

BELOW:  Gary Hussar and the Canton Car Museum brought this 1932 Lincoln Model K Roadster by Murphy.  (Photo courtesy of Ian Macartney.)

In the evening, after a trip back to the hotel for a shower and fresh clothes, attendees returned to the Gilmore for the banquet. Participant awards were given out and the guest speaker was Dave Perczk, Director of U.S. Lincoln Sales & Service.

Sunday was the last hurrah for 2024. Those who chose to stay enjoyed an encore Lincoln show at the Gilmore. The Lincoln Motor Car Foundation met to discuss the future of our museum, and then it was time to head for home.

Your editor was unable to attend the Homecoming this year and is grateful to Ian Macartney for providing the pictures for this article. He came from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to display his 1972 Lincoln Continental Sedan and 2017 Lincoln Continental. Let’s plan to return to Hickory Corners in 2025 for the 12th annual Lincoln Homecoming!

Jeff Shively is an LCOC member from Kokomo, Indiana.

Originally published in the September-October 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 380)

For over a decade, Ford has offered all LCOC members the ability to use the X Plan program to obtain substantial discounts on new Ford or Lincoln vehicles. Over the years, hundreds of our members have used this plan not only to save on the price of the car, but also on fees, as the X Plan limits the dealer to a document fee cap of $100. It’s a great help when you are in the market for a new car or truck.

Recently, Ford has made the LCOC a full-fledged Partner Recognition member. That means that all our members can now get their own X Plan PINS! Just follow these simple steps to generate your X-Plan PIN:

1. Visit www.fordpartner.com and enter our 
2. Click on “GENERATE MY PIN” and enter your information to receive your LCOC X-Plan PIN.
3. Bring your PIN Certificate along when visiting an eligible participating dealer, as well as proof of LCOC membership and the date of membership (month/year). Note that you must have been an LCOC member for at least 90 days.

The proof of LCOC membership can be one of the following: (1) Screen print of your membership information from Cornerstone, our membership manager. Go to www.lcoc.org, click on “Member Login” on top of home page, and sign in for the required information. (2) Your welcome letter from Cornerstone, or (3) The latest issue the Lincoln and Continental Comments with your address on the back cover. A photocopy is acceptable. If you have any questions, get back to me at gkramer2047@gmail.com or 832-368-2575. Good luck!

ABOVE:  John Walcek doesn’t shy away from driving his Lincolns cross-country. Here he is at it again, in Fort Stockton Texas, with his two sisters, Rosie and Annie, along with Annie’s son, Will. The giant roadrunner is Paisano Pete.

Originally published in the September-October 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 380)
(Photos courtesy of John Walcek.)

ABOVE:  Breathtaking! One of the amazing natural formations at the Chiricahua National Monument.

ABOVE:  The disappointment! Clouds in the Texas sky obscured the eclipse. Could it be they came all that way for nothing?

ABOVE:  John’s niece Alina and her family in Pflugerville, Texas.

ABOVE:  The crowd of eclipse watchers get a glimpse at the show they’ve been waiting to see.

ABOVE:  The eclipse chaser with the tools of the trade.

We arrived in Texas to cloudy skies – a major concern for eclipse viewers. The next day was even worse, with the sun only peaking out momentarily between thicker clouds. As the eclipse approached, we were able to view the partially obscured sun in the thinner clouds without solar glasses. A quiet depression fell on everyone. To our delight, the clouds broke, and we were able to view the total eclipse – a black sun surrounded by a whitish, pulsating corona and with some red solar flares clearly visible! A roar, arm-raising, yelling, and hollering went up by everyone there as I watched through my camera’s telephoto lens. Though the totality lasted just under five minutes, it was one of the most ecstatic times I’ve experienced.

I stayed with my college friend Paul and his wife Debbi in south Austin, and clouds completely obscured the eclipsed sun there. The trip back to California was leisurely, and we took three days to enjoy the LBJ Presidential Ranch and the Sonora Caverns in Texas, the White Sands National Park in New Mexico, and Saguaro National Park in Arizona. I guess you can say I’m an Official Eclipse Chaser!

John Walcek is an LCOC member from Placentia, California, and the official photographer of the Club.